BEST RESOURCES FOR AMBISONICS AND SPATIAL AUDIO

Ambisonics and Spatial Audio 101

In our last blog post, we explained a quick overview of what Spatial Audio is and how to implement it into a DAW. In this post you will learn about the best resources to learn and understand Spatial Audio and how it works. Ambisonics and Spatial Audio is new to consumers and developers now although it has been around for many years. Why is that if it has been around since about 1928? Continue reading to find the best information on what Spatial Audio and Ambisonics is, how we use it, and where it originated from.

Spatial Sound, Audio Rendering & Ambisonics

Richard Elen, an educator at the Music Department of Ionian University in Corfu, Greece provided the public with a slideshare presentation of his knowledge on Ambisonics and Spatial Sound which give extensive amounts of in depth detail of the process and history of Spatial Sound. This is a great starting point for you to learn a broad overview on recording and rendering ambisonic material. Parts 1&2 of the presentation can be found here.

Part 3 of his presentation goes further in depth on soundfield microphone principles and how this correlates to ambisonic microphone array principles. This presentation will go further on to explain the pioneers of the surround sound innovators such as Michael A Gerzon who developed the first technology for ambisonics that we use today which were ahead of there time. You will learn about the importance of A-format to B-format and what these represent. As well as understanding why and how ambisonics must be transmitted due to limitation. lastly this will point you to useful tools to create ambisonics and the requirements to do so. All of the information can be found in this presentation here.

Highly recommended DAW and VST’s for creating ambisonics

Daniel Courville Ambisonics Studio has provided numerous articles and downloads for creators looking to begin production for ambisonics. Whether your looking for pre or post production processes, this website will give you much more information on what you will need to be successful in creating immersive content FOR FREE! Learn more here.

For a list of all currently maintained and legacy ambisonic tools click this link to browse and contribute to sharing knowledge on ambisonics.

Providing immersive content for TV, Streaming and VR applications

Currently there are multiple formats to render ambisonics for consuming purposes. Depending on what application you are looking to provide your immersive experience for it is important to know what format is needed to properly distribute your content. Streaming service such as Tidal and Deezer have implemented sections of their services specifically for interactive immersive audio. These services utilize a format known as MPEG-H. To learn more about this format and how broadcasting platforms utilizes this format for TV, Streaming and VR applications click here.

360 Reality Audio Streaming Providers, Studios, and Technology Developers

As mentioned above, there is a variety of immersive platforms in place to provide consumers with immersive content. TechHive has provided information on Sony’s 360 Reality Audio which is an immersive-audio system, not unlike Dolby Atmos or DTS-X although the intended application is for music rather than soundtracks. This utilizes a format known as MPEG-H. The final mix of musical audio is encoded with MPEG-H which is an audio codec which supports immersive audio. MPEG-H is intended to be played back through headphones or a smartphone with immersive audio capabilities. This opens the door for HRTF or Head Related Transfer Function which allows audio to react in real time to a listeners head position to the audio. Sony has implemented HRTF to their Headphone Connect App for IOS and Android which enables you to personalize the HRTF to the shape of your head. Read all the information and capabilities of 360 Reality Audio and HRTF here.

Congratulations! You made it. You have just learned everything about Ambisonics and all the benefits of how to create, distribute, and consume spatial content from your smart phone. Welcome to the future. To continue your education on Spatial Audio and Ambisonics read our previous blog post.