An auralisation method for real time subjective testing of modal parameters.

Subjective testing is necessary when attempting to determine the human response to audio quality. Small rooms, such as recording studio control rooms themselves have an effect upon the quality of the perceived audio reproduction. Of particular interest is the low frequency region where resonances, or ‘room modes’, occur. It is necessary to test a number of modal parameters individually and be able to alter them instantly during testing in response to listener perception. An auralisation method has been developed which is used to compare musical samples within modelled rooms. Methods are discussed in the context of providing a practical system, where real time testing is feasible. The formation of the room’s transfer function is discussed, as are a number of issues relating to the generation of audio samples. This work is then placed in context with a brief explanation of how the system is to be used in a real subjective test.