Sound quality of the Valli theatre: standard outcomes and development of data presentation

The attention by the scholars to study the Italian Opera theatres should not be stopped to the acoustic characteristics by showing the graphs related to the parameters as required by standard regulations. The development of the technology allows the employment of specific equipment capable to explore the cultural heritage more deeply. The outcomes obtained by the acoustic survey undertaken inside the Valli theatre of Reggio Emilia have been analyzed in two ways: the first methodology shows the data in line with the standard requirements indicated by ISO 3382-1; the second methodology shows a real-time impulse response (IR) highlighting specific construction elements that contribute to generate early or late reflections. The utilization of a spherical array microphone allows a full control of the spatial propagation of the sound waves. The authors are delighted to also introduce a brief history of the Valli theatre of Reggio Emilia, including the description of the architectural features that characterize this important Opera house.