Listening test results generally show that for bit-rates higher than 128 kbps listeners can rarely distinguish between MP3 and WAV files with any statistical significance while many audio professionals agree it is possible. This project attempts to explain some of the reasons why typical AB and ABX tests often fail by looking at the effects of loop length and music choice on listener success. An informal take-home AB listening test was used with varying musical material and music looping at different lengths. The results show that performance drops significantly with short loop lengths (<2sec, p = .02) and that the participants were able to discriminate between these two different file formats with great significance (p < .001).
(See document for exact affiliation information.)
https://aes2.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=18148
(360KB)
Click to purchase paper as a non-member or login as an AES member. If your company or school subscribes to the E-Library then switch to the institutional version. If you are not an AES member Join the AES. If you need to check your member status, login to the Member Portal.
