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Subjective evaluation of dynamic compression in music

WM Wil Wagenaars, Ajm Adrian Houtsma, van Rajm Ruud Lieshout

Open publisher page 6 citations

Abstract

Amplitude compression is often used to match the dynamic range of music to a particular playback situation so as to ensure continuous audibility in a noisy environment. Since amplitude compression is a nonlinear process, it is potentially very damaging to sound quality. Three physical parameters of a feed-forward amplitude compression process were investigated for their influence on sound quality: the degree of compression, the time constant for sound reduction, and the time constant for sound enhancement. A subjective multidimensional comparison experiment suggested that only the two first names are prerceptually significant. By means of a multidimensional scaling test, optimum values were determined for these parameters in two simulated acoustic environments. Finally, these optimum values were tested with a variety of musical material.

About this research paper

What this paper is about

Amplitude compression is often used to match the dynamic range of music to a particular playback situation so as to ensure continuous audibility in a noisy environment. Since amplitude compression is a nonlinear process, it is potentially very damaging to sound quality. Three physical parameters of a feed-forward amplitude compression process were investigated for their influence on sound quality: the degree of compression, the time constant for sound reduction, and the time constant for sound enhancement. A subjective multidimensional comparison experiment suggested that only the two first names are prerceptually significant. By means of a multidimensional scaling test, optimum values were determined for these parameters in two simulated acoustic environments. Finally, these optimum values were tested with a variety of musical material.

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OpenAlex reports 6 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

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Available abstract

Amplitude compression is often used to match the dynamic range of music to a particular playback situation so as to ensure continuous audibility in a noisy environment. Since amplitude compression is a nonlinear process, it is potentially very damaging to sound quality. Three physical parameters of a feed-forward amplitude compression process were investigated for their influence on sound quality: the degree of compression, the time constant for sound reduction, and the time constant for sound enhancement. A subjective multidimensional comparison experiment suggested that only the two first names are prerceptually significant. By means of a multidimensional scaling test, optimum values were determined for these parameters in two simulated acoustic environments. Finally, these optimum values were tested with a variety of musical material.

Key concepts: Dynamic range compression, Sound quality, Compression (physics), Acoustics, Amplitude, Computer science, Constant (computer programming), Quality (philosophy)

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