A New Sound Experience: Spatial Audio Training programs (Focal)

Immersive Audio with Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, 360° Audio, Spatial Audio & VR

Even though immersive 3D audio technologies are still rare in cinemas, they are gaining increasing importance in various fields, including live events, radio, web applications, and virtual reality.

These object-based audio formats incorporate the vertical axis, creating a more engaging and spatially accurate listening experience.

This workshop explores different immersive sound systems through case studies, covering Auro-3D (events, music, cinema), Dolby Atmos (cinema, home theater), and 360° Audio (virtual reality).

Participants will have the opportunity to listen to curated sound excerpts in dedicated studio spaces, headphones, and VR headsets, allowing them to experience these advanced spatialization techniques firsthand.

The entire production chain will be examined—from recording techniques (such as Ambisonics vs. time-based recording methods) to sound design and mixing—always of course with a focus on spatialization and format-specific considerations.

Designing and Implementing online courses

Designing and implementing sound systems is an intricate process that demands a deep understanding and knowledge of audio technology and acoustics. This section will explore the key considerations and best practices for creating effective sound systems.

One of the primary considerations in sound system design is the acoustics of the space. Factors such as room size, shape, and materials significantly impact sound quality. A well-designed sound system should deliver clear and even sound throughout the space, taking these acoustic properties into account.

Choosing the right type of audio system is another critical decision. Analog and digital systems each have their own pace of strengths and weaknesses. Analog systems, known for their warmth and natural sound, may be better suited for live sound applications.

In contrast, digital systems, with their precision and flexibility, are often preferred for recording and broadcasting.

Implementing a sound system involves meticulous planning and execution. This includes selecting the appropriate components and equipment, configuring the system, and rigorously testing the sound quality. Key factors such as noise reduction, echo cancellation, and sound reinforcement must be considered to ensure optimal performance.

Speakers & Experts

• Florian Camerer (AT) – Sound Engineer, ORF; Chairman, EBU Loudness Group

• Lasse Nipkow (CH) – Sound Engineer, specialized in 3D-Audio recordings (SilentWork)

• Martin Rieger (DE) – VR Sound Specialist, with over 40 VR projects in 15+ countries

• Lars Ginzel (DE) – Re-recording mixer & sound designer (The Cave, Cloud Atlas)

• David Ziegler / Christian Lerch (DE) – Senior Sound Consultants, Dolby Germany

Immersive Workshop Details

📍 Location: Aarau & Zurich

📅 Dates: Friday, January 31 & Saturday, February 1, 2020

👥 Participants: 10–14 sound engineers, sound editors, sound designers, and film composers

💰 Fee: CHF 300

🗣 Language: German, with simultaneous translation into French

Organized by:

• Vanja Baumberger (FOCAL, Head of Technical Training)

• Oswald Schwander (Sound Design Consultant)

🎧 Join us for an exclusive deep dive into the future of immersive audio!

Workshop Recap – Day 1: Exploring Immersive Audio & VR Sound

The first day of the workshop focused on the fundamentals of immersive audio, its role in virtual reality (VR), and the technical challenges of working with 360° soundscapes. Participants were introduced to key concepts, skills, workflows, and tools essential for spatial audio production – the perfect education for your career

Key Takeaways from Day 1

🎧 Introduction to Immersive Audio

• The difference between 360° audio, VR sound, and spatialized formats like Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D.

• The importance of object-based and scene-based sound approaches.

• Why “XR” (Extended Reality) is now an umbrella term replacing VR/AR distinctions.

🔊 Spatialization & Audio Workflows

• Recording techniques: Ambisonics vs. time-based recording methods.

• The production pipeline for VR sound: capturing, mixing, and delivering immersive experiences.

• Challenges in sound placement: how spatialization affects perception and user engagement.

• The role of middleware and game engines like Unity & Unreal in real-time audio rendering.

🎥 VR & 360° Production Techniques

• Camera positioning & stitching: How 360° video is created and why spatial audio needs to be carefully planned.

• Challenges in microphone placement for VR shoots – avoiding visual obstructions while ensuring high-quality sound.

• The impact of latency, binaural processing, and real-time interaction on immersive experiences.

🔍 Hands-On Demo: VR Headsets & Interactive Audio

Participants had the chance to experience immersive audio through VR headsets, using real-world examples. They navigated through spatialized soundscapes, learning how head tracking, localization, and interactivity impact the final experience.

Workshop Recap – Day 2: Advanced Techniques in Immersive Audio Engineering & VR Sound

On the second day of the workshop, we delved deeper into advanced immersive audio techniques, explored the challenges of VR sound design, and discussed the technical limitations and possibilities of spatial audio in various formats.

Key Takeaways from Day 2

🎧 Refining Spatial Audio for VR

• Discussion on binaural recording, Ambisonics, and object-based formats.

• Understanding the limitations of dummy heads and traditional 3D microphones in VR.

• The role of head-tracking and user perception in immersive experiences.

• Why Ambisonics is both a strength and a challenge—great for flexibility, but with potential quality loss when converting to other formats.

🎥 Challenges in VR Audio Production

• Editing and cutting VR content: Unlike traditional film, fast cuts disrupt immersion and require a different storytelling approach.

• The illusion of realism: While VR aims to create an immersive experience, real-world accuracy isn’t always ideal—sometimes a cinematic approach works better.

• Synchronizing sound with user movement: The importance of real-time audio rendering in game engines and interactive experiences.

🔊 Microphones & Recording for Immersive Sound

• Comparing Ambisonics, ORTF-3D, and binaural recording for VR applications.

• The importance of recording spatialized environmental sounds to reduce post-production workload.

• The challenge of microphone placement in 360° video—balancing visibility and sound quality.

💡 Technical Limitations & Future Outlook

• VR sound production still lacks standardization, making consistency across platforms difficult.

• Many VR productions still rely on stereo sound, ignoring the potential of fully interactive audio.

• Loudness & dynamic range challenges: Balancing compressed audio for online distribution while maintaining spatial integrity.

• The future of VR and AR: As hardware improves, spatial audio will play an even greater role in shaping immersive experiences.

Final Thoughts & Discussion for online training

Participants engaged in discussions about the future of immersive sound, the challenges of working with different playback management systems, and how to improve workflows for VR and 360° content.

Looking Ahead to teach audio skills

The workshop provided a comprehensive overview of VR and immersive audio, from technical fundamentals to practical applications. The discussions emphasized the need for better industry standards, improved production techniques, more communication and increased awareness of audio’s role in storytelling.