engleski

Suitability of 3D Sound Reproduction and the Influence of Background Noise on Subjective Assessment of Sound Insulation

In order to obtain comprehensive information on sound insulation, objective evaluation realized through measurements needs to be complemented with subjective evaluation performed through listening tests.During such tests, the soundmust be recreated and presented to the listeners as accurately as possible. Loudspeakerbased 3D sound reproduction systems assert themselves as a tool capable of achieving this goal.Common spatial audio reproduction techniques, namely Ambisonics, Vector-Based Amplitude Panning and Cross-Talk Cancellation were examined, and their potential for use in the listening tests focused on subjective evaluation of sound insulation was evaluated, and the advantages and disadvantaged of each technique were discussed regarding this specific application. Additionally, binaural headphone reproduction was considered as the alternative to loudspeaker reproduction, mainly because the presence of background noise in any laboratory space is the most important limiting factor for subjective evaluation of sound insulation. The performance of fourteen headphone models was examined, with respect to their behaviour as hearing protectors capable of providing a certain amount of sound insulation, thereby changing the level and spectrum of background noise perceived by the listener. Background noise measurements were made in two laboratory spaces with potential to be used for this kind of evaluation. The spectra and the overall A-weighted levels, as well as noise ratings were obtained for each case. Projected new values of A-weighted levels and noise ratings were obtained for each laboratory, if different headphone models were to be used instead of loudspeakers.

listening tests; sound insulation; 3D sound reproduction

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