Measuring Head Related Transfer Functions: Practicalities, Processing and Applications

Immersive & Spatial Audio

Presenters:
Cal Armstrong, University of York - York, UK
Gavin Kearney, University of York - York, UK

At the heart of good audio spatial audio reproduction over headphones is the measurement of high quality binaural filters, commonly known as head related transfer functions (HRTFs). This workshop explores the practical challenges involved in the measurement of datasets of HRTFs and the subsequent signal processing required for high quality binaural rendering. We discuss measurement techniques, microphone choices, subject considerations and equalization strategies. We also explore anechoic binaural measurements vs. binaural room impulse responses as well as spatial sampling considerations for applications such as Ambisonic rendering for virtual and augmented reality. Finally we look at what makes a good quality HRTF set—is it the resultant timbre, the sense of externalization or other factors that make people prefer one HRTF dataset over another?