Acoustic research and development firm REDIAcoustics has announced NIRO (Non-Cuboid Iterative Room Optimizer), a SaaS program designed to optimize critical listening environments and aid in their acoustic design. The program was developed by REDIAcoustics partners, Dr. Peter D’Antonio founder of RPG Diffusor Systems, Inc and John Storyk founding partner of global architectural acoustic consulting and design firm WSDG.
What is it?
NIRO evaluates precise numerical models of small room audio production/listening environments via a series of calculation modules. By conceptualizing the amalgam of architecture, acoustics, and audio, NIRO iteratively optimizes critical listening environments across the entire audio spectrum. The process guides the design of acoustically neutral environments by providing a blank acoustical canvas that enables the integrator to use audio processing to tailor the response to suit the client’s personal taste.
How does it work?
NIRO addresses several forms of acoustic distortion that exist in rooms, such as: [1] The low-frequency response and its temporal decay; [2] The SBIR (Speaker-Boundary Interference Response) due to the proximity of the speakers to a hard boundary (e.g., walls, ceiling or floor); [3] The spatial and temporal Reflection Free Zone (RFZ) surrounding the mix position; and [4] The Diffuse Field Zone (DFZ). To correct these physical problems, the room shape, listener, and loudspeaker positions are simultaneously optimized by specific acoustic treatments applications.
The software utilizes Geometry, Damper, and Reflection modules, which can be engaged individually or in series depending on the client’s needs.
- The Geometry Module simultaneously optimizes the geometry and positions of loudspeakers and listeners by obtaining the flattest modal response and minimizing the SBIR. It uses a wave-based approach that accurately evaluates rooms of any shape and optimizes their variables through a genetic algorithm.
- The Damper Module designs and applies low frequency treatments at precise frequencies to control the room modes and their temporal decay. All Acoustical Parametric Equalizers (APEQs) designed in the Damper Module are tested in a proprietary impedance tube to verify performance.
- The Reflection Module utilizes geometric acoustics to minimize interfering reflections in the RFZ and ensure the reflection density of the DFZ, through optimal placement of reflection phase grating diffusors, which provide an ambient, enveloping experience.
According to the company, NIRO is the first software to allow iterative optimization of any shaped room, while simultaneously considering source and listening positions. Its accuracy has been verified by real-world acoustical measurements of several test case rooms. Based on dozens of room optimizations, NIRO has been tailored to adapt to any changes that occur during the optimization process.
For more information, visit https://rediacoustics.com/.
