Sound Source Externalization Algorithm Using Modified HRTFs and an Acoustic Simulation Method

This paper presents a new sound source externalization algorithm for increasing spaciousness and presence on earphone or headphone environments. To do this, we used modified head related transfer functions (M-HRTFs) and room impulse responses acquired by an acoustic simulation method. M-HRTFs developed by ETRI have less tone color distortion of original sound sources than traditional HRTFs. The acoustic simulation method is used to obtain more natural reflected sound. To verify the proposed externalization algorithm, we performed a listening test. From the test, the proposed algorithm is effective in externalizing the sound sources especially when they are on the left and right sides.