Some practical aspects of absorption measurements in reverberation rooms

This paper discusses the results of a series of computer controlled measurements of sound absorption coefficients in a single reverberation room. The effects of factors such as diffuser area, microphone position, and rotating diffusers on the measurements are discussed. Spatial variations of decay rate, curvature, and measured absorption coefficients determine the precision of the measurements. The practical procedures necessary to achieve satisfactory precision are compared with those allowed in standard test methods.