About just noticeable differences for aspects of spatial impressions in concert halls

Abstract

In order to describe the acoustics of enclosed spaces and to quantify the properties of sound fields, single number parameters are commonly used. These are calculated from impulse responses which were previously recorded with special microphones. Even though current research suggests that most parameters vary severely from one listening position to another in the same sound field, there is currently only a rough concept regarding if and how changes in these parameters are perceived. Aim of this study is to derive the difference limen for aspects of spatial impression in regard to their absolute value. In two steps sound fields of different auditoria are being recorded in different listening positions with suitable microphones and, at the same position, with an artificial head. In listening tests listeners are being asked to judge apparent source width and envelopment of binaurally presented sound fields. These statements are used to derive the difference limen for the corresponding parameters.