Bass-region reverberation-time measurements reflect resonance ringing, not reflected sound

Evidence

At bass frequencies the ringing from strong resonances is likely to be the dominant factor in RT. This is a continuation of the direct sound, not reflected repetitions of it coming from different directions. Binaural hearing is not very effective at low frequencies, so measured RT can have different perceptual consequences at different frequencies. This is often ignored in discussions. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1646

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the reader’s psychoacoustics work on RT measurement interpretation and to Toole’s earlier chapters on room acoustics above transition frequency.
• SEED: Angle for an article/essay: why standard RT metrics mislead at low frequencies, and how this gap between measured decay and perceived bass behavior complicates room EQ.