Models for evaluating navigational techniques for higher-order ambisonics

Models are presented that predict perceived source localization and spectral coloration for the purpose of evaluating navigational techniques for higher-order ambisonics. Previous evaluations typically rely on binaural localization models, which conflate the effects of the navigational technique with those of the adopted ambisonics-to-binaural rendering approach. Moreover, studies on navigation-induced coloration have been largely qualitative. The presented models are applied directly to translated ambisonics impulse responses (i.e., before rendering to binaural) and are validated through listening experiments. Localization is predicted using an extension to a precedence-effect-based localization model. Coloration is predicted using a linear combination of spectral energies and notch-depths in a difference-spectrum between the test and reference signals. For two interpolation-based navigational techniques and a range of translation distances, localization and coloration are also measured subjectively thro...