The Audio Definition Model (ADM) can be used to represent object- and scene-based audio programmes, and there is a standardised method for reproducing ADM content on loudspeakers, but not currently for headphones. We present the design and implementation of a binaural renderer for the ADM, which supports the features of the ADM while maintaining high-quality output. For rendering objects the system uses virtual loudspeaker rendering with windowed binaural room impulse responses (BRIRs). To reduce comb-filtering effects, delay is removed from the BRIRs and replaced with a per-ear and per-object variable fractional delay line. When rendering diffuse sources, the original delays are used, as the varied onset delays help create perceived extent. The overall gain of each source is adjusted dynamically to compensate for loudness changes caused by interactions between BRIRs of neighbouring loudspeakers. The system is available as an open-source C++ library based on the VISR framework, suitable for adding real-time head-tracked binaural output to applications, and is built into the EAR Production Suite.

Authors: Nixon, Thomas; Franck, Andreas; Pike, Chris; Reich, Galen
Affiliations: British Broadcasting Corporation, UK; University of Southampton, UK; Sonos, Inc., USA(See document for exact affiliation information.)
AES Convention: 152 (May 2022) eBrief:668
Publication Date: May 2, 2022 Import into BibTeX
Subject: Binaural Audio
Permalink: https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=21729

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

The Engineering Briefs at this Convention were selected on the basis of a submitted synopsis, ensuring that they are of interest to AES members, and are not overly commercial. These briefs have been reproduced from the authors' advance manuscripts, without editing, corrections, or consideration by the Review Board. The AES takes no responsibility for their contents. Paper copies are not available, but any member can freely access these briefs. Members are encouraged to provide comments that enhance their usefulness.

Start a discussion about this paper!