The dynamic binaural synthesis of acoustic environments is usually constrained to the use non-individual impulse response datasets, measured with dummy heads or head and torso simulators. Thus, fundamental cues for localization such as interaural level differences (ILD) and interaural time differences (ITD) are necessarily corrupted to a certain degree. For ILDs, this is a minor problem as listeners may swiftly adapt to spectral coloration at least as long as an external reference is not provided. In contrast, ITD errors can be expected to lead to a constant degradation of localization. Hence, a method for the individual customization of dynamic binaural reproduction by means of real time manipulation of the ITD is proposed. As a prerequisite, subjectively artifact free techniques for the decomposition of binaural impulse responses into ILD and ITD cues are discussed. Finally, based on listening test results, an anthropometry-based prediction model for individual ITD correction factors is presented. The proposed approach entails further improvements of auditory quality of real time binaural synthesis.
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