In my last blog, I discussed surround sound. Following this, immersive audio emerged as a notable development. Even though both of these technologies create an immersive audio experience, immersive audio utilises a different principle.
In conventional audio setups like stereo or surround sound, every audio component is designated to particular channels or channel groups, whereas in immersive audio formats, each sound is considered an independent “object,” that can be positioned anywhere in the three-dimensional auditory space. The immersive audio is encoded with metadata that describes the audio objects within the scene rather than being tied to specific channels or speakers. This allows the audio to adapt dynamically to different speaker configurations, making it suitable for a wide range of playback setups. So, regardless of whether you’re listening on headphones, a stereo system, or a full surround sound setup, the audio can adjust to provide an immersive experience through dynamic adjustments in timing, volume, and effects, creating an ambient environment. create an ambience within it. This is what allows this technology to be experienced with a set of headphones.
I listened to a few examples of immersive audio and tried to compare it to stereo. Indeed, immersive sound creates a “stereo” field which is much wider, allowing each instrument to shine in the mix. A lot of elements were more prominent in immersive mixes and created a sense of absorption into the music. However, in my future mixes and listening experiences, I would most likely use stereo.
I can’t quite put my finger on the reason why I lean towards stereo rather than immersive audio. Perhaps, it’s the case of familiarity but I prefer all the elements of music to be positioned in a tighter sonic space from left to right, as, to me, they sound more organic this way. However, it is impossible to deny that immersive audio exhibits an impressive appeal and holds promise for the future.
Ref. list:
Inglis, Sam. “An Introduction to Immersive Audio.” Www.soundonsound.com, Jan. 2022, www.soundonsound.com/techniques/introduction-immersive-audio. Accessed 10 May 2024.
Kopp, Bill. “GRAMMY.com.” Www.grammy.com, 16 May 2022, www.grammy.com/news/what-is-immersive-audio-industry-explainer-dolby-atmos. Accessed 10 May 2024.
Launder, Lucy. “What Is Immersive Audio?” Abbey Road, 14 May 2023, www.abbeyroad.com/news/what-is-immersive-audio-3273. Accessed 10 May 2024.