Perceived Sound Source Localization in Selected Binaural Renderers

The article addresses the issue of localization of a perceived sound source for various binau-ral renderers, in the context of spatial audio format processing for headphone listening. The study analyzed the accuracy of sound source localization for ambisonic technology and two dif-ferent versions of the renderer from the Dolby Atmos format. Audio samples were played to participants in a virtual reality (VR) environment, allowing for natural pointing toward sound directions. Results indicate that the Dolby Atmos renderer provides the highest accuracy in re-producing the position of sound sources, especially for samples originating from behind the listener's head. The study also showed that listeners could better recognize sound position in the horizontal plane (left-right) than in the vertical plane (up-down). The use of VR in psychoacous-tic research proved not only effective but also engaging for participants, underscoring the poten-tial of this technology for further spatial audio research.