Perceptual Evaluation of Different Methods for Binaural Rendering of Recordings With Various Microphone Arrays

Journal article, 2026

Binaural reproduction of microphone array recordings has become an important technology in the research and consumer sectors. Several commercially available spherical microphone arrays have been introduced over the years along with various methods for binaural rendering of array recordings. Most of these methods have been evaluated individually, typically using only one specific microphone array. However, a comprehensive and systematic perceptual evaluation combining different methods and various microphone arrays is lacking. This study presents the results of a listening experiment comparing the motion-tracked binaural method, various Ambisonic binaural decoders, and the parametric binaural rendering method COMPASS using loudspeaker orchestra recordings with six different microphone arrays from two rooms, the Berliner Philharmonie and a laboratory space resembling a small chamber music venue. The experiment assessed the binaural renderings with respect to overall listening experience and four perceptual attributes from the Spatial Audio Quality Inventory in comparison to a reference recorded with a head and torso simulator. The results provide detailed insights into which rendering method and array combination provides a high overall listening experience while preserving the assessed perceptual attributes externalization, coloration, source position, and presence. Moreover, the results indicate the extent to which the assessed perceptual attributes contribute to overall listening experience.