Software-Based Acoustical Measurements (Modern Acoustics and Signal Processing)

This textbook provides a detailed introduction to the use of software in combination with simple and economical hardware (a sound level meter with calibrated AC output and a digital recording system) to obtain sophisticated measurements usually requiring expensive equipment. It emphasizes the use of free, open source, and multiplatform software. Many commercial acoustical measurement systems use software algorithms as an integral component; however the methods are not disclosed. This book enables the reader to develop useful algorithms and provides insight into the use of digital audio editing tools to document features in the signal. Topics covered include acoustical measurement principles, in-depth critical study of uncertainty applied to acoustical measurements, digital signal processing from the basics, and metrologically-oriented spectral and statistical analysis of signals.   The student will gain a deep understanding of the use of software for measurement purposes; the ability to implement software-based measurement systems; familiarity with the hardware necessary to acquire and store signals; an appreciation for the key issue of long-term preservation of signals; and a full grasp of the often neglected issue of uncertainty in acoustical measurements. Pedagogical features include in-text worked-out examples, end-of-chapter problems, a glossary of metrology terms, and extensive appendices covering statistics, proofs, additional examples, file formats, and underlying theory. Federico Miyara graduated as an Electronic Engineer from the Universidad Nacional de Rosario (UNR) in 1984. He then joined the faculty of his alma mater, first as an assistant teacher and later as an associate professor. There, he founded the Laboratory of Acoustics and Electroacoustics and has served as its director for more than 20 years. Over the years, he has led several postgraduate courses at the UNR, as well as at other universities in Argentina, Spain, Chile, Uruguay and Bolivia. He has conducted research in the field of noise assessment, particularly in noise mapping and in noise at the work place, as well as in psychoacoustics, musical acoustics, and architectural acoustics. His publications include four previous books on the subject of Acoustics, including the original Spanish-language version of this book. As a pianist and composer, the author attributes his initial interest in Acoustics to his curiosity about the science of music.