Effects of binaural auralization via headphones on the perception of acoustic scenes

Authors

  • Stephan Werner Institute for Media Technology, Ilmenau University of Technology, D-98693 Ilmenau, Germany
  • André Siegel Institute for Media Technology, Ilmenau University of Technology, D-98693 Ilmenau, Germany

Abstract

The auralization of an acoustic scene can be realized with the presentation of binaural signals via headphones. One of the biggest challenges is the individualization of the headphone equalization and the generation of the binaural signals. A promising way is the use of probe microphones for equalization and recording. Very good results in terms of externalization and correct reproduction of the acoustic scene can be reached. However, former investigation indicates consistently that perceived acoustic illusion is much more plausible if the recording and the playback conditions are similar or even the same. Within this contribution we present a fully individualized binaural auralization system via headphones. Binaural recordings of sound sources on different representative positions in two real rooms with distinct different room acoustics are made. These recordings are presented via headphones to test persons. A series of listening tests show the expected influence of an accurate individualization on the correct localization of the synthesized sound source. Furthermore, a strong influence of congruence between the room acoustics of listening and recording room on the perception of the scene was observed. We can show that there is a significant decrease of perceived externalization if the listening rooms and the recording rooms are different.

References

Klein, F. and Werner, S. (2011). “Individualization of head-related transfer functions“, 37th annual convention for acoustics, DAGA, Düsseldorf.

Abou-Elleal, E. R. E. (2003). “Raumakustik – Interaktion visueller und auditiver Wahrnehmungen“, dissertation, RWTH Aachen.

Sass, R., Werner, S., and Siegel, A. (2010). “Comparison of recording methods for measurements of head-related transfer functions“. 26th, VDT Int. Convention, Tonmeistertagung, Leipzig.

Merimaa, J. and Hess, W. (2004). “Training of Listeners for Evaluation of Spatial Attributes of Sound“. Proc. of 117th AES Conv., preprint 6237, San Francisco.

Hammershøi, D. (2009). “Human localization and performance measures”. in Proceedings of ISAAR 2009: Binaural Processing and Spatial Hearing. 2nd International Symposium on Auditory and Audiological Research ISAAR, Denmark. Edited by J.M. Buchholz, T. Dau, J.
Christensen-Dalsgaard, and T. Poulsen. ISBN: 87-990013-2-2. (The Danavox Jubilee Foundation, Copenhagen), pp. 103-111.

Møller, H., Sørensen, M. F., Jensen, C. B., and Hammershøi, D. (1996). “Binaural Technique: Do We Need Individual Recordings?“. J. Audio Eng. Soc, 44(6), pp. 451-469.

Møller, H., F., Hammershøi, D., Jensen, C. B., and Sørensen, M. (1999). “Evaluation of artificial heads in listening tests“. J. Audio Eng. Soc, 47, pp.83- 100.

Hartmann, W. M. and Wittenberg, A. (1996). “On the externalization of sound images“. J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 99(6), pp. 3678-3688.

Additional Files

Published

2011-12-15

How to Cite

Werner, S., & Siegel, A. (2011). Effects of binaural auralization via headphones on the perception of acoustic scenes. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Auditory and Audiological Research, 3, 215–222. Retrieved from https://proceedings.isaar.eu/index.php/isaarproc/article/view/2011-26

Issue

Section

2011/1. Indicators of hearing impairment and measures of speech perception