Comparing Binaural Playback/Decoders (Part II)
Created:Introduction
This post is a continuation of an exploration that prompted the development of an agnostic and process free multichannel/spatial audio framework that became the Mach1 Spatial SDK. In an effort to help showcase the sonic differences and usability of the current spatial audio market we are rendering various different format tests to sonically compare them without use of additional hardware, making A/B comparisons a little more accessible. It is recommended to create your own local tests and compare mixes played back in different means with headtracking active to further expose limitations.
These tests are focusing only on headtracking implementation, for comparisons that also compare coloration from HRTF or room modeling related processing please listen to the comparisons from Comparing Binaural Decoders.
Comparisons
Test Case #1: Front Facing Rendered Playback
The following includes a spatial audio mix conformed to the required “format” per app/player and recorded as the binaural playback is facing forward only.
Mach1 Spatial - Front Facing
Facebook360 - Front Facing
YouTube360 - Front Facing
Apple Spatial - Front Facing
Test Case #2: Front / Back Soundfield Comparison
The following illustrate how an intended soundfield mix is altered (or not) to accomondate headtracking. It also serves as a way to compare headtracking results sonically and note on the limitations added to introduce headtracking by some poorly implemented vendors.
Both of these “Right Facing” examples were taking by listening to the spatial mix with headtracking enabled headphones and turning +90 degrees to the right to hear the front side of the mix in the left ear and the rear side of the mix in the right ear.
Mach1 Spatial - Right Facing
The Above is the intended spatial mix, with specifically designed reflections in the rear which could be heard in the right ear, while the Apple Spatial playback of Dolby Atmos version of this mix has shrunken the soundfield and reduced the difference of front to back in the soundfield because it is designed to support only forward facing use cases and alters any mix inputted without bias.
Apple Spatial - Right Facing
We recommend comparing the results of headtracking on your own, please download the source mix files below and follow the steps to setup a comparison locally.
Download Mach1 Spatial audio file Test Mach1 Spatial audio file here
Download Youtube360 uploadable file
Download Facebook360 uploadable file
Download Sideloadable Apple Spatial file from Dolby Atmos [File]