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Convention Paper

Listener Perceptual Threshold for Image Shift Caused by Channel Delays in Stereo Audio

Authors: McMullin, Elisabeth

AES Convention 141 · Paper 9663 · September 2016

Abstract

To determine a threshold for listener perception of image shift caused by imperfectly synchronized stereo signals, a series of experiments using method of adjustment and ABX procedures was run over headphones and loudspeakers. Listeners adjusted an endless knob to vary delays between the stereo channels of music programs in search of a centered stereo image. The results demonstrated that 9 out of 10 listeners could reliably detect delays between loudspeaker or headphone channels at levels of 0.06 ms or lower. Furthermore, when centering a stereo image 95% of all listener adjustments were under 0.16 ms for headphones and 0.22 ms for loudspeakers. Many variables that may have affected the experiments are explored, including hearing balance, program material, and listening environments.

Details

Published in
AES Convention 141
AES Convention
141
Paper number
9663
Publication date
September 6, 2016
Session subject
Perception
Affiliation
Samsung Research America, Valencia, CA USA (See document for exact affiliation information.)
Type
Convention Paper