Spatial Audio Step By Step Guide: Immersive Audio Event by Audio Pro
Event Overview
Spatial audio is revolutionizing the way we experience sound, and events are no exception. Imagine attending a concert where the music envelops you from all directions, or a conference where the speaker’s voice feels as if it’s coming from right beside you.
With the ability to create immersive audio content, event organizers can transport their attendees to new dimensions, making every moment more engaging and memorable.
From live music performances to corporate conferences, spatial audio can enhance the overall experience by creating a sense of presence and immersion. Attendees are no longer passive listeners; they become part of the audio environment, experiencing sound in a way that feels natural and lifelike.
This technology can transform traditional events into unforgettable experiences, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.
By integrating spatial audio, event organizers can differentiate their events, offering something truly unique. Whether it’s a music festival, a product launch, or a virtual reality exhibition, spatial audio can elevate the experience, making it more dynamic and interactive.
The possibilities are endless, and as this technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the event industry.
About the 3D audio forum
Audio Pro’s ‘Immersive Forum’ is a high-class event aimed at professionals from the fields of audio, media and event technology. It focuses on innovative technologies for immersive audio experiences and the importance of immersion in creating a truly engaging environment.
Over two days, the forum offers a variety of lectures, live demonstrations and hands-on workshops that provide participants with deep insights into the world of 3D sound and immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, Auro 3D and others.
Understanding different spatial audio formats, such as binaural and object-based sound, is crucial for achieving immersive audio experiences tailored to specific listening scenarios. Experts from the industry will share their knowledge and experience, while manufacturers and developers will present the latest products and solutions.
The event offers an ideal opportunity to learn about current trends, make new contacts and gather inspiration for the use of immersive technologies in various application areas – from cinemas to event venues and home cinema systems. Participants can look forward to expanding their expertise and learning practical skills that they can integrate directly into their projects.
What is VRTonung doing there?
From the matrix to mastery – a springboard for your career in the 3D universe!
Since August 2023, the brand new job profile of ‘immersive media designer’ has opened up unimagined opportunities for creative minds. In his inspiring talk, Martin Rieger from VRTonung will take you on a fascinating journey through his personal “3D Audio Matrix ’.
He will show you how theoretical knowledge and practical applications can be combined to create a holistic approach that takes image and sound to a new level.
Martin dives deep into the world of immersive technologies and reveals the true magic of head and room tracking compared to traditional media. He debunks myths, sheds light on the various formats and shares valuable tips for successfully entering the immersive world.
To top it all off, Martin gives exclusive insights into his coaching programme, which shows you how you can not only be creative but also lucrative in the exciting field of 3D audio.
Be inspired and open up new professional horizons! No matter if binaural audio or dynamic head tracking which is my speciality. There is so much more to discover in every music app, home theater systems now and in the near future.
For all who are interested:
Martin’s talk will take place on the first day of the event, the 8th of October between 10:00 – 19:00. The exact time will be announced here.
Creating Immersive Audio Content
Creating immersive audio content for spatial audio requires a different approach than traditional stereo sound. Unlike stereo tracks, which place sounds on a left-right axis, spatial audio places sounds in a three-dimensional space, allowing listeners to experience audio as if they are in the middle of the action.
This requires careful consideration of how sounds interact with each other and the environment.
One of the key components in creating a spatial audio mix is head tracking. This technology ensures that the audio adjusts based on the listener’s head movements, maintaining the illusion of a stable sound environment.
The head related transfer function (HRTF) plays a crucial role in this process, helping to localize sounds accurately and create a realistic experience.
To support spatial audio, various formats like Dolby Atmos and other surround sound formats are used. These formats allow audio engineers to place sound sources at different points around the listener, creating a more immersive experience.
Personalized spatial audio takes this a step further by using the listener’s specific ear shape to tailor the sound, providing an even more customized experience.
When working on spatial audio production, it’s essential to use the right tools and techniques. This includes specialized software for creating spatial audio mixes and devices that support spatial audio, such as Apple devices with Apple Spatial Audio.
By understanding the nuances of different sound formats and how to effectively use head tracking and HRTF, audio engineers can create truly immersive audio content that captivates listeners.
