Open-source real-time auralizations with Virtual Acoustics

Auralizations are a valuable tool for demonstrating acoustic phenomena. They can form a basis on which both non-experts and experts can discuss and evaluate acoustic scenarios. However, creating auralizations often demands expert knowledge due to their complexity. The open-source, real-time auralization framework “Virtual Acoustics” (VA) aims to simplify this process. It supports various physically based sound propagation models, from simple free-field scenarios to complex room acoustic and outdoor scenarios. Dynamic changes in the scene, such as moving sources and receivers, are also supported. In addition to the propagation models, different spatialization methods are available, including binaural rendering and Ambisonics. Its user-friendly, modular design abstracts the complexity of underlying models while offering a simple, unified interface. This contribution presents some of the possible applications of the framework based on the examples included. A particular focus will be set on the auralization of a car pass-by that includes diffraction effects.