Impulse Response
A recording that captures how a space or system responds to an instantaneous burst of sound.
An impulse response (IR) is a time-domain recording that captures the complete acoustic behavior of a space or system. When convolved with any audio signal, it applies the acoustic characteristics of the measured space to that signal, the basis for convolution reverb.
An ideal impulse is an infinitely short, infinitely loud click. In practice, impulse responses are captured using: • Starter pistols or balloon pops (simple but limited) • Swept sine waves (most accurate, cleanest measurement) • MLS or other pseudorandom sequences
The impulse response contains all information about: • Direct sound arrival • Early reflections (timing and direction) • Reverb decay (RT60 and frequency-dependent decay) • Room modes and resonances
From an impulse response, software can extract RT60, frequency response, clarity metrics (C50, C80), and many other acoustic parameters. IRs are also used to create virtual acoustics in plugins and game audio.
Practical Example
Capturing a concert hall IR
Play sine sweep → record response → deconvolve to extract IRThe resulting IR can be loaded into a convolution reverb plugin, letting you add that hall's acoustics to any recording.
Standards: ISO 3382-1
Related Terms
RT60 · Frequency Response
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