Abstract
This work presents a four-channel headset achieving a 5.1-channel-like hearing experience using a low-complexity head-related transfer function (HRTF) model and a simplified reverberator. The proposed down-mixing architecture enhances the sound localization capability of a headset using the HRTF and by simulating multiple sound reflections in a room using Moorer's reverberator. Since the HRTF has large memory and computation requirements, the common-acoustical-pole and zero (CAPZ) model can be used to reshape the lower-order HRTF model. From a power consumption viewpoint, the CAPZ model reduces computation complexity by approximately 40%. The subjective listening tests in this study shows that the proposed four-channel headset performs much better than stereo headphones. On the other hand, the four-channel headset that can be implemented by off-the-shelf components preserves the privacy with low cost.
