This study investigates the perception of dynamic binaural audio scenarios wherein the listener interactively walks towards a virtual sound source. An originally measured BRIR set was manipulated and simplified systematically in order to study the perceptual consequences. This second exploratory study attempts to evaluate plausibility without considering a real version of the virtual object in a considerable more reverberant room. The manipulations are chosen in a way to challenge plausibility and explore its limits and the relevance of selected acoustic properties.
In a listening experiment the participants had to rate externalization, continuity, stability of the apparent sound source, impression of walking towards the sound source and the plausibility of the virtual acoustic scene.
The results confirm the observations of the first study in a different acoustic environment. Both studies indicate much room for simplifications, but certain modifications seriously affect plausibility. Even inexperienced listeners notice if the progress of the auditory distance change does not match their own walking motion. In addition, the meaning of context for the perception of binaural audio is highlighted.
http://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=21721
