Influence of a Binaural Artificial Head on Operational Room Response Curve Measurements in Immersive Audio Control Rooms

The accuracy of Operational Room Response Curve (ORRC) measurements is critical for assessing the acoustical performance of recording studio control rooms. Current technical recommendations, such as EBU-TECH-3276 and ITU BS.1116, specify the use of a single omnidirectional microphone at the reference listening position. While effective for stereo and 5.1 surround formats, these guidelines do not account for immersive audio configurations, where multiple loudspeakers, including height channels, increase spatial complexity and alter listener perception. Previous studies suggest that a binaural artificial head system better replicates real-world listening conditions by incorporating human anatomy effects. However, its influence on ORRC measurements in immersive environments remains insufficiently explored. This research presents new ORRC data obtained using a binaural artificial head, evaluating its impact across different loudspeaker configurations in a control room. Anechoic measurements compare direct sound captured by the binaural head's microphones and an omnidirectional microphone, ensuring alignment through head-related transfer function adjustments. ORRC measurements are conducted using traditional single-microphone and binaural head methods. The binaural head's anatomical structure affects reflections, influencing the Energy Time Curve (ETC) and overall ORRC. Analysis focuses on frequency response deviations. The findings provide insights into measurement methodologies for immersive audio, improving control room assessment accuracy.