A signal-processing-based simulation system for stereo high-end headsets: optimising and testing

The following thesis aims to describe the optimization and testing of an application for the simulation of high-fidelity headphones. The main idea is to be able to replicate the sound of a given pair of headphones, which we call target, through another pair of headphones, called monitor, in such a way as to obtain overall the same listening experience as when wearing the target headphones. Such an application not only can be of great help in the field of research, but also allows us to help and guide a consumer in purchasing headphones. In this paper, therefore, we will first address the state of the art of analyzing audio systems and their simulations; then we will describe the idea and implementation of the first version of the software by studying the frequency responses of headphones. A second version of the application was then developed to correct some critical issues found in the previous one and to implement new features aimed at product customization. Finally, the results of a hearing test conducted in the CSC laboratory are reported, which identified the strengths and improvable aspects of the application, thus indicating a direction for future developments.