A hybrid approach to rendering multichannel audio, using wave-field synthesis and stereophonic techniques, with virtual microphone control

Abstract

In the evolution of multichannel audio presentation, a number of formats have emerged including 5.1 surround and wave-field synthesis (WFS). Due to the complexity and number of components required to realize an immersive WFS system, the use in a home theater environment is currently impractical. This study aims to investigate the perceptual advantages of integrating both systems into a hybrid array capable of providing immersive sound for a number of listeners, at a scale that is attainable for the consumer in terms of budget and complexity. In this approach the three front speakers (left, center, and right) are replaced with a linear line array allowing for a better lateral and depth imaging, while increasing the sweet spot. The rendering will be created using Virtual Microphone Control (ViMiC) for both WFS, simulating a line of omnidirectional microphones with ViMiC, and surround sound, which will allows dynamic source movement, speaker positioning, and scalability. The advantage of using this hybrid approach is the application of WFS to home theater systems without facing the complexity of a complete two-dimensional WFS array, while still allowing for an immersive sound presentation. A psychoacoustic evaluation will be presented, as well as measurements of the composed sound field.