ODEON is the most comprehensive software for room acoustics. Use the ODEON software for simulating and measuring the interior acoustics of buildings. With the appropriate treatment, outdoor situations can be studied as well. Given a 3d-model and materials (surface properties), the acoustics can be predicted, illustrated and listened to. Sound reinforcement is easily integrated into the acoustic predictions. ODEON uses the image-source method combined with a modified ray tracing algorithm.
ODEON 18 is a powerful engineering tool for simulating and measuring room acoustics in various spaces, such as concert halls, theaters, worship spaces, open-plan offices, and industrial environments. It uses a hybrid approach combining image-source methods and modified ray-tracing algorithms for fast and accurate acoustic predictions. Key features include:
3D Modeling and Import: Supports importing geometries from CAD software (e.g., SketchUp, AutoCAD, Rhino) in formats like .dxf, .3ds, .stl, and IFC (for BIM models from Revit or ARCHICAD). Users can assign materials and scattering coefficients to surfaces for realistic simulations.
Simulation and Measurement: Enables acoustic simulations, real-room measurements using a sweep method, and comparisons between simulated and measured results. It calculates parameters like SPL, T30, STI, and reverberation curves.
Auralization: Offers advanced auralization tools, including 360° and binaural soundscapes, allowing users to listen to simulated acoustics with options for speech, instruments, or custom audio files.
Visualization: Provides tools like color maps, hedgehog plots, and reflectograms to visualize sound distribution and intensity, making it easier to communicate results to non-experts.
Editions: Available in four editions—Basics, Industrial, Auditorium, and Combined—with varying features. The Combined edition includes all functionalities.
New Features in ODEON 18: Released in November 2023, it includes BIM model import, layer-based material assignment, multi-point response comparison, and enhanced visualization for high-resolution monitors.
Review of ODEON 18
ODEON is widely regarded as a reference standard in room acoustics due to its 40 years of development, starting at the Technical University of Denmark. Here’s a summary of its strengths and limitations based on available insights:
Strengths:
Accuracy and Reliability: Users praise its robust algorithms, validated through comparisons like the Royal Festival Hall study, ensuring high accuracy in predictions.
Ease of Use: The intuitive workflow and fast calculation times support iterative design, making it accessible for both beginners and experts. Tutorials and a free demo version help users get started quickly.
Versatility: Suitable for diverse applications, from auditoriums to industrial spaces, with tools for sound reinforcement and noise control.
Auralization: The 360° auralization and Soundscape App are standout features, allowing immersive presentations of acoustic environments.
User Feedback: Professionals like Niels W. Adelman-Larsen and Matteo Novembri commend its reliability and ability to transform engineers into acousticians.
