Recording in a Virtual Acoustic Environment

A method is presented for high-quality recording of voice and acoustic instruments in loudspeaker-generated virtual acoustics. Auralization systems typically employ close-mic'ing to avoid feedback, while classical recording methods prefer high-quality room microphones to capture the instruments integrated with the space. Popular music production records dry tracks, and applies reverberation after primary edits are complete. Here a hybrid approach is taken, using close mics to produce real-time, loudspeaker-projected virtual acoustics, and room microphones to capture a balanced, natural sound. The known loudspeaker signals are then used to cancel the virtual acoustics from the room microphone tracks, providing a set of relatively dry tracks for use in editing and post-production. Example recordings of Byzantine chant in a virtual Hagia Sophia are described.