Musics amazing ability to evoke emotions has been the focus of various scientific studies, with researchers testing how different musical structures or interpretations impacted the emotions induced in the listener. However, in the context of amplified music, little is known about the influence of the sound reinforcement system. In this study, we investigate whether the amount of low-frequency amplification produced by a sound system impacts the listeners arousal. We organized two listening experiments whereby we measured the skin conductance of the participants while they were listening to music excerpts with different levels of low-frequency amplification. Our results indicate that an increase in the level of bass is correlated with a small but measurable rise in electrodermal activity, which is correlated with arousal. In addition this effect seems to depend on the nature of the music.
(See document for exact affiliation information.)
https://aes2.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=22686
(1970KB)
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.
