3D Sound Reproduction by Wave Field Synthesis

Abstract

In this chapter, we focus on the spatial audio technique implemented for 3D multimedia content including spatial audio and video. The spatial audio rendering method based on wave field synthesis is particularly useful for applications where multiple listeners experience a true spatial soundscape while being free to move around without losing spatial sound properties. The approach can be considered as a general solution to the static listening restriction imposed by conventional methods, which rely on an accurate sound reproduction within a sweet spot only. While covering the majority of the listening area, the approach based on wave field synthesis can create a variety of virtual audio objects at target positions with very high accuracy. An accurate spatial impression could be achieved by wave field synthesis with multiple simultaneous audible depth cues improving localisation accuracy over single object rendering. The current difficulties and practical limitations of the method are also discussed and clarified in this chapter.