Three listening tests were conducted to perceptually evaluate different versions of an ew real-time synthesis approach for sounds of sustained contact interactions. This study aims to identify the most effective algorithm to create ar ealistic sound for rolling objects. In Experiment 1a nd 2, participants were asked to rate the extent to which 6different versions sounded likerolling sounds. Subsequently,inExperiment 3, participants compared the 6versions best rated in Experiment 1and 2, to the original recordings. Results are presented in terms of both statistical analysis of the most effective synthesis algorithm and qualitative user comments. On methodological grounds, the comparison of Experiments 1, 2and 3highlights major differences between judgments collected in reference to the original recordings as opposed to judgments based on memory representations of rolling sounds. PACS no. 43.66.Lj, 43.75.Zz Received16September 2010, accepted 15 May 2011. * currently at the School of Computing at Dublin City University. † currently at IRCAM, Paris. 1 This study waspart of alarger research project entitled "Haptics, Sound and Interaction in the Design of Enactive Interfaces". This collaborative project concerned the areas of sound synthesis and interface design, haptic devices, perception and cognition. 840 ©S.Hirzel Verlag · EAA Murphy et al.:R olling sound synthesis ACTA ACUSTICA UNITED WITH ACUSTICA Vol. 97 (2011)