Spatial audio uses psychoacoustic illusions called phantom images to mimic real sound sources

Evidence

Spatial and so-called 3D audio reproduction is an essential aspect of the enjoyment of sound, whether it is on a personal player via headphones, at home, or in the cinema. All of these systems rely on the application of acoustics and psychoacoustics to present an illusion of specific sound directions that are called “phantom images” to mimic real sound sources such as singers or musical instruments. They also attempt to give the listener an illusion of being in a space, which is often described as its “ambience.” — David M. Howard, Jamie Angus, Acoustics and Psychoacoustics, 2189

Categorization

• DEFINE: Defines the key terms ‘phantom images’ and ‘ambience’ that structure the entire spatial audio discussion.