Perceptual comparison of sound field reproduction methods with different spatial bandwidth

Diploma thesis(pdf 4.259 KB)

Nearfield Compensated Higer-Order Ambisonics (HOA) and Wave Field Synthesis (WFS) are the most famous sound field reproduction methods with high spatial resolution. In pratice, both methods use a circular (for the considered two dimensional case) array with equaly spaced discrete loudspeakers. As these methods are based on a formulation with continuous reproduction sources und their drivingfunction, this drivingfunction has to be discretized. The basic difference between HOA and WFS is due to the handling with this discretization: Whereas HOA limits the circular spatial bandwidth of the drivingfunction before the discretization according to the number of used loudspeakers, WFS uses no explicit limitation. Thus it comes to a different spatial distribution and shape of errors.

Aim of this work is the comparison of WFS and HOA using listening tests. Previously to this tests, the impulse responses of a circular 56-channel loudspeaker array has been measured using a dummy head with different head positions and orientations. By means of this data and a dynamic reproduction system, the loudspeaker system can be simulated accurately via headphones und thereby it can be switched between different reproduction methods and listening positions in a fast way.

This diploma thesis proceeds in cooperation with the Quality & Usability Lab of Deutschen Telekom