Listening Test — Which Spatial Format Best Recreates Live Music Recordings?

[DTsound]

Hi everyone, 
We’re running an online listening test as part of our research into spatial audio for live performance videos.


This study explores how different*spatial processing methods*— including*binaural rendering*and their combinations — affect*sound quality*and*listener preference*in live music recordings.


The aim of this study is not only academic but also highly practical — to help inform better spatial mixing techniques for live music content and improve the listener’s experience in real-world production settings.

It takes about 10–15 minutes and involves comparing different audio mixes.


* Please note:**A*pair of headphones*is required to properly experience the spatial effects.
* This survey is Ideal for sound engineers, audio students, or anyone with critical listening experience.
* Prize Draw: At the end of the survey, you’ll have the option to enter a*prize draw*to win an*Audio Plugin Bundle*— a small thank-you for your time,
* We are a student research team in University of Huddersfield. The collected data will be used for academic/research purpose only, ethics approval was processed by Research Ethics and Integrity Committee in the school.
* By participating in this survey, you are giving consent for your responses to be used in this research.


Take the survey here:*https://guileless-dodol-c21b17.netlify.app/



Thank you,



[JCBigler]

There is no spatial audio system that can accurately recreate the experience of going to a live concert. Doesn't matter if it's a rock band, jazz big band, symphony orchestra, folk trio, pipe organ, or a barber shop quartet.

The reflections caused by an infinite number of hard surfaces can not be duplicated by a hand full of speakers or headphones. Nor can the speakers themselves accurately duplicate all nuances and depth of range of the acoustic, combined with electronic enhancement of a full PA system.

That being said, having mixed over 300 shows in an the L-Acoustics L-ISA immersive audio system, I can say that it is the most impressive live immersive audio system on the market currently.


And BTW, I'm not sure what you are trying to measure in your music clips in the survey, but they all sounded the same in every spatial audio example.

[Darryl Ramm]

Originally Posted by JCBigler

And BTW, I'm not sure what you are trying to measure in your music clips in the survey, but they all sounded the same in every spatial audio example.

Maybe is was a psychological test to see if people will admit they can't hear a difference or not. And now you have ruined some poor research student's project by mentioning that here.



(I'll do it tomorrow).

[Darryl Ramm]

Yep. I flipped through them, listened to all the tracks could not hear any significant difference. The poor audio video sync at times (Firefox browser) was the most noticeable thing. I have no idea why the test involves watching a video. I have better things to do, did not fill out the survey.