Audio network-based massive multichannel loudspeaker system for flexible use in spatial audio research

One of the main research areas in the field of spatial audio is sound field synthesis. This technique uses arrays of loudspeakers to create the sound field of a virtual source in a desired listening area. Practical applications of these techniques are often termed as massive multichannel loudspeaker setups, due to their requirement of a quite large number of loudspeakers. In this paper we present the realization of such a massive multichannel system consisting of up to 640 loudspeakers. It is based on an audio network distributing the audio signals to a grid of amplifiers, where each loudspeaker is fed by an individual signal.We discuss the requirements, features, and major decisions we made during the progress of developing such a reproduction system.