Ambisonics-to-Binaural Reproduction Using Virtual Loudspeakers: Investigating the Perceived Effects of VBAP

In the research of spatial audio, binaural reproduction of Ambisonics can be categorized into nonparametric methods (e.g., classical Ambisonic decoding and All-Round Ambisonic Panning and Decoding (ALLRAD)) and parametric methods (e.g., COMPASS). While vector-based amplitude panning (VBAP) provides accurate source orientation information for both, the specific perceptual properties of the spatial audio it affects are unclear. We designed a subjective listening experiment based on ITU-R recommendations for subjective assessment of perceptual attributes. The results show that VBAP mainly affects "Sound colour" and "Acoustic balance", while its effects on "Homogeneity of spatial sound" and "Sound attack" are not obvious. Among the main perceptual attributes, VBAP has a slightly higher impact on "Spatial impression" than "Timbre".