Two is Better Than One: The Impact of Time- and Level-Based Panning on Spatial Perception and Listener Preference

Duwal K, Arias A, Bulla WA, Chon SH. Two is Better Than One: The Impact of Time- and Level-Based Panning on Spatial Perception and Listener Preference. In: Express Paper. Audio Engineering Society; 2025. Paper 390. Available from: https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=23064

@inproceedings{Duwal2025_23064,
  author = {Duwal, Kritan and Arias, Austin and Bulla, Wesley A. and Chon, Song Hui},
  title = {{Two is Better Than One: The Impact of Time- and Level-Based Panning on Spatial Perception and Listener Preference}},
  note = {Paper 390},
  year = {2025},
  month = oct,
  publisher = {Audio Engineering Society},
  url = {https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=23064}
}

TY  - CPAPER
TI  - Two is Better Than One: The Impact of Time- and Level-Based Panning on Spatial Perception and Listener Preference
AU  - Duwal, Kritan
AU  - Arias, Austin
AU  - Bulla, Wesley A.
AU  - Chon, Song Hui
M1  - Paper 390
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/10/14
UR  - https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=23064
PB  - Audio Engineering Society
LA  - en
AB  - This research investigated the impact of three stereophonic panning techniques on spatial attribute perception and listener preference. The study hypothesized that utilizing a combination of Inter-Channel Time Difference (ICTD) and Inter-Channel Level Difference (ICLD) would provide a heightened sense of spatial perception. Thirty stimuli were prepared using either ICTD, ICLD, or combined ICTD with ICLD (HYBD). Subjects listened to counterbalanced paired stimuli then evaluated so-called externalization, envelopment, width, and depth and indicated an overall preference. Results under headphone condition revealed depth ratings were significantly higher for HYBD stimuli. Ratings for all other attributes were similar across all techniques. Preference under headphones was inconclusive. In contrast, results with loudspeakers indicated a strong preference for the HYBD and a preference against ICLD. Response time and confidence level appeared to have an impact on preference. Findings underscore the potential advantage of combining ICLD and ICTD in stereophonic panning.
ER  -