Episode 100 State of Play of Immersive Audio – Past, Present & Future (SXSW 2024)

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Episode 100 State of Play of Immersive Audio – Past, Present & Future (SXSW 2024)

Summary

In this 100th-anniversary episode of the Immersive Audio Podcast, Oliver Kadel and Monica Bolles travel to the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas to host a panel discussion on the State of Play of Immersive Audio – Past, Present & Future. We proudly feature our special guests the Segment Manager for Immersive and Experiential Applications at HOLOPLOT – Natalia Szczepanczyk and the Co-Founder and CTO of Audioscenic Limited – Marcos Simón.

This panel highlights the key developments that have defined the immersive audio industry for the past decade, reflects on the current trends and looks to the future. Our expert guests cover the key sectors: large-scale immersive events, interactive live performance, spatial audio for consumer devices and specialist virtual training and immersive media production. In an era where audio experiences are becoming increasingly integral to entertainment, gaming, virtual reality, and beyond, understanding the latest innovations and market dynamics is crucial. We discuss spatial audio, content creation, consumer adoption, and market challenges and opportunities.

Natalia Szczepanczyk (HOLOPLOT)

Natalia Szczepanczyk is the Segment Manager for Immersive and Experiential Applications at HOLOPLOT. She has a design and consultancy background and previously worked with loudspeaker manufacturer Genelec and consultancies Mouchel and Buro Happold. Natalia specialises in audio system design and acoustics for experiential audience experiences within the themed entertainment and experiential sectors.

Marcos Simón (AUDIOSCENIC)

Marcos Simón is the Co-Founder and CTO of Audioscenic Limited.  He is a world expert in sound beamforming technologies and audio signal processing that turned into an entrepreneur to change the way people currently consume spatial audio.  Marcos Simón graduated in 2010 from the Technical University of Madrid with a B.Sc. in Telecommunications. Later he joined the University of Southampton where he pursued a PhD in using sound beamforming to improve audibility in hard-of-hearing people. He later did post-doctoral research in spatial audio at the same institution and went on to co-found Audioscenic in 2019. Marcos is currently focused on the commercialisation of Audioscenic technology and on liaising with the wider audio industry advocating for making spatial audio a present reality. Marcos combines his innovation passion with a love for cooking, sailing and DJing electronic music.

Monica Bolles (Resonant Interactions)

Monica Bolles has been working with spatial audio since 2011 when she first gained access to her local planetarium’s 15.1-channel surround system. Since then she has been continuously building toolsets in Max MSP to create large textured soundscapes that explore space, movement, and interaction. She is both a technician and an artist. She works to help artists and composers translate their work to spatial environments while at the same time creating and producing her own works that have been exhibited in large-scale multi-channel speaker arrays ranging in size from 8 to 140 channels. She is currently co-host of the Immersive Audio Podcast and helps to host the Spatial Audio Meetups organized by NOTAM.

Oliver Kadel (1.618 Digital)

Oliver Kadel is a multi-award-winning 3D sound designer, recording and mixing engineer based in London, UK. Since 2014 he’s worked on over 200 projects delivering spatial and interactive audio for new-generation immersive media including VR, MR, AR and 360, covering a broad range of sectors from virtual training and branded content to films, gaming, and location-based installations.  In early 2018, Oliver and his team launched the Immersive Audio Podcast which hosts industry experts and influential guests discussing all areas of immersive audio and the XR industry.

Listen to Podcast

Shownotes

SXSW – https://schedule.sxsw.com/2024/events/PP132288

Natalia Szczepanczyk – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nszcz/

HOLOPLOT – https://holoplot.com

Marcos Simón – https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmfsg/

AUDIOSCENIC – https://www.audioscenic.com/

Monica Bolles – https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-bolles/

Oliver Kadel – https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverkadel/

Our Sponsors

HHB Communications is the UK’s leader in Pro Audio Technology. For years HHB has been delivering the latest and most innovative pro audio solutions to the world’s top recording studios, post facilities, and broadcasters. The team at HHB provide best-in-class consultation, installation, training, and technical support to customers who want to build or upgrade their studio environment for immersive audio workflow. To find out more or book a demo at their HQ facility visit www.hhb.co.uk

Innovate Audio offers a range of software-based spatial audio processing tools. Their latest product, panLab Console, is a macOS application that adds 3D spatial audio rendering capabilities to live audio mixing consoles, including popular models from Yamaha, Midas and Behringer. This means you can achieve an object-based audio workflow, utilising the hardware you already own. Immersive Audio Podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% discount on all panLab licences, use code Immersive20 at checkout. Find out more at innovateaudio.co.uk *Offer available until June 2024.*

HOLOPLOT is a Berlin-based pro-audio company, which features the multi-award-winning X1 Matrix Array. X1 is software-driven, combining 3D Audio-Beamforming and Wave Field Synthesis to achieve authentic sound localisation and complete control over sound in both the vertical and horizontal axes. HOLOPLOT is pivoting the revolution in sound control, enabling the positioning of virtual loudspeakers within a space, allowing for a completely new way of designing and experiencing immersive audio on a large scale. To find more, visit holoplot.com.

Our Patreon

If you enjoy the podcast and would like to show your support please consider becoming a Patreon. Not only are you supporting us, but you will also get special access to bonus content and much more.

Find out more on our official Patreon page – https://www.patreon.com/immersiveaudiopodcast

We thank you kindly in advance!

Survey

We want to hear from you! We really value our community and would appreciate it if you would take our very quick survey and help us make the Immersive Audio Podcast even better: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3Y9B2MJ Thank you!

