Spectral equalization in binaural signals represented by order-truncated spherical harmonics

Zamir Ben-Hur, Fabian Brinkmann, Jonathan Sheaffer, Stefan Weinzierl, Boaz Rafaely

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

58 Scopus citations

Abstract

The synthesis of binaural signals from spherical microphone array recordings has been recently proposed. The limited spatial resolution of the reproduced signal due to order-limited reproduction has been previously investigated perceptually, showing spatial perception ramifications, such as poor source localization and limited externalization. Furthermore, this spatial order limitation also has a detrimental effect on the frequency content of the signal and its perceived timbre, due to the rapid roll-off at high frequencies. In this paper, the underlying causes of this spectral roll-off are described mathematically and investigated numerically. A digital filter that equalizes the frequency spectrum of a low spatial order signal is introduced and evaluated. A comprehensive listening test was conducted to study the influence of the filter on the perception of the reproduced sound. Results indicate that the suggested filter is beneficial for restoring the timbral composition of order-truncated binaural signals, while conserving, and even improving, some spatial properties of the signal.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4087-4096
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of the Acoustical Society of America
Volume141
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jun 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)
  • Acoustics and Ultrasonics

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