What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to relate acoustics and soundscapes to metaphysical perceptions in a church setting.

May 14, 2026

Relating acoustics, soundscapes, and metaphysical perceptions in San Francisco de la Espada Church (San Antonio Missions—Texas)

Key Points

The aim is to relate acoustics and soundscapes to metaphysical perceptions in a church setting.
Recorded soundscape of the hymn 'Blessed Assurance' in San Francisco de la Espada Church.
Analyzed binaural parameters like loudness, sharpness, and tonality using specific models and standards.
Conducted a detailed acoustic analysis at various locations within the church, particularly mid-nave.
Major axis of the binaural interaural XY plot exhibited a unique 'fatter' spread at the mid-nave location.
Mono-aural measures at mid-nave included RT60 of 1.27 seconds and STI of 0.61, suggesting favorable acoustics.
The mid-nave location's unique acoustic properties correlated with heightened metaphysical perception.

Abstract

The soundscape study (based on ISO 12913-1/2/3) uses a recorded rendition of the hymn “Blessed Assurance” by Alan Jackson, from the sanctuary of San Francisco de la Espada Church (San Antonio Missions) (volume = 13 953 ft3; l:w:h =4.19:1.32:1). The soundscape for the above rendition was recorded at different locations in the church to analyze the binaural parameters: Loudness (Sottek Hearing Model, ECMA-418-2 4th Edition) (N5), Sharpness (Aures) (S), Fluctuation Strength (Sottek Hearing Model, ECMA-418-2 4th Edition) (F), and Tonality (Sottek Hearing Model, ECMA-418-2 3rd Edition) (T) (using ArtemiS SUITE 17). The binaural interaural XY plot of unweighted level (53–95 dB ) versus time (at 5 ms manual time weighting) showed interesting results. The major axis of the plot at the mid-nave location in the church rotated very slightly counterclockwise relative to the major axis of the plots at other recording locations, exhibiting a “fatter” spread. The triangulation of this unique “X–Y” plot with optimal metaphysical perception of “heightened awareness,” at mid-nave recording location, is significant. The mid-nave location in this church also recorded mono-aural measures of RT60 = 1.27 s, C80 (music) = 3.01 dB, TS (music) = 77 ms, D50 (speech) = 55%, STI = 0.61, and BR = 0.94 (by ISO 3382 standards, analyzed by ARTA version 1.9.8).

Mark Helpful

Bookmark

Relay