title: Perceptual thresholds for non-ideal diffuse field reverberation.
abstract: The objective of this study is to understand listeners' sensitivity to directional variations in non-ideal diffuse field reverberation. An ABX discrimination test was conducted using a semi-spherical 28-loudspeaker array; perceptual thresholds were estimated by systematically varying the level of a segment of loudspeakers for lateral, height, and frontal conditions. The overall energy was held constant using a gain compensation scheme. When compared to an ideal diffuse field, the perceptual threshold for detection is -2.5 dB for the lateral condition, -6.8 dB for the height condition, and -3.2 dB for the frontal condition. Measurements of the experimental stimuli were analyzed using a Head and Torso Simulator as well as with opposing cardioid microphones aligned on the three Cartesian axes. Additionally, opposing cardioid measurements made in an acoustic space demonstrate that level differences corresponding to the perceptual thresholds can be found in practice. These results suggest that non-ideal diffuse field reverberation may be a previously unrecognized component of spatial impression.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology (CIRMMT), Schulich School of Music, McGill University, 527 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1E3, Canada.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Romblom
authors.affiliation: Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology (CIRMMT), School of Information Studies, McGill University, 3661 Rue Peel, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1X1, Canada.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Guastavino
authors.affiliation: Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology (CIRMMT), Schulich School of Music, McGill University, 527 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1E3, Canada.
authors.forename: Philippe
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Depalle