Binaural recording methods with analysis on inter-aural time, level, and phase differences

Abstract: Binaural recordings are a form of stereophonic recording method that replicates how human ears perceive sound, these types of recordings create a 3D aural image around the listener and are extremely immersive when well recorded and listened to appropriately with headphones. It has wide applications in video, podcast, and gaming formats -- allowing the listener to feel like they are there. Although binaural formats are seldom used for music applications, they have also been utilized in music ranging from Rock, Jazz, Acoustic, and Classical. In this paper, we will investigate the acoustical phenomenon that produces the binaural effect in audio recordings -- including the ITD (Inter-aural time difference), the ILD (inter-aural level difference), IPD (inter-aural phase difference) as well as the monaural spectral difference that occurs between two ears so we can better understand the replication of human hearing in binaural recordings. Binaural recordings differ from regular stereophonic recordings as they are arranged in a specific way to account for HRTF (Head-related transfer function). The most common method of binaural recordings is with two high-quality omni-directional microphones affixed on a dummy head where the ears are located, although other methods exist without the use of a full dummy head.