Comparison of Spatial Audio Techniques for use in Stage Acoustic Laboratory Experiments

Real-time auralisation systems are increasingly being used by researchers aiming to observe how particular stage and auditorium configurations affect a musician’s performance technique. These experiments typically take place in controlled laboratory conditions equipped with auralisation systems capable of reproducing the 3D acoustic conditions of a performance space in response to a performing musician in real-time. This paper compares the performance of First Order Ambisonics and Spatial Impulse Response Rendering in terms of both objective measurements and subjective listening tests. It was found that both techniques spatialised single reflections with similar accuracy when measured at the sweet spot. Informal listening tests found that the techniques produced very similar perceived results both for synthesised impulse responses and for measured stage acoustic impulse responses.