Characterization of Sources

Sound sources are the starting point when it comes to auralization. Their characterization includes the radiation properties such as power and directivity. And the sound signal, the temporal function of the generated sound, is the main input signal for auralization technology. Physical modelling, recording, and sound synthesis can be used for obtaining signals. Databases of frequency-dependent directivities, possibly more aspects with regard to the source mechanisms, their excitation levels and their near-field effects, may be relevant in practical cases, too. In this chapter we consider how sound generation and sound sources can be recorded, modelled and processed and how the main features of sound sources can be implemented in virtual acoustics.