Publication:

Localization errors in binaural reproduction of first and third-order ambisonic recordings

It may be expected that high spatial resolution of a sound image obtained in higher order ambisonics should lead to smaller localization errors compared to first order. However, with binaural reproduction of ambisonic sound, the listener's ability to precisely localize the sound source may be reduced by the inaccuracies and spatial distortions made by the binaural decoders. This study compares the localization errors that occur when listening to pink noise bursts recorded with the use of first and third-order ambisonic microphones and presented binaurally through the earphones. It is discussed how in such a case localization errors vary depending on the ambisonics order and the type of the binaural renderer used. Localization errors were measured separately in azimuth and elevation. The median azimuth error was 25° for first-order and 20° for third-order recordings, with the front-back confusions excluded from the analysis. In elevation the median error for first-order was 65° and for third-order it was 100°, but it should be noted that in this plane front-back and up-down confusions were not omitted. Obtained results indicate no statistically significant differences between the four binaural decoders used.