Software for estimation and processing simulation of microphone line arrays

Abstract

Software for estimation and processing simulation of microphone line arrays was developed, based on the fundamentals of sensor array theory and the basic concepts governing the array beamforming. Periodical, nonperiodical, and logarithmic microphone line arrays can be designed in a convenient way. Spatial structures, directivity patterns, and other properties of the microphone arrays are shown and examined diagrammatically. Optimization of the microphone array directivity index through the entire audio spectrum, using the logarithmic design and the apropriate filters, is shown as well. All properties can be easily examined and dynamically changed via a useful user interface. The designed microphone arrays can also be simulated using sound recordings of a single microphone or WAV files in PCM format. The program’s output is an audio processing simulation of the acoustic field which can be accessed through WAV file registering. This stand-alone, fully adjustable simulation software can be a user-friendly tool in understanding the basic concepts of the microphone array design theory.