Interaural cross-correlation coefficient, apparent source width, and time/frequency characteristics of binaural running cross-correlation

Abstract

The interaural cross-correlation coefficient (IACC) descriptors attempt to characterize in a single number the binaural cross-correlation function at the expense of losing much detail in a manner similar to, but more problematic than, such descriptors as NC, STC, and NRC because much frequency- and rich time-domain information is lost. Recent computer simulations by Mason illuminated these problems and further stimulated the present study. Old binaural impulse recordings run through an analog computer algorithm (drawn from physiological modeling) were re-examined in an attempt to reveal trends and relationships that the current descriptors cannot. Issues of the time and frequency variance of the measured running coefficient are discussed in terms of apparent source width (ASW) for music in Troy Music Hall and simpler spaces.