Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) over-theair (OTA) testing gives a way to evaluate the radio performance of MIMO-capable devices under realistic propagation channels as an alternative to expensive and uncontrollable drive testing. In this paper, we review two major channel emulation methods for MIMO OTA testing under the multi-probe anechoic chamber (MPAC) setup, i.e. the prefaded signals synthesis (PFS) and the plane wave synthesis (PWS). The target channel model for emulation is the geometry-based stochastic channel model (GSCM). The signal models for both channel emulation methods for the whole link from the transmitter (Tx) side to the receiver (Rx) side are given. The comparison analysis gives some new insights into the two channel emulation methods. The analytic expression of the joint space-time correlation function is derived for both methods in comparison to that of the target channel. It shows the cluster-wise channel emulated by the PFS method is Kronecker structured, which is different from the general definition of GSCMs. In contrast, the channel emulated with the PWS method is consistent with GSCMs. Moreover, the emulation accuracy for the two methods are compared under different target channel settings, i.e. different cluster angular spreads. The simulation results demonstrate the advantage of the PWS method over the PFS method, especially when cluster angular spreads are small. Index Terms-MIMO OTA testing, MPAC, channel emulation methods, space-time correlation. I. INTRODUCTION Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) over-the-air (OTA) testing [1] currently plays an important role in evaluating the radio performance of any MIMO-capable device in different development stages, e.g. early-stage prototyping and mid-term refinement, before final massive roll-out. It helps researchers to reveal the potential flaws and non-idealities of the products during the design and manufacturing phase. The conventional way to conduct MIMO performance testing is called MIMO conducted testing. In conducted testing, the shell of the deviceunder-test (DUT) needs to be opened, and antenna ports on the DUT need to be reserved for cable connection. However, OTA testing does not suffer from these limitations. Therefore, it is standardized that the radiated performance testing of MIMOcapable devices must be performed over-the-air [1].