Can externalized and internalized sounds be successfully combined in a recording made for headphones without compromising image stability or without diminishing the externalized and internalized effect?

The dummy head recording technique is finding creative applications in audio recording and other areas of media production. There have been many studies that focus on improving the externalization and localization of binaural recordings. When working with sound design it is common to use layers and combinations of different sounds. We know that the perception of externalization is distorted when the same sound source is recorded with both dummy head technique and other microphone techniques that do not use the binaural cues to achieve externalization. Though no studies have been found that deal with how sounds are perceived in headphones when changing perspective between, and combining sounds, that use the binaural cues to achieve externalization, and sound that are not and are perceived as internalized. This study will give insight into what compromises there are when combining sounds that are perceived as externalized and sounds that are perceived as internalized when listening in headphones. Can externalized and internalized sounds be successfully combined in a recording made for headphones without compromising image stability or without diminishing the externalized and internalized effect? This study test how listeners in headphones perceive the distance to a spoken voice that are recorded with a dummy head at different distances, and combining that with the original internalized sound. The stimuli included both the combinations of externalized sounds and internalized sounds, as well as externalized sounds alone. Conclusions from a listening test reveal that most likely, internalized sound does not effect image stability. Instead internalized sound can effect the perception of the externalized sound when combined.Validerat; 20110623 (anonymous