Signal processing system

Abstract

A system for processing a plurality of audio signals to generate binaural output signals. The signal processor has a manually operated spatial position control which provides a correspondence between movement of the control and the binaural perception of movement by a listener at a listening position within an audio signal space. The spatial position control is essentially an electric circuit analog of a particular audio signal space, with means for obtaining variable binaural output signals from the circuit to simulate movement of the listening position in the signal space. One embodiment of the position control includes a mechanical linkage to a plurality of series ring connected potentiometers. The variable outputs from the wiper arms of the potentiometers are combined to produce the desired binaural output signals. The perceived orientation of the listening position in the audio signal space may be changed by selective combinations of potentiometer outputs. Another embodiment utilizes an electrical resistance surface as the analog of the original audio signal space. A probe with spaced apart contacts picks up the binaural output signals from the desired position on the resistance surface, orientation changes being effected by rotating the probe.