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A master's thesis from Aalborg University
Book cover


Optimal Music Reproduction in Noisy Environments

Translated title

Optimal Music Reproduction in Noisy Environments

Term

4. term

Publication year

2010

Submitted on

Pages

99

Abstract

This master thesis examined the effect noise can impose on the perception of music. Focus was put on achieving naturalness in the reproduction and minimizing the annoyance caused by noise. Focusing on transit noise in trains in particular, two methods for optimizing music reproduction in noisy environments was suggested. One model primarily focused on making the music audible at all frequencies. The other method contained the functionality of the first one, as well as a subtle equalization to avoid the perceived change in the tonal balance. The two methods were tested using human subjects in a paired comparison test. The test was carried out with music processed using the two methods. Results were rather inconclusive, but a straight ranking was achieved. Overall, method two were preferred for optimizing the naturalness and decreasing the annoyance.