Inverse filter order reduction for room acoustics equalization

In this paper, an alternative method of the standard one to substantially reduce the inverse filter order for room acoustics equalization is proposed. This method is based on a simplified technique of FIR to IIR digital filter conversion. In this technique, the Hankel matrix properties have been directly exploited for the filter order reduction. The Hankel singular values plot is the chief guide for a user, for the selection of a reduced filter order. Results for a minimum-phase inverse filter corresponding to a partial equalization of an acoustic impulse response measured in an audio-conferencing room show the superiority in performance of the proposed method over the standard technique.