Ambisonic Decoder Test Methodologies based on Loudspeaker Reproduction

Abstract

The comparative evaluation of the quality of different Ambisonic decoding strategies presents a number of challenges, most notably the lack of a suitable reference signal other than the original, real-world audio scene. In a previous paper, a new test methodology for such evaluations was presented via a listening test conducted using binaural reproduction. In this paper, this methodology is further refined and the results of a new listening test using loudspeaker reproduction over a 7.0.4 array is presented. The results again indicate some significant differences between the decoders for certain attributes.