The fourth and final step is the actual auralization.

Users of the "Of-Line" method will find that the final convolution takes some time, how much time depends upon the size of the binaural response file and the length of the dry audio signal.

When the convolution is completed the control screen show below appears and all the user has to do is press the Play button to hear the auralization.

Users of the "Real-Time" method have only to turn on the CD or other audio source and press the GO button on the control screen to hear the auralization. The auralization starts almost immediately and then continues to play until it is stopped.

Listening to the Auralization

The recommended method of listening to the binaural auralizations produced by EARS is through a pair of good loudspeakers placed a few feet apart. The listener needs to be close to the loudspeakers so any colorization introduced by the listening room is minimized.

Stereo headsets can be used, but they aren’t favored because of their well known loss of localization for on-axis signals. With stereo headsets, the user is unable to distinguish between on-axis signals arriving from the front and rear.