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Binaural audio July 22, 2007

Posted by Fadil in : Technology, Music , trackback

I have just found out about a very interesting audio recording technique called binaural recording. The name itself is sort of revealing. According to Wikipedia, two microphones placed a certain distance apart and facing away from each other are used during the recording process in studio. This is done to emulate the the receptive capabilities of a person’s ears. For more realistic effects, the mics are placed into ear-shaped moulds found on each side of a dummy head.

This technique can reproduce 360 degrees surround sound effects with only two output sources. It is simply amazing. A number of artists in the music industry have released commercial tracks recorded this way. The most notable of these is Pink Floyd’s 1982 album entitled The Final Cut. I have listened to a sample from the album, and I have to say it’s breathtaking, and a little creepy as well.

Here is a really great binaural audio clip called “A Virtual Haicut”. It demonstates what can be achieved using holophonics while detailing the experiment at the same time.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The clip should be listened to using stereo headphones/earphones. The intended effects are NOT achieved with regular loudspeakers.


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UPDATE: There seems to be a problem on the ODEO server. Here is a direct link to the file.

Comments»

1. Yashvin - July 23, 2007

welcome back fads!

u r becoming rare these days!

2. Fadil - July 23, 2007

Thank you Yashvin! :) Yes… I’m gonna have a holiday resolution: Blog more! :)

3. reen - August 20, 2007

i finally found my ear phones… now i understand wat u meant the other day!!! i like it:)

4. Fadil - August 21, 2007

Great! :) Yeah the audio clip is pretty cool! How did you find the whisper?

5. reen - August 27, 2007

ct kinda creepy sa!!! yen a encor comsa?

6. Fadil - August 27, 2007

Yep ca m’a fait sursauter le truk! Hmm g encore 2 3 clips enregistrés de la meme facon, mais c pas tout a fait la meme chose! Je te fais ecouter plus tard!