| EARS and EARS RT, the
auralization programs associated with EASE, are both Binaural
auralization programs and both programs inherently produce
auralizations that are far more realistic than Monaural auralizations.
Monaural auralizations do not take the characteristics of
human hearing into account while the Binaural auralizations
of EARS and EARS RT do.
The primary difference between EARS and EARS RT is the method
used to accomplish the final Convolution. Otherwise, they
are identical.
EARS
EARS is sometimes referred to as the “Off Line”
program as the binaural auralization signals (the right and
left ear signals) are produced off line and stored as .wav
files for replay at a later time. Since these files are quite
large, EARS auralizations are usually limited to relatively
short “sound bites”. Twenty second sound bites
are typically used although longer ones are possible.
These sound bites can then be replayed again and again and
analyzed in detail. The program also allows the user to listen
to the original dry signal used in the auralization and compare
it to the auralized signal. The EARS Off Line approach has
the advantage of allowing the user to repeat the auralization
many times while listening for undesirable colorations, such
as flutter echoes and slap back.
EARS RT
EARS RT is an “Online” auralization program that
uses Lake Convolution Filter software to produce the binaural
auralization signals in a continuous or “ongoing”
manner that can be listened to immediately or, as it’s
commonly called “in real time”. Since the auralizations
are not stored, there is no limit to their length.
Many EARS RT users use a DAT recorder to record a known voice,
such as a Pastor’s voice, and then use it as the dry
signal source. Another source of dry signals are CD’s
made under closely controlled studio conditions. EARS RT even
has the ability to auralized stereo signals.
EARS RT users also have the option of using the EARS “sound
bite” method of auralization if they desire. In other
words, EARS RT users have the best of both worlds.
Common Features of EARS and EARS RT
Both EARS and EARS RT have the ability to mix different or
equal audio signals to a summarized binaural file.
A popular use of this feature is to inject noise into the
auralization for intelligibility studies. It also permits
the effects of Masking Noise to be listened to in open office
environments. Its also possible to record background noise,
such as traffic noise or normal office sound, and then use
them in the auralization.
These versatile programs also include facilities for generating
a wide range of noise signals, such as Pink Noise, White Noise,
Air Condition noise, etc. that can then be used in the auralizations.
The possibilities of EARS and EARS RT auralizations are almost
endless.
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EARS / EARS RT
