Research
360 Spatial Audio, is an audio playback technology that creates the illusion of a 3D, 360-degree sound field around a listener. It goes beyond traditional surround sound by incorporating lateral and vertical audio directionality.
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This technology mimics how we hear sound in everyday life, creating an immersive experience where sounds can appear to envelop you from all directions. For example, individual sounds such as vocals, chorus, piano, guitar, bass, and even sounds of the live audience can be placed in a 360 spherical sound field.
Ambisonics & Stereoscopic
Ambisonics - This surround sound format uses a whole sphere. It includes the area above and below the listener as well as the horizontal plane. This technique records, mixes, and plays backs 360-degree, three-dimensional audio. When it comes to audio scenes, ambisonics views them as a complete 360-degree sphere of sound emanating from all directions around a central point. The most extensively used Ambisonics format available today, known as Ambisonics B-format, is a 4-channel format that is utilized in VR and 360-degree video.
Stereoscopics - The process of producing or enhancing the appearance of depth in an image through the use of stereopsis for binocular vision is known as stereoscopy, also known as stereoscopic imaging. It makes use of two images of the same thing, shot from somewhat different perspectives. When these pictures are combined, they provide the appearance of solidity and depth. The spectator is able to perceive 3D depth as a result. Stereoscopy creates the illusion of three-dimensional depth from a pair of two-dimensional images.
In this assignment, we will be focusing on Ambisonics sound.
Ambisonics Examples
Here are some immersive 360-degree videos that feature Ambisonics audio. These videos provide a captivating experience of music performances and horror-themed gameplay. The Ambisonics audio enhances the realism, making you feel as if you’re right in the middle of the action. Whether it’s the resonating sound of musical instruments during a concert or the eerie whispers in a horror game, the 360-degree view coupled with high-quality Ambisonics audio ensures a truly engaging and thrilling experience.
360° Audio / Video Examples
Sony’s 360 spatial sound technology showcases the power of 360-degree audio in a static environment, such as when watching movies or playing video games. This innovative technology vividly illustrates the stark contrast between traditional speaker audio and immersive 360-degree audio. It essentially transforms the way we experience sound, taking us from a conventional auditory experience to an all-encompassing, rich, and dynamic soundscape.
This 360-degree video showcases audio from a first-person perspective, where the viewer is sitting in a ship soaring through a desert. As an audience member, you’re immersed in a rich soundscape that includes the hum of the ship’s engine, the whoosh of other ships zipping past, and the whistle of the wind. This immersive experience was likely achieved using 3D modeling software, followed by the integration of 360-degree sound.
This breathtaking 360 Spatial Audio, created by Dolby, offers an immersive auditory experience. Not only can you discern sounds from left to right, but also from front to back. It even provides a visual representation of the sound’s origin, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
In this 360-degree video, the audience is transported to a movie theatre, creating an experience akin to visiting a cinema. The video commences with a series of short clips from an actual movie, all enhanced with 360 spatial audio. This innovative approach offers a truly immersive cinematic experience.