Parametric Evaluation of Ensemble Vocal Performance Using an Immersive Network Music Performance Audio System

Cairns P, Daffern H, Kearney G. Parametric Evaluation of Ensemble Vocal Performance Using an Immersive Network Music Performance Audio System. J Audio Eng Soc. 2021;69(12):924-933. doi:10.17743/jaes.2021.0040

@article{Cairns2021_21541,
  author = {Cairns, Patrick and Daffern, Helena and Kearney, Gavin},
  title = {{Parametric Evaluation of Ensemble Vocal Performance Using an Immersive Network Music Performance Audio System}},
  journal = {Journal of the Audio Engineering Society},
  volume = {69},
  number = {12},
  pages = {924--933},
  year = {2021},
  month = dec,
  publisher = {Audio Engineering Society},
  doi = {10.17743/jaes.2021.0040},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.17743/jaes.2021.0040}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Parametric Evaluation of Ensemble Vocal Performance Using an Immersive Network Music Performance Audio System
AU  - Cairns, Patrick
AU  - Daffern, Helena
AU  - Kearney, Gavin
T2  - Journal of the Audio Engineering Society
J2  - J. Audio Eng. Soc.
VL  - 69
IS  - 12
SP  - 924
EP  - 933
PY  - 2021
DA  - 2021/12/06
DO  - 10.17743/jaes.2021.0040
UR  - https://doi.org/10.17743/jaes.2021.0040
PB  - Audio Engineering Society
LA  - en
AB  - This paper describes an immersive audio Network Music Performance (NMP) system designed for group singing. A prototype of this design (audio only) was deployed to ten singers across Europe, who participated in a duet vocal performance study, operating the system from their home networks. Parametric evaluation of these vocal performances was conducted in order to provide characterization of musical interactivity between performers and explore the challenges and opportunities presented for immersive audio NMP systems in practical usecase settings. Results demonstrate that it is possible to achieve performance that conforms to expectations of live interactivity and estimate the conditions under which this may be achieved. Significant effect of latency, and in one case virtual room "type," is observed across performances. Informal questionnaire responses present discussion of the potential for virtual acoustics and latency to impact the perceptual experience of networked performers.
ER  -