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The experience of live music is unmatched, offering a blend of sound, atmosphere, and collective energy that recordings can seldom replicate. The feeling of sound resonating in a concert hall, the connection with the audience, and the fleeting nature of the moment create a unique experience. Now, thanks to advancements in virtual reality (VR), it's possible to simulate this experience from home through an innovative app that transports users to some of the most renowned concert venues globally. This is the promise of the "Sound of Science" app, developed through a collaboration between Simcenter and Siemens Arts. 

Part 1: Virtual Reality Experience 

The "Sound of Science" VR app is designed to transform how we perceive music and architecture by using Simcenter Acoustics technology combined with a VR headset. This technology allows users to explore the acoustic properties of the world’s greatest concert halls from different perspectives, offering an immersive experience that transcends physical limitations. 

The initial experience in the virtual world may be disorienting, particularly for those new to VR. However, users quickly adapt, engaging with the interface to adjust various auditory settings within the simulation. The app democratizes access to premium concert experiences, enabling users to switch between different vantage points within the venue—from the audience's back rows to the conductor's podium, and even within the orchestra. 

One of the venues featured is Salzburg’s Grosses Festspielhaus, known for its unique acoustic characteristics. Despite its large size, accommodating over 2,000 people, the hall is renowned for its intimate sound, a result of carefully engineered reflective surfaces that create a harmonious connection between the stage and the audience. This acoustic design echoes the architectural principles of ancient Greek theatres. 

Part 2: The Power of the Digital Twin 

Siemens has developed a digital twin technology tailored for large event spaces, allowing for precise simulation of a building’s acoustics and structure. This technology was first applied at the Grosses Festspielhaus during the Salzburg Festival, enabling event organizers to explore how different acoustic configurations affect the listening experience. By simulating various setups, organizers can optimize the acoustics of the venue and stage arrangements before the actual event, saving time, money, and resources. 

The "Sound of Science" simulation can measure sound echo and reverberation in a 3D model, illustrating how sound waves move through a room. Siemens’ Simcenter uses impulse response measurements and ray tracing to model each space, accurately replicating the unique acoustic characteristics of each venue. 

Predicting how sound behaves in large spaces is challenging with traditional computational methods, such as the Finite Element Method or Boundary Element Method, due to the complexity of the required calculations. However, ray acoustics modeling, which assumes sound travels along rays, makes it feasible to analyze performance in large spaces, particularly at high frequencies. 

Part 3: Into the Metaverse 

As the boundaries between physical and virtual realities continue to blur, the "Sound of Science" system represents a significant step forward in how we experience art and culture. The future of concert halls may involve dynamic spaces that adjust their acoustics in real-time to suit different musical styles, enhancing the overall experience for both performers and audiences. 

The broader impact of this technology extends beyond the arts. Digital twins, like those used in the "Sound of Science," are revolutionizing various industries by enabling more efficient planning, simulation, and optimization of spaces. This technology not only improves concert hall design but also offers new possibilities for cultural and creative industries. 

Part 4: Finale 

The "Sound of Science" app offers an insightful journey into the future of acoustics and virtual reality. From the initial VR immersion to a deeper appreciation of sound engineering, the app provides a glimpse into how technology can enhance our experience of live music. As Siemens continues to develop this technology, we can anticipate a future where the magic of live music is more accessible than ever, thanks to the advancements of the Industrial Metaverse and its digital simulations. 

Watch the whole "Sound of Science" simulation

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This article was initially posted on Simcenter

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