Erin has data you can input and SPL/impedance charts you can trace in VCAD. In VCAD's tools, there's the "Diffraction" tool. Input your baffle geometry and driver size, it will show you what the effect will be on the baffle. You can apply a driver's SPL trace to the diffraction in full space to get a modified SPL output, and you can get a fully simulated polar chart.
Yes, the learning curve is steep and there aren't many good tutorials. I've had to pull out a german to english translation more than once to get the information I need on this software. I would write an in-depth tutorial on how it works if I felt 100% confident. I can flesh out this part, though.
1: Pick your driver size or radiating area, the shape, and the number you want to simulate on-baffle. You can do arrays individually or in groups. I like to do both.
2: Pick your baffle size. You'll be able to adjust each corner as you see fit with coordinates on the view tab. Ideal edges are perfect roundovers, open baffles have more edge effects. No frame.
3: Upload your SPL trace or FRD file and be sure to check all the boxes, including full space and feed speaker.
4: Simulate the baffle.
5: Move the drivers around and adjust listening location appropriately. Corners can be adjusted, as well as the overall baffle size. Note that the parameters filled in 1 and 2 will not change to match what happens in the simulation screen.
6: To apply directivity, export
to a new folder which will populate the folder with this baffle design revealing a full polar directivity simulation. This will also be applied to the currently selected driver in the "Drivers" tab of the main window. This is how I get beautiful polar simulations, like this:
The SPL trace is pretty easy to use, just drag and drop a picture, line up the minimums/maximums, pick a color to follow and erase any weird extras. Takes a few tries, but it's by no means an impossibility to figure out by yourself.
But how do I use that software - steep learning curve?
