Influence of vibration on the perception of musical instruments for various stage constructions.

Abstract

Expanding use of multisensory music presentation calls for increased knowledge of human response to audio‐tactile stimulus. This presentation outlines an experiment to explore the human ability to distinguish differences in tactile signals generated by musical sources on typical floor constructions. A double bass and bass drum are used to generate binaural audio and tactile signals on various floor constructions. Vibration signals are then compared for differences in arrival time, magnitude, and frequency content. Audio and vibration signals are reproduced in different combination using a calibrated motion platform and headphones. Test participants are asked if they can identify the differences in tactile signals given a fixed audio environment. Test results are compared to those found in other studies obtained using musical signals as well as harmonic and noise signals. The importance of calibrating tactile musical signals is discussed along with the implications of the results with respect to tactile si...