Effects on localization performance from moving the sources in binaural reproductions

A well-known problem for reproductions of binaural recordings and simulations using HRTFs other than those of the actual listener is decreased localization performance and increased front-back confusion. Previous studies have indicated that moving the sound source can reduce these problems. The objective of this study was to measure how a unidirectional sound source movement along an orbit in the horizontal plane (achieved by reproducing sounds with a loudspeaker and turning a recording artificial head with a velocity of 5°/s) affects front-back confusion and localization errors. Two factors were studied: 1. Movement (static or rotation). 2. Acoustic environment (anechoic or reverberant). Male speech and recurring 840 Hz sinusoidal tones with a Gaussian envelope were used as stimuli. Listening tests showed that the front-back confusion rate and the rate of incorrectly perceiving that the sound is coming straight from the side were significantly lower (95% confidence level) in the reverberant condition compared to the anechoic condition. The front-back confusion rate was lower for the moving auditory scene compared to the static auditory scene, both in anechoic and reverberant conditions, but these differences were not significant. To conclude, there is reason to add room reflections to 3D sound synthesis in order to enhance localization performance in auditory displays. The effect of adding movements is small in comparison to the effect of adding reflections.Godkänd; 2013; 20131212 (arny