lines of work : 3D audio papers
applied contexts – RESEARCH & ACADEMIC PUBLISHING
Pioneered by Danish-based seismograph.org in September 2016, this emerging academic format explores the academic essay in sonic form, pairing performative use and understanding of language with other sonic materials and environments.
Presented at Lund University in Malmo, October 2017, a growing number of artists & researchers in sonic domains are experimenting with the possibilities of this novel format.
Audio papers have the potential to expand an audience beyond just the academic one, increasing an author’s presence and discoverability. Perhaps of most interest to sonic researchers, the audio paper allows authors to present their research in the context of the sonic work itself.
A 3D audio paper offers entirely new layers of experience for the listener and creative input for the author. When the listener is immersed in a 3D sound space, proximity of the speaking voice and the acoustic qualities of the space become active elements and part of the creative toolkit for realising the cognitive and emotional impact of the work.
Our 3D audio paper production combines physical binaural recording* with Virtual Acoustics and data sonification in order to reconstruct or simulate any 3D acoustic situation. That involves capturing space signatures, simulating volumetric sound, located sound and spatial sound animation. The audio is mastered as a convenient stereo file (2CH) intended for ear/headphone listening.
*Binaural recording involves placing two microphones inside a dummy-head at the ear-drums. Someone listening back on earphones is then wrapped in the same sound scene that the dummy-head ‘experiences’. As in stereoscopic vision, a depth-of-field and height-of-field is created and we feel immersed in a 360º sphere centred around our own ears. Sounds above and below our body are equally possible as well as the full range in the left, right, front and back. We can hear sounds at various distances, azimuths or elevations with respect to our body position.
