Auralization

Auralization is the process of rendering audio data by digital means to achieve a virtual three-dimensional sound space. Auralization and binaural processing of audio data is of great interest in a number of different areas.

There are several approaches to the reproduction of auralized audio data. The two main categories are headphone and loudspeaker auralization.

Headphones

The main advantages of headphone auralization are the stability of the listener relative to the headphone placement and the low-cost sound reproduction environment as there is no need for a semi-anechoic environment. However, the downside is the instability of the Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF) measurement.

Loudspeakers

The main advantage of loudspeakers is it is not such a tiring listening environment. The main disadvantage of loudspeaker auralization is the critically limited listening position and a need for a highly absorbing environment.

See also: Binaural, Psychoacoustics.