Musically representative test signals for interaural cross-correlation coefficient measurement

Typically, measurements that aim to predict perceived spatial impression of music signals in concert halls are performed by calculating the interaural cross-correlation coefficient (IACC) of a binaurally-recorded impulse response. Previous research, however, has shown that this can lead to results very different from those obtained if a musical input signal is used. The reasons for this discrepancy were investigated, and it was found that the overall duration of the source signal, its onset and offset times, and the magnitude and rate of any spectral fluctuations, have a very strong effect on the IACC. Two test signals, synthesised to be representative of a wide range of musical stimuli, can extend the external validity of traditional IACC-based measurements.