We’ve all heard of stereo and surround sound, but what is it called when audio comes from every direction, including above and below, to create a richer, more realistic experience?
Wearing silent-disco headphones, more than 70 people were treated to an “immersive audio” experience at Plymouth University in November.
Extolling this “ultimate listening experience” was award-winning sound designer and Twofour Post Production Head of Audio Jeremy Lock, who asked the audience to “close your eyes and be transported to another world – the real world”.
During his masterclass, Lock demonstrated how anyone, from media professionals to students, could simply attach two micro- phones to a cap near each ear to record binaural audio.
“All of a sudden, a simple walk to the shops or a visit to the barber has become hugely engaging and totally real, with sounds hitting your ears from different directions, all at different times,” he explained. Taking that audio into post, Lock demonstrated how – by adding more audio such as wind, car sirens or helicopters – you can “take the listener’s experience to a whole new level” by using software to position sounds “above, below, left and right, anywhere, anytime.
“Unlike the dusty surround sound system in the loft, immersive audio is on its way to your living rooms and will be here to stay,” he said.
“To have someone like Jeremy, who has over 30 years’ experience, showing my students these methods is mindblowing,” said Plymouth University film-making lecturer Linda Ward. “Some of my class have told me they are so excited to use some of these methods, and I can’t wait to hear the results.”
The RTS Devon and Cornwall masterclass, “Immersive audio: a new dimension in sound?”, was supported by Twofour Post and Plymouth University
