Using 3-dimensional rendering programs to visualize 2-dimensional impulse responses of the built environment

As the first notes from a performer are expressed on a newly constructed stage, we acousticians close our eyes and hold our breath. We do this not because our reputation is on the line but rather to focus all our attention on our auditory system. We listen for the impulse response, hearing the loudness, clarity, bass ratio, and profile of the decay. We open our eyes as the performer continues, pairing our visual and auditory senses to gain still more information. We look for those surfaces placed around the stage to support the direct sound. We follow the vibrations into the larger volume and map their path as they bounce around the room and rain down a shower of energy that envelops us in warm sonic embrace. Did we achieve the acoustic signature we designed? We will discuss our methods for mapping out the recording of two-dimensional time and energy in an impulse responses onto three-dimensional space with rendering software in order to analyze and tune our performances spaces.