RIR-Generator

The image method, proposed by Allen and Berkley in 1979 [1], is probably one of the most frequently used methods in the acoustic signal processing community to create synthetic room impulse responses. A mex-function, which can be used in MATLAB, was developed to generate multi-channel room impulse responses using the image method. This function enables the user to control the reflection order, room dimension, and microphone directivity.

This repository includes a tutorial, MATLAB examples, and the source code of the mex-function.

More information can be found here.

Build the MEX function

Below is a concise, platform-specific guide. First, follow the setup for your OS, then the common compile command.

Platform setup

Windows (x64)

1. Install a supported MATLAB version (R2018b or later recommended).
2. Install a supported C++ compiler, e.g.:
   • Microsoft Visual Studio 2019/2022 with "Desktop development with C++", or
   • Microsoft C++ Build Tools (standalone)
3. In MATLAB, select the compiler:

   mex -setup C++

4. Compile using the common compile command below.

macOS Apple Silicon (ARM64)

1. Install a native Apple Silicon MATLAB (R2023b or later).
2. Install Xcode Command Line Tools in Terminal:

   xcode-select --install

3. In MATLAB, configure the compiler:

   mex -setup C++

4. Compile using the common compile command below.

macOS Intel (x86_64) or MATLAB under Rosetta

1. Use an Intel MATLAB (e.g., R2020b or later) or run MATLAB under Rosetta on Apple Silicon.
2. Install Xcode Command Line Tools:

   xcode-select --install

3. In MATLAB, configure the compiler:

   mex -setup C++

4. Compile using the common compile command below.

Linux (x86_64)

1. Install GCC toolchain (e.g., build-essential on Debian/Ubuntu).
2. In MATLAB, select GCC:

   mex -setup C++

3. Compile using the common compile command below.

Common compile command (all platforms)

Run this in MATLAB from the repository folder:

mex rir_generator.cpp rir_generator_core.cpp

Resulting MEX extension by platform:

• Windows (x64): .mexw64
• macOS Apple Silicon (ARM64): .mexmaca64
• macOS Intel or MATLAB under Rosetta (x86_64): .mexmaci64
• Linux (x86_64): .mexa64

References

1. J.B. Allen and D.A. Berkley, "Image method for efficiently simulating small-room acoustics," Journal Acoustic Society of America, 65(4), April 1979, p 943.