What is Spatial Audio?

An Introduction to the
Future of Audio
By Alex Solano
Contents
Introduction 3
Prelude 4
Chapter One 5
Chapter Two 6
Chapter Three 7
Chapter Four 8
Chapter Five 9
Chaprter Six 11
Conclusion 10
INTRODUCTION

As an audio professional and someone who's been deeply

involved in music throughout my life, my journey into
immersive mixing was a leap into relatively uncharted
waters.

A few years ago, educational resources were scarce, and the

music industry began to embrace this revolutionary
approach.

Today, immersive audio is not just a trend; it's a seismic

shift in how we experience sound, driven by the demand
for more enveloping and realistic music content.

This guide is designed as an introduction to navigating from

traditional channel-based mixing to the more dynamic and
fluid world of object-based mixing and Dolby Atmos.

I aim to illuminate the path that can potentially transform

your career in audio, keeping you ahead in an industry that's
rapidly evolving.

Whether you're a seasoned audio engineer or a newcomer

eager to make your mark, the insights shared here intend to
provide a clear understanding of this new era

ALEX SOLANO

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PRELUDE

Immersive audio is not a modern invention nor an exclusive

product of cinematic experiences. From the earliest stages
of life, as an embryo in the womb, we start perceiving our
environment through sound. Thus, in the field of audio
reproduction, immersive audio aims to replicate an
experience that is inherently familiar to us all.

This concept is not confined to Western culture or any

particular race, nationality, or language. It is, instead, a
universal expression of life, surrounding and engaging us in
every moment.

Sound has been an ever-present element in our existence,

making the idea of immersive audio far from novel. It's a part
of our subconscious, rooted in our very being.

"Immersive audio, however, is not a new idea; many

commercial formats that have rivaled stereo have been
proposed and promoted over the past half-century.” Mark
Willsher

With the adoption of object-based, immersive, or 3D audio

in various mediums like movies, gaming, podcasts, and
music, this technology has become a staple in our daily
experiences. Companies like Apple are exploring spatial
audio's potential in health development, aiming to enhance
hearing aids using devices like AirPods. Before exploring the
specifications crafted by Dolby, it's crucial to understand
the transition from channel-based to object-based mixing
approaches, a pivotal shift in the landscape of audio
technology.

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CHAPTER ONE: CHANNEL-BASED AUDIO

In audio production, channel-based audio has been the

cornerstone for decades. It's a concept where sound is
distributed through a set number of channels or speakers,
creating a predictable and structured soundscape.
This approach includes familiar formats like mono, stereo, and the
more complex 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound systems.

From Mono to Surround Sound

Channel-based audio began with mono,
using a single channel to deliver sound. This
simplicity, however, had limitations in depth
and spatial representation. The advent of
stereo sound marked a significant leap,
with two channels (left and right) offering a
sense of width and positioning.

The Surround Sound Revolution

The real transformation came with
surround sound. Systems like 5.1
expanded the soundscape with front, side,
and rear channels, plus a subwoofer for
low-frequency effects (the .1 in 5.1).
This setup allowed for a more immersive
experience, with sounds
enveloping the listener.

Limitations and Opportunities

Despite its advancements, channel-based audio has limitations.
Its dependency on specific speaker placements means the
listener's position affects the experience. Moreover, it lacks the
flexibility to adapt to varying sound environments or listener
positions. However, these limitations also paved the way for the
next step in audio evolution: object-based audio.

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CHAPTER TWO: OBJECT-BASED AUDIO

In object-based audio, each sound is an 'object' with its own set

of parameters, like position, distance, and size. These objects are
not limited to predefined channels. Instead, they can move and
interact in a virtual 3D environment, offering a much more
dynamic and realistic soundscape.

Breaking Free from Channels

This approach breaks away from the
constraints of channel-based audio. Now,
sound designers and mixers can place
sounds precisely where they want them,
regardless of the speaker setup. It allows
for a more creative and immersive audio
experience, as sounds can fluidly move
around and even above the listener.

The Impact on Audio Production

Object-based audio has revolutionized
audio production, particularly in fields like
cinema, gaming, and virtual reality. It
provides unparalleled flexibility and control,
enabling creators to craft more engaging
and enveloping soundscapes.

Object-based audio represents a paradigm shift in how we think

about sound in a three-dimensional space. Unlike chanunel-
based audio, where sound is tied to specific channels or
speakers, object-based audio treats sound as individual objects
that can move freely in a 3D space.

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CHAPTER THREE: IMMERSIVE AUDIO & DOLBY ATMOS

Immersive audio is about creating a sound environment that

surrounds the listener from all directions, including above and
below. It's a step beyond conventional surround sound, offering a
more realistic and natural audio experience. At the forefront of
this revolution is Dolby Atmos, a technology that has redefined
what's possible in sound design.

Enter Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos takes object-
based audio to new heights.
It allows up to 128 audio tracks
plus associated spatial audio
description metadata to be
distributed for dynamic
rendering.

This means that in Dolby Atmos, sound can move freely in a

three-dimensional space, creating an illusion of audio objects
moving overhead or around the listener.

In a Dolby Atmos setup, the sound is no longer confined to

specific channels. Instead, audio objects are rendered in real-time
to the listener's environment, ensuring a consistent and immersive
experience regardless of the playback system.

