Timbre is a sound quality parameter that depends to a
large extent on spectral balance. Evaluation and
control of timbre require specific listening
abilities and is performed by an increasing number of
individuals involved in sound recording, composition,
and sound design. This book presents a
computer-assisted training method to develop memory
for timbre, sensitivity to timbre changes, and
effective listening strategies requiring disciplined
auditory attention. The method allows individual
practice and customization of training tasks.
Performance markers are compiled and used for
assessing skill level achieved by listeners. A
listening experiment involving the adjustment of
multiple peaks and dips in a sound's spectrum is
presented, in which the performance of a group of
experienced audio professionals was compared with a
group of student subjects with comparatively little
listening experience but who were trained with the
described method for a period of 6 months. Results
indicate that overall the experimental student group
outperformed the control group of professionals.
Suggestions for further improvements of the training
method and performance level assessment are proposed.
large extent on spectral balance. Evaluation and
control of timbre require specific listening
abilities and is performed by an increasing number of
individuals involved in sound recording, composition,
and sound design. This book presents a
computer-assisted training method to develop memory
for timbre, sensitivity to timbre changes, and
effective listening strategies requiring disciplined
auditory attention. The method allows individual
practice and customization of training tasks.
Performance markers are compiled and used for
assessing skill level achieved by listeners. A
listening experiment involving the adjustment of
multiple peaks and dips in a sound's spectrum is
presented, in which the performance of a group of
experienced audio professionals was compared with a
group of student subjects with comparatively little
listening experience but who were trained with the
described method for a period of 6 months. Results
indicate that overall the experimental student group
outperformed the control group of professionals.
Suggestions for further improvements of the training
method and performance level assessment are proposed.