Spatial Quality and User Preference of Headphone Based Multichannel Audio Rendering Systems for Video Games: A Pilot Study

Rees-Jones J, Murphy DT. Spatial Quality and User Preference of Headphone Based Multichannel Audio Rendering Systems for Video Games: A Pilot Study. In: AES Convention 142. Audio Engineering Society; 2017. Paper 9772. Available from: https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=18648

@inproceedings{ReesJones2017_18648,
  author = {Rees-Jones, Joe and Murphy, Damian T.},
  title = {{Spatial Quality and User Preference of Headphone Based Multichannel Audio Rendering Systems for Video Games: A Pilot Study}},
  booktitle = {AES Convention 142},
  note = {Paper 9772},
  year = {2017},
  month = may,
  publisher = {Audio Engineering Society},
  url = {https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=18648}
}

TY  - CPAPER
TI  - Spatial Quality and User Preference of Headphone Based Multichannel Audio Rendering Systems for Video Games: A Pilot Study
AU  - Rees-Jones, Joe
AU  - Murphy, Damian T.
T2  - AES Convention 142
M1  - Paper 9772
PY  - 2017
DA  - 2017/05/06
UR  - https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=18648
PB  - Audio Engineering Society
LA  - en
AB  - This paper presents a pilot experiment comparing the perceived spatial quality and preference of virtualized 7.0 surround-sound video game audio with a stereo down-mix of the same material. The benefits of multichannel audio in gaming are clear in that spatialized sound effects can be used to create immersive and dynamically reacting virtual environments, whilst also offering competitive advantages. However, results from this study suggest that the spatial quality of virtual 7.0 surround-sound is not perceived to be significantly different to that of a stereo down-mix and neither rendering method is preferred, based on a feedback from 18 participants. These results are interesting but surprising, as they bring into question the current methods used for spatial game audio presentation over headphones.
ER  -