Research and Work Facilities

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Multimedia Room (MMR)

MMR

(Photo credit: Gianluca Grazioli)

The MMR is a large scale research facility with variable acoustics for the scientific study of live performance, movement of recorded sound in space, and distributed performance. This unique infrastructure enables the development of technologies at the core of these areas of study, as well as on cognition and perception in musical performance.

Large-scale multi-channel sound systems are used for musical and perceptual research and large ensemble performance analysis. The space may also be used as a world-class recording studio.

The acoustical treatment of the MMR, designed by Kirkegaard, includes custom sound diffusing panels mounted on the walls over tuned bass absorbers. The 70-loudspeaker active enhancement system (Meyer Constellation) can be used to extend the room reverberation or create other types of virtual reflections. The side walls have sound-reflecting shelves that not only provide supportive reflections to musicians, but also aid in projecting sound to an audience. In order to accommodate the researchers’ needs, the room response can be adjusted using the curtains and banners. Irrespective of the banner and curtain position, the physical setup of the room can be adapted using the side wall “buttresses” and walkable tension wire grid. In addition, gobos for recording sessions or recital screens for performances have been accommodated for with rolling towers.

Taken together, this acoustical treatment and research equipment makes the MMR an ideal room for research on public and participatory presentations, immersive environments, audio recording technologies, and tele-presence, which includes sound in space (virtual acoustics and spatialization) and multi-sensory integration in distributed and immersive environments.

With a capacity of up to 135 spectators (depending on the room configuration), the MMR has an infrastructure which can greatly contribute to the advancement on sound spatialization and the perceptual impact of acoustics on listeners.

View a 3D Model of the MMR.


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Performance Research Laboratory (PeRL)


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8th Floor Laboratory Suite


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Satellite Laboratories


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Lab Equipment


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Private and Open Workspace


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Technical Services