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Spatial Audio

Spatial audio is an advanced audio technology that creates a three-dimensional sound environment, giving the impression that sound is coming from all around the listener.

This technology is used to create a more immersive experience in various applications, including music, film, gaming, and extended reality (XR).

Spatial Audio

Key features of spatial audio

  • Three-dimensional sound: Spatial audio simulates sound in a three-dimensional space, allowing listeners to perceive sound from different directions and distances, including above and below them.
  • Dynamic response: The technology often includes dynamic head tracking, which adjusts the sound based on the listener's orientation and position.
  • Immersive experience: Spatial audio more closely mimics how we hear sound in the real world, enhancing the realism of virtual environments and multimedia experiences.

Spatial Audio Applications

  • Virtual and Augmented Reality: In VR and AR, spatial audio is critical to creating a believable and immersive environment.
  • Film and television: Filmmakers use spatial audio to enhance the viewing experience and make viewers feel right in the middle of the action.
  • Music: Musicians and producers can use spatial audio to create a new level of depth in music production.
  • Gaming: In video games, spatial audio can give players a competitive advantage by accurately reproducing the direction of important sounds.

Spatial audio is a key component of the next generation of audio technologies.

XR devices that support spatial audio

Several AR and VR devices support spatial audio.

Virtual Reality (VR) Devices:

  • Oculus Quest 2: spatial audio system, multiple audio formats, immersive sound
  • PlayStation VR (PSVR): Supports spatial audio, requires headphones
  • HTC Vive Pro: Hi-Res certified headphones, spatial audio capabilities
  • Valve Index: In-ear speakers, immersive sound experiences

Augmented Reality (AR) Devices:

  • Microsoft HoloLens 2: spatial audio system, mixed reality experiences with sound
  • Magic Leap 1: spatial audio system, immersive sound experiences

Mixed Reality (XR) Devices:

  • Varjo XR-3: spatial audio support, high fidelity audio
  • Meta Quest Pro: spatial audio, high-end features for immersive soundscapes
  • Apple Vision Pro: Advanced spatial audio system, dynamic head tracking, realistic sound localization

More devices and accessories:

  • Sony WH-1000XM4: 360 Reality Audio
  • Apple AirPods Pro / AirPods Max: Spatial audio support for Apple devices

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