Dolby Atmos represents the pinnacle of immersive audio

technology, offering an unparalleled listening experience. It's a
testament to how far we've come from the days of mono and
stereo, opening up new horizons for audio professionals and
enthusiasts alike.

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CHAPTER FOUR: BINAURAL AUDIO

Binaural audio is the art of creating a three-dimensional sound

experience using just two audio channels, one for each ear. This
technique is fundamental in replicating the natural listening
experience, offering a depth and realism that traditional stereo
can't achieve.

Understanding Binaural Recording

The principle behind binaural recording is
simple yet profound. It involves capturing
audio exactly as it would be heard by the
human ears. This is typically done using two
microphones placed within a model of a
human head, at the position of the ears.
The shape of the head and ears affects the
sound waves, just like in natural hearing,
creating a highly realistic and immersive
audio experience.

Binaural in Virtual Reality and Beyond

In virtual reality, binaural audio is essential. It provides a sense of
space and direction crucial for an immersive VR experience.
Beyond VR, binaural recordings are used in music and sound
design to create a more intimate and realistic listening
experience, particularly when listened to with headphones.

Binaural Audio, with its unique ability to replicate the human

listening experience, is a testament to the incredible
advancements in audio technology. It's a bridge between the
listener and the sound, offering an immersion that is as close to
reality as possible.

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CHAPTER FIVE: TIPS FOR IMMERSIVE MIXING

Monitoring
When monitoring Dolby Atmos mixes, aim for a target loudness of
-18LKFS. Set up your surround sound to monitor at 82-85 SPL,
using an SPL meter or app. Adjust pre-mixed stems to achieve a
solid balance at this volume. This approach ensures your mix has
headroom and avoids digital clipping.

Stereo Reference
As an immersive mixer, your task is to maintain the tonal balance
and decisions of the stereo reference. Route the stereo reference
to a virtual sound card to compare (AB) your immersive mix with
the stereo mix.
Don’t route the stereo mix to the 7.1.2 bed or objects. If you lack a
separate audio interface output for the stereo mix, use objects
but turn off binaural settings to avoid spatial processing on the
stereo master.

Plug-in Processing
When working with processed tracks, your role is to respect the
original creative intent, not to extensively alter reverbs and delays.
Focus on refining the mix using tools that minimally impact it,
addressing inconsistencies like muddiness.

Dynamic EQs and transient shapers are preferable since bus

compressors or limiters aren't options.

For side speaker panning, use filters to soften tonal peaks.

Tools like MicroPitch Immersive are useful for spreading tracks in
the room, enhancing tonality without causing phasing issues.
Remember to check the speaker mix on headphones and adjust
the BInaural settings (Off, Near, Mid, and Far) accordingly while
referencing the stereo reference.

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CHAPTER SIX: WHAT IS SPATIAL AUDIO?

The Essence of Spatial Audio

Spatial audio allows listeners to perceive sound in a way that
closely mimics how we experience sound in the real world. For
instance, in a live concert setting, you hear music coming from the
stage, crowd noise from around you, and perhaps the subtle
echoes bouncing off the venue's walls. Spatial audio seeks to
replicate this experience, making you feel as if you're right in the
middle of the scene, whether it's a concert hall, a busy street, or
an imaginary world in a movie or video game.

The Technology Behind Spatial Audio

To achieve this, spatial audio uses a combination of advanced
sound recording techniques, audio processing, and playback
technologies. It often involves the use of object-based audio
formats like Dolby Atmos, where individual sounds can be placed
and moved in a three-dimensional space. When played back
through compatible hardware - whether it's a headphone or a
multi-speaker setup - the technology creates a convincing
illusion of sound originating from different points in space around
the listener.

Why is Spatial Audio Significant?

Spatial audio represents a significant leap in how we experience
recorded sound. For content creators and audio professionals, it
opens up new creative possibilities, allowing for more dynamic
and engaging storytelling through sound. For listeners, it offers a
more immersive and realistic experience, whether they're enjoying
music, movies, or interactive media.

In summary, spatial audio is not just an advancement in audio

technology; it's a redefinition of how sound is experienced,
blurring the lines between the virtual and the real, and creating a
more immersive auditory experience than ever before.

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CONCLUSION: THE FUTURE OF SOUND

As we journey through the evolution of audio from channel-based

to object-based, and explore the realms of Dolby Atmos and
binaural audio, one thing becomes abundantly clear: the world of
sound is experiencing a monumental shift. This guide has
navigated through these transformative technologies, each
playing a pivotal role in reshaping our auditory experiences.

As we conclude our journey through 'The Future of Audio: Beyond

Stereo to Immersive Audio,' I hope you've found inspiration and
insight into the vast potential of immersive sound. The world of
audio is constantly evolving, and staying ahead means continually
learning and adapting.

If you're excited about diving deeper into immersive audio and

want to explore how these concepts can be applied to your
specific goals and projects, I'd love to help you on a more
personal level. I offer private coaching sessions where we can
discuss your unique aspirations in immersive audio, tailor
strategies to your needs, and unlock your full potential in this
thrilling field. Click the weblink below to schedule a call.

Schedule a Call
Your passion for audio is a journey that's
always evolving, and I'm excited to be a
part of that journey with you. Let's explore
the possibilities together and shape the
future of sound!

Best regards,

ALEX SOLANO

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