Method and device for audio signal processing for binaural virtualization

A device for processing an input audio signal to which at least one processing parameter for a degree of binaural virtualization and a direction are assigned, the device comprising:

• a database adapted for providing a first head-related transfer function for a left output signal for a left-side ear of a listener, and for providing a second head-related transfer function for a right output signal for a right-side ear of the listener, wherein the head-related transfer functions correspond to the direction assigned to the input audio signal;
• at least one gain factor determining module adapted for determining a first gain factor for the left side and a second gain factor for the right side, wherein the first and second gain factors correspond to an amplitude panning for the direction assigned to the input audio signal;
• at least one first scaling and shifting module for the left side, the first scaling and shifting module being adapted to bring an amplitude response of the first head-related transfer function closer to the first gain factor according to the processing parameter by scaling and shifting, wherein an amplitude response of a first modified head-related transfer function is obtained;
• at least one second scaling and shifting module for the right side, the second scaling and shifting module being adapted to bring an amplitude response of the second head-related transfer function closer to the second gain factor according to the processing parameter by scaling and shifting, wherein an amplitude response of a second modified head-related transfer function is obtained;
• where at least in a first frequency range the amplitude responses for a lower degree of binaural virtualization are brought closer to the respective gain factor than for a higher degree of binaural virtualization;
• a configurable first filter and a configurable second filter adapted to filter the input audio signal;
• a first filter configuration module adapted to calculate first filter coefficients from the amplitude response of the first modified head-related transfer function, and further adapted to configure the first filter with the first filter coefficients;
• a second filter configuration module adapted to calculate second filter coefficients from the amplitude response of the second modified head-related transfer function, and further adapted to configure the second filter with the second filter coefficients;
• wherein said filtering the input audio signal with the first and second configurable filters results in an audio signal that is partially binaurally virtualized according to the assigned degree.