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Convention Paper

Utilizing Contralateral ICTDs to Stabilize Lateral Imaging in 5.1 Surround Systems

Authors: Tierney, Michael; Tregonning, Adrian

AES Convention 137 · Paper 9107 · October 2014

Abstract

In 5.1 surround sound systems the problems of lateral image instability and a non-linear lateral panning path are well known. Alternative panning techniques have been developed in an attempt to overcome these problems, but often improved spatial imaging compromises spectral integrity. This is an undesirable tradeoff in the context of music mixing and production. The current paper examines the effect of low-level inter-channel time differences (ICTDs) in contralateral channels with respect to lateral imaging. Subjective experiments evaluated localization perceptions with ICTDs of 1 ms in either the front or surround contralateral channel. This led to more accurate and predictable lateral image positioning with minimal spectral coloration. The results are used to propose a more effective 5.1 lateral panning mechanism.

Details

Published in
AES Convention 137
AES Convention
137
Paper number
9107
Publication date
October 6, 2014
Session subject
Spatial Audio
Affiliation
New York University, New York, NY, USA (See document for exact affiliation information.)
Type
Convention Paper