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Acoustics · Hearing

Apparent source width

What is apparent source width? A clear definition from the acoustics, hearing and psychoacoustics section of our glossary, with 17 related terms, tools to try and further reading.

Definition of Apparent source width

Apparent source width (ASW) refers to the perceived spatial extent of a sound source. This psychoacoustic phenomenon is influenced by both the sound radiation pattern of the source itself and the acoustic properties of the environment in which it is located. A wide ASW is often a desirable characteristic, particularly in genres like classical music, opera, and historically informed performance, as it is associated with the immersive sound of acoustic spaces. The study of ASW draws upon research from various fields, including room acoustics, architectural acoustics, auralization, musical acoustics, psychoacoustics, and systematic musicology.

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What is Apparent source width?

Apparent source width (ASW) refers to the perceived spatial extent of a sound source. This psychoacoustic phenomenon is influenced by both the sound radiation pattern of the source itself and the acoustic properties of the environment in which it is located.

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