In summary, creating immersive audio content for spatial audio involves a blend of technical expertise and creative vision. By leveraging the latest technologies and best practices, sound designers can push the boundaries of what’s possible, delivering audio experiences that are not only heard but felt.
As spatial audio continues to gain traction, mastering these techniques will be essential for anyone looking to excel in the field of audio production.
It’s a wrap
After my presentation, I took the audience on a journey through the fascinating world of immersive audio production, showcasing the career opportunities in this emerging field. Immersive audio has expanded far beyond music and film, opening up new and innovative applications.
Spatial audio work creates an immersive sound experience by mimicking the perception of being surrounded by multiple audio sources.
From 360-degree videos to virtual and augmented reality, and VR training in fields like medicine and research—the possibilities are vast. Even industries like journalism, tourism, wellness, and relaxation can greatly benefit from the integration of immersive audio elements.
A central idea I often emphasize is: “Which audio applications don’t work optimally in stereo?” This question itself sparks creative space and challenges us to connect technology with artistic innovation. The goal is to find a “sweet spot” where technological potential meets creative freedom. Importantly, 3D audio isn’t here to replace beloved stereo—it’s about creating a complementary relationship between both formats.
Simply “hanging speakers on the ceiling and waiting for customers to come” falls far short of a real strategy. It’s about thoughtfully integrating 3D audio and tailoring it precisely for different media formats.
With the introduction of the new training program, “Designer for Immersive Media”—which I was instrumental in developing—brand new opportunities are emerging. This not only fosters interest in this exciting technology but also creates professional opportunities in a young and dynamic field.
Step-by-Step Guide to Understanding Spatial Audio
In this presentation, we explored the world of spatial audio, an immersive audio experience that revolutionizes how we perceive sound. The video tutorial will be up soon on my YouTube channel. Also the presentation was already short for the online collection.
Here’s a breakdown of key elements from the session. Spatial audio work involves creating an immersive sound experience that mimics the perception of being surrounded by multiple audio sources.
Step 1: Introduction to Spatial Audio
We started by discussing the importance of spatial audio in creating a more immersive listening experience. This technology supports the spatial audio mix, where sounds are not just heard but placed in a three-dimensional space, making the listener feel like they are inside the sound environment.
Step 2: Different Audio Formats and Support
Spatial audio works across several formats like Dolby Atmos and other surround sound options. Understanding different spatial audio formats, such as binaural and object-based sound, is crucial for achieving immersive audio experiences tailored to specific listening scenarios. However, not all platforms offer the same support. For instance, Apple Spatial Audio is available on platforms like Apple Music and Amazon Music, while Spotify still lacks a spatial audio option.
Step 3: Understanding Head Tracking
One of the key features of spatial audio is head tracking. This technology allows the sound to follow your movements, making it feel like you are truly in the middle of the audio environment. The head related transfer function (HRTF) is used to localize the sound, making it more realistic, especially in binaural formats.
Step 4: Personalized Spatial Audio
Personalized spatial audio takes it one step further by using your specific ear shape to adjust the sound for a more tailored experience. This is achieved through specialized software like Steinberg Immerse, which uses ear scans to optimize audio localization.
Step 5: Listening Devices
To experience spatial audio fully, it’s crucial to use the right devices. While AirPods Max and AirPods Pro work well, they require head tracking to achieve the most immersive effect. Devices like beats headphones also support spatial audio, but with varying levels of quality depending on the track and settings.
Step 6: Creating Spatial Audio
Sound designers and audio engineers are tasked with spatial audio production, where they mix sound in a way that works well in a three-dimensional virtual space. This includes setting the sound source at different points around the listener and ensuring that the head movements are tracked correctly for an immersive listening experience.
Step 7: Real-Life Applications
Spatial audio is not just for music but has practical uses in various fields. For example, VR and AR systems rely on 6 degrees of freedom (6DoF) to create interactive experiences. Game developers have been leading the way in integrating immersive audio, allowing users to experience real-time dynamic sound in virtual environments.
Step 8: The Future of Spatial Audio
Looking ahead, we see more advanced applications, such as social VR and game audio, which continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with 3D audio. This technology is expanding into immersive experiences, where content will be tailored to the listener’s movements, making it a vital tool in creating highly interactive audio environments.