Aalto Acoustics Lab

Machine-Mediated Listening (MaMeLi)

Machine-Mediated Listening (MaMeLi) is a research collaboration with Meta Reality Labs studying how different levels of room acoustic simulation realism affect machine listening performance and the perceived naturalness of augmented speech.
Machine mediated listening in Varechoic chamber

Description

MaMeLi investigates systems in which machine learning algorithms separate and enhance speech for listeners in challenging acoustic environments. The project examines how training these algorithms with room acoustic simulations of varying levels of realism affects their robustness and performance when applied to real-world data. On the user side, we study how simulated room acoustics influence speech intelligibility, listening effort, and the perceived naturalness of augmented speech. Listening tests in realistic, multisensory setups allow us to determine the required level of acoustic realism for effective machine-mediated listening in everyday situations. Our results will guide the design of future augmented hearing and speech enhancement technologies.

Project partner

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News

Sauli Norja stands among large loudspeakers in a studio.
Cooperation, University Published:

A summer job at Genelec led alum Sauli Norja to his dream job

For Sauli Norja, a summer job served as a gateway to his dream job. His work has continued after graduation at Genelec, and as a sound engineer for Ellimei.
Gloria Dal Santo (middle) and her advisors, Prof. Sebastian Schlecht (left) and Prof. Vesa Välimäki (right) received the Best Paper Award diploma at the MIT Music building.
Awards and Recognition, Research & Art Published:

Shimmering Success: Aalto Acoustics Lab team wins Best Paper at DAFx 2026

The paper reimagines the popular 'shimmer' effect, known for its ethereal, pitch-shifted ambience
Winners on stage for the EAA best student paper award
Awards and Recognition, Research & Art Published:

EAA Best Paper and Presentation Award for Young Researchers for postdoctoral researcher Thomas Deppisch

The awarded work shows how speech can be made clearer in noisy environments while still preserving directional cues
From left: Prof. Stefan Weinzierl (TU Berlin), Prof. Johannes M. Arend (Aalto University), and Prof. Christoph Pörschmann (TH Köln) after the Lothar-Cremer Award ceremony at DAGA 2026 in Dresden, Germany.
Awards and Recognition, Research & Art Published:

Professor Johannes M. Arend from Acoustics Lab receives Lothar-Cremer Award

Professor Johannes M. Arend was honoured for his innovative and groundbreaking work in the fields of binaural technology and virtual acoustics
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