Difference between revisions of "3D audio"
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==Binaural Audio== | ==Binaural Audio== | ||
| + | {{#ev:youtube|Yd5i7TlpzCk|300|right||3D Audio in NYC}} | ||
You might have already heard about mono and stereo sound systems. Mono recordings only use one microphone and both of your speakers would be playing out the same soundtrack. Stereo recordings on the other hand use two separate microphones at a distance from each other, one meant for your left speaker or earphone to play, while the other records audio for your right ear. | You might have already heard about mono and stereo sound systems. Mono recordings only use one microphone and both of your speakers would be playing out the same soundtrack. Stereo recordings on the other hand use two separate microphones at a distance from each other, one meant for your left speaker or earphone to play, while the other records audio for your right ear. | ||
| − | The method for recording and reproducing 3D audio, also known as binaural audio, goes back to the late 19th century.<ref name="theverge">http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/12/8021733/3d-audio-3dio-binaural-immersive-vr-sound-times-square-new-york</ref> The simplest form of binaural recording requires two microphones placed roughly in the same distance as is the average position of human ears. In | + | The method for recording and reproducing 3D audio, also known as binaural audio, goes back to the late 19th century.<ref name="theverge">http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/12/8021733/3d-audio-3dio-binaural-immersive-vr-sound-times-square-new-york</ref> The simplest form of binaural recording requires two microphones placed roughly in the same distance as is the average position of human ears. In a more complex method, both of the microphones are placed inside ear-shaped bodies at an optimum distance from one another as well as the source of the audio. This method allows the recording to mimic real life sounds. There are, of course, many additional factors that have to be considered in order to produce a high-quality recording. One of these include the shape of the outer and inner ear, the so-called head shadow, or a proper frequency response compensation in the playback device. |
The playback device is of special significance since binaural audio requires headphones or a distinct stereo setup to work properly. Regular speakers exhibit various degrees of so-called crosstalk, which means that sound from speaker A mixes with sound from speaker B and cancels the binaural effect out. Speakers need to be placed closely together at 10-30 degrees for crosstalk to be minimized. Headphones do not have this problem and the only real requirement is a proper sound isolation. An open design shows slightly better acoustic properties for binaural audio, but this is actually quite negligible when we consider just how big differences in anatomy can be found, for example, just between males and females. A single pair of headphones simply cannot fit perfectly on everybody. The good news is that this is not really a problem because the effect is very convincing even with just an average pair of earbuds or headphones. | The playback device is of special significance since binaural audio requires headphones or a distinct stereo setup to work properly. Regular speakers exhibit various degrees of so-called crosstalk, which means that sound from speaker A mixes with sound from speaker B and cancels the binaural effect out. Speakers need to be placed closely together at 10-30 degrees for crosstalk to be minimized. Headphones do not have this problem and the only real requirement is a proper sound isolation. An open design shows slightly better acoustic properties for binaural audio, but this is actually quite negligible when we consider just how big differences in anatomy can be found, for example, just between males and females. A single pair of headphones simply cannot fit perfectly on everybody. The good news is that this is not really a problem because the effect is very convincing even with just an average pair of earbuds or headphones. | ||
==3D Audio and Virtual Reality== | ==3D Audio and Virtual Reality== | ||
| − | {{#ev:youtube|s3eOuqAmLAA| | + | {{#ev:youtube|s3eOuqAmLAA|300|right||[[RealSpace 3D]] Audio Demo}} |
In [[Virtual Reality]], 3D audio is very important for creating realistic and [[immersive]] experiences. In CES 2015, [[Oculus VR]] licensed a 3D Audio engine called [[RealSpace 3D]] and demonstrated its practical use. The 3D audio solution relies on a pair of adjustable on-ear headphones that are connected to the rest of the [[HMD]]. Those who were lucky to try it out said that it helped significantly increase the overall immersion. Chief Scientist at Oculus, [[Michael Abrash]], said that 3D sound is not an addition to VR but a multiplier. Unlike regular video games, Virtual Reality is able to use 3D audio cues to help players orient themselves in the environment and experience a complete immersion. Our 2D monitors have a limited [[field of view]] and lack the necessary information about distance, which means that while we may know from which direction is a certain sound coming, we would probably not be able to precisely estimate how far from us is its source. | In [[Virtual Reality]], 3D audio is very important for creating realistic and [[immersive]] experiences. In CES 2015, [[Oculus VR]] licensed a 3D Audio engine called [[RealSpace 3D]] and demonstrated its practical use. The 3D audio solution relies on a pair of adjustable on-ear headphones that are connected to the rest of the [[HMD]]. Those who were lucky to try it out said that it helped significantly increase the overall immersion. Chief Scientist at Oculus, [[Michael Abrash]], said that 3D sound is not an addition to VR but a multiplier. Unlike regular video games, Virtual Reality is able to use 3D audio cues to help players orient themselves in the environment and experience a complete immersion. Our 2D monitors have a limited [[field of view]] and lack the necessary information about distance, which means that while we may know from which direction is a certain sound coming, we would probably not be able to precisely estimate how far from us is its source. | ||
Revision as of 08:42, 15 October 2015
This page is a stub, please expand it if you have more information.- See also: VR audio
Binaural Audio
You might have already heard about mono and stereo sound systems. Mono recordings only use one microphone and both of your speakers would be playing out the same soundtrack. Stereo recordings on the other hand use two separate microphones at a distance from each other, one meant for your left speaker or earphone to play, while the other records audio for your right ear.
The method for recording and reproducing 3D audio, also known as binaural audio, goes back to the late 19th century.[1] The simplest form of binaural recording requires two microphones placed roughly in the same distance as is the average position of human ears. In a more complex method, both of the microphones are placed inside ear-shaped bodies at an optimum distance from one another as well as the source of the audio. This method allows the recording to mimic real life sounds. There are, of course, many additional factors that have to be considered in order to produce a high-quality recording. One of these include the shape of the outer and inner ear, the so-called head shadow, or a proper frequency response compensation in the playback device.
The playback device is of special significance since binaural audio requires headphones or a distinct stereo setup to work properly. Regular speakers exhibit various degrees of so-called crosstalk, which means that sound from speaker A mixes with sound from speaker B and cancels the binaural effect out. Speakers need to be placed closely together at 10-30 degrees for crosstalk to be minimized. Headphones do not have this problem and the only real requirement is a proper sound isolation. An open design shows slightly better acoustic properties for binaural audio, but this is actually quite negligible when we consider just how big differences in anatomy can be found, for example, just between males and females. A single pair of headphones simply cannot fit perfectly on everybody. The good news is that this is not really a problem because the effect is very convincing even with just an average pair of earbuds or headphones.
3D Audio and Virtual Reality
In Virtual Reality, 3D audio is very important for creating realistic and immersive experiences. In CES 2015, Oculus VR licensed a 3D Audio engine called RealSpace 3D and demonstrated its practical use. The 3D audio solution relies on a pair of adjustable on-ear headphones that are connected to the rest of the HMD. Those who were lucky to try it out said that it helped significantly increase the overall immersion. Chief Scientist at Oculus, Michael Abrash, said that 3D sound is not an addition to VR but a multiplier. Unlike regular video games, Virtual Reality is able to use 3D audio cues to help players orient themselves in the environment and experience a complete immersion. Our 2D monitors have a limited field of view and lack the necessary information about distance, which means that while we may know from which direction is a certain sound coming, we would probably not be able to precisely estimate how far from us is its source.
3D Audio Engines
References
- ↑ http://www.theverge.com/2015/2/12/8021733/3d-audio-3dio-binaural-immersive-vr-sound-times-square-new-york
