Modern hip-hop is typically associated with samples and MIDI and not so much with creative source spatialization since the energy-driving elements are usually located in the center of a stereo image. To evaluate the impact of certain element placements behind, above, or underneath the listener on the listening experience, we experimented beyond standard mixing practices by spatializing beats and vocals of two hip-hop tracks in different ways. Then, 16 hip-hop musicians, producers, and enthusiasts, and three audio engineers compared a stereo and a binaural version of these two tracks in a perceptual experiment. Results showed that hip-hop listeners expect a few elements, including the vocals, to be mixed conventionally in order to create a cohesive mix and to minimize distractions.
(See document for exact affiliation information.)
Click to purchase paper as a non-member or login as an AES member. If your company or school subscribes to the E-Library then switch to the institutional version. If you are not an AES member Join the AES. If you need to check your member status, login to the Member Portal.
