Convention Paper
The Development of Dummy Head Microphones since 1970
AES Convention 150 · Paper 10500 · May 2021
Abstract
Recording with dummy heads, and reproducing via headphones is the most straightforward way to create immersive environments. Current dummy heads evolved from room acoustic experiments of the late 1960s. Binaural technology found interest especially in radio drama productions. In the late 1970s diffuse-field equalization of dummy heads was adopted to improve on timbral problems. The current generation was further optimised especially regarding diffuse-field equalization. The KU100 now appears to be a recognized standard for binaural recording applications. As a recording microphone, or via its HRTFs for binaural rendering, it is involved in a large percentage of binaural applications. The talk will delve into the interiors and acoustic differences of the dummy head generations.
