This investigation employs a simple graphical method in an effort to represent the perceived spatial attributes of three microphone arrays designed to create vertical and three-dimensional audio images. Three separate arrays were investigated in this study: Coincident, M/S-XYZ, and Non-coincident/Five-point capture. Instruments of the orchestral string, woodwind, and brass sections were recorded. Test subjects were asked to represent the spatial attributes of the perceived audio image on a horizontal/vertical grid and a graduated depth grid, via a pencil drawing. Results show that the arrays exhibit a greater extent in every dimension—vertical, horizontal, and depth—compared to the monophonic image. The statistical trends show that the spatial characteristics of each array are consistent across each dimension. In the context of immersive/3D mixing and post production, a case can be made that the arrays will contribute to a more efficient and improved workflow due to the fact that they are easily optimized during mixing or post-production.

Authors: Martin, Bryan; Martin, Denis; King, Richard; Woszczyk, Wieslaw
Affiliations: McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Music Media and Technology (CIRMMT), Montreal, QC, Canada(See document for exact affiliation information.)
AES Convention: 147 (October 2019) Paper Number: 10265
Publication Date: October 8, 2019 Import into BibTeX
Subject: Recording, Production, and Live Sound
Permalink: https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=20638

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 and would like to subscribe to the E-Library then Join the AES!

This paper costs $33 for non-members and is free for AES members and E-Library subscribers.

Learn more about the AES E-Library

E-Library Location:   /conv/147/10265.pdf

Start a discussion about this paper!