Subjective evaluation on the timbre of horizontal ambisonics reproduction

Ambisonics are a series of flexible sound reproduction systems that decompose and reconstruct sound field by each order approximation of horizontal Fourier or spatial spherical harmonics decomposition. For a given order reproduction, providing that the product of wave number and the radius of the rendering region is approximately less than the order, the system is able to recreate the target sound field with reasonable accuracy. If the condition of accurate reproduction is not satisfied, spatial aliasing and interference occur, which inevitably change the timbre in reproduction. The present work evaluates the timbre coloration in horizontal Ambisonics reproduction through subjective experiment and compares with previous analysis that was based on Moore´s binaural loudness model. The subjective experiment yields consistent results with those of binaural model. Therefore the analysis using binaural model is valid.