Perceptual evaluation of rolling sound synthesis

Three listening tests were conducted to perceptually evaluate different versions of a new real-time synthesis approach for sounds of sustained contact interactions. This study aims to identify the most effective algorithm to create a realistic sound for rolling objects. In Experiment 1 and 2, participants were asked to rate the extent to which 6 different versions sounded like rolling sounds. Subsequently, in Experiment 3, participants compared the 6 versions best rated in Experiment 1 and 2, to the original recordings. Results are presented in terms of both statistical analysis of the most effective synthesis algorithm and qualitative user comments. On methodological grounds, the comparison of Experiments 1, 2 and 3 highlights major differences between judgments collected in reference to the original recordings as opposed to judgments based on memory representations of rolling sounds.