Localization of virtual sources in multichannel audio reproduction

The localization of virtual sources generated with different two-dimensional (2-D) multichannel reproduction systems has been studied by means of auditory model simulations and listening tests. The reproduction was implemented with typical five- and eight-channel loudspeaker setups. The microphone systems used were first- and second-order Ambisonics as well as a spaced microphone technique. Pair-wise panning was also studied. The results show that the auditory model can be used in the prediction of perceived direction in multichannel sound reproduction near the median plane. Some systematic deviations between the model predictions and the listening test results were found farther from the median plane. The frequency-dependent capability to produce narrow-band virtual sources to targeted directions is reported for the studied systems.