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Convention Paper

Relative Importance of Speech and Non-Speech Components in Program Loudness Assessment

Authors: Dash, Ian; Bassett, Mark; Cabrera, Densil

AES Convention 128 · Paper 8043 · May 2010

Abstract

It is commonly assumed in broadcasting and film production that audiences determine soundtrack loudness mainly from the speech component. While intelligibility considerations support this idea indirectly, the literature is very short on direct supporting evidence. A listening test was therefore conducted to test this hypothesis. Results suggest that listeners judge loudness from overall levels rather than speech levels. A secondary trend is that listeners tend to compare like with like. Thus listeners will compare speech loudness with other speech content rather than with non-speech content, and will compare loudness of non-speech content with other non-speech content more than with speech content. A recommendation is made on applying this result for informed program loudness control.

Details

Published in
AES Convention 128
AES Convention
128
Paper number
8043
Publication date
May 6, 2010
Session subject
Network, Internet, and Broadcast Audio
Affiliation
Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Sydney, NSW, Australia; The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia (See document for exact affiliation information.)
Type
Convention Paper