Distance Perception in Interactive Virtual Acoustic Environments using First and Higher Order Ambisonic Sound Fields

In this paper, we present an investigation into the perception of source distance in interactive virtual auditory environments in the context of First (FOA) and Higher Order Ambisonic (HOA) reproduction. In particular, we investigate the accuracy of sound field reproduction over virtual loudspeakers (headphone reproduction) with increasing Ambisonic order. Performance of 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd order Ambisonics in representing distance cues is assessed in subjective audio perception tests. Results demonstrate that 1^st order sound fields can be sufficient in representing distance cues for Ambisonic-to-binaural decodes.