Binaural renderers accuracy comparison

Abstract

This study explored the ability of binaural renderers to accurately reproduce the placement of objects within a three-dimensional soundscape. Previous works have only tested localization on the horizontal plane; whereas, this research expanded on prior methodology by adding vertical targets along the medial and sagittal planes. Two commercially available binaural renderers were compared. Subject task was to map from where they heard the localization percept onto a planar response sheet. Results were consistent with previous horizontal plane research. However, renderer performances in the medial and sagittal domains were considerably less accurate than the horizontal plane. Findings here suggest more work is needed to ensure greater accuracy of localization cues provided by the binaural rendering process.