Live music environments can be simulated and evaluated through spatial audio and augmented reality (AR) technology. However, conducting perceptual studies on AR environments can be challenging, as multiple design considerations and uncontrolled variables come into play. Hence, we developed Naviqual, a tool to create a spatial audio quality map for a virtual live music environment. We generated objective quality contour and polar maps to predict the quality of experience (QoE) across listener locations and directions respectively. We found that these maps strongly aligned with perceptual evaluations by normal-hearing listeners through listening tests. We also found that localisation quality and signal-to-noise ratio both strongly predict QoE across listener translations, with the former outperforming the latter in predicting QoE across listener directions. Overall, Naviqual provides a QoE map for virtual live music environments robust across listener locations and directions, noise locations, music content, and room reverberation.
(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.
