Comparison of panning algorithms for auditory interfaces employed for desktop applications

Concerning the spatialisation of 3D sound fields around an almost free mobile listener an immersive audio environment for desktop applications is presented. The sound field is reproduced by a loudspeaker array that is positioned along the desktop edges. To improve the listener´s freedom no head tracking is required. Using the principle of the wave field synthesis approach combined with different panning techniques derives the loudspeaker signals. Therefore virtual sources can be positioned in azimuth, elevation and distance, too. The reproduction area around the listener and the possible source space is restricted to a defined area. The effort of these different panning techniques can be simulated and objectively compared.