Credits

This episode was produced by Oliver Kadel and Emma Rees and included music by Rhythm Scott.

Episode 99 Treble Technologies – Next Generation Acoustic Simulation (Part 2)

Summary

In this episode of the Immersive Audio Podcast, Oliver Kadel travels to Reykjavik, Iceland, to meet Treble Technologies whose mission is to enable a better-sounding world. Treble is a start-up that built the world’s leading acoustic simulation platform that can generate interactive, real-time, immersive audio-visual auralizations. In this two-part series, we will explore the complex world of acoustic simulation.

In this second part, we dive more into audio product design and the close collaborative process between the developers and the software users. We’ll cover the emerging market of synthetic data generation for machine learning and talk about the future road map for Treble.

Dr Finnur Pind, CEO & Founder

Finnur has 15+ years’ of experience in sound simulation technology, spatial audio, computational mathematics, and software engineering, as well as considerable experience in management and public speaking. Finnur is a globally recognized thought leader within the acoustics and audio industries and a recurring keynote speaker at various audio and startup events. His PhD research at DTU was done in collaboration with Henning Larsen Architects, a global leader in sustainable and tech-driven architecture. Prior to his PhD research work, he was an acoustic consultant at EFLA Consulting Engineers for 3 years and a software engineer at Síminn for 2 years. Finnur’s responsibilities within Treble are mainly focused on driving the longer-term and big-picture strategy of the company as well as supporting the company’s various teams and managers in obtaining the company’s goals. Since the founding of Treble, Finnur has participated in and won numerous competitions & awards.

Jesper Pedersen CPO & Founder

10 years of experience in acoustic simulations, virtual prototyping, and product development. Jesper spent 6 years at Oticon (a producer of hearing aids) as a lead simulation specialist. After that, he ran his acoustic consultancy before joining forces with Finnur to start Treble Technologies. Jesper’s responsibilities within Treble are primarily to lead the product development at Treble and to work on the company’s overall strategy.

Gunnar P. Hauksson CCO & Co-Founder

Over a decade of experience in sales- and marketing management, entrepreneurship and business development. Extensive experience in sales- and marketing management (8 years in Key account management, and as a sales and marketing manager at Iceland’s largest IT company) as well as project management. Gunnar founded and managed other software start-ups in the past. Gunnar is responsible for business development, business strategy, sales channel development and customer success at Treble.

Aslaug Gisladottir UX Front-end Developer

With 8 years of front-end development expertise, Aslaug has cultivated her skills in diverse environments. Her journey began at iQmetrix where she developed contactless Restaurant & Hospitality solutions as well as Virtual Queuing for physical retail locations. Later, she contributed her talents to Shopify’s Brand and Audience Expansion Marketing UX team, leading development efforts for various marketing initiatives. Now in her role as a UX Front-end Developer at Treble, she specialises in tackling challenges with a user-first mindset. Her guiding question at Treble is simple yet powerful: How can we, at Treble, create the best user experience for our users.

Listen to Podcast

Show Notes

Treble Technologies Website – https://www.treble.tech/

Treble Technologies Validation Cases – https://docs.treble.tech/validation

Start your Full 30-day Free Treble Trial – https://www.treble.tech/free-trial

Finnur Pind Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/finnurpind/

Jesper Pedersen Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedersenjesper85/

Gunnar P. Hauksson Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gunnarpetur/

Aslaug Gisladottir Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/aslaugsollilja/

Our Sponsors

HHB Communications is the UK’s leader in Pro Audio Technology. For years HHB has been delivering the latest and most innovative pro audio solutions to the world’s top recording studios, post facilities, and broadcasters. The team at HHB provide best-in-class consultation, installation, training, and technical support to customers who want to build or upgrade their studio environment for immersive audio workflow. To find out more or book a demo at their HQ facility visit www.hhb.co.uk

Innovate Audio offers a range of software-based spatial audio processing tools. Their latest product, panLab Console, is a macOS application that adds 3D spatial audio rendering capabilities to live audio mixing consoles, including popular models from Yamaha, Midas and Behringer. This means you can achieve an object-based audio workflow, utilising the hardware you already own. Immersive Audio Podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% discount on all panLab licences, use code Immersive20 at checkout. Find out more at innovateaudio.co.uk *Offer available until June 2024.*

HOLOPLOT is a Berlin-based pro-audio company, which features the multi-award-winning X1 Matrix Array. X1 is software-driven, combining 3D Audio-Beamforming and Wave Field Synthesis to achieve authentic sound localisation and complete control over sound in both the vertical and horizontal axes. HOLOPLOT is pivoting the revolution in sound control, enabling the positioning of virtual loudspeakers within a space, allowing for a completely new way of designing and experiencing immersive audio on a large scale. To find more, visit holoplot.com.

Survey

We want to hear from you! We really value our community and would appreciate it if you would take our very quick survey and help us make the Immersive Audio Podcast even better: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3Y9B2MJ Thank you!

Credits

This episode was produced by Oliver Kadel and Emma Rees and included music by Rhythm Scott.

Episode 98 Treble Technologies – Next Generation Acoustic Simulation (Part 1)

Summary

In this episode of the Immersive Audio Podcast, Oliver Kadel travels to Reykjavik, Iceland, to meet Treble Technologies whose mission is to enable a better-sounding world. Treble is a start-up that built the world’s leading acoustic simulation platform that can generate interactive, real-time, immersive audio-visual auralizations. In this two-part series, we will explore the complex world of acoustic simulation.

In this first part, we meet Treble’s core founding team members, where the CEO Finnur Pind tells a full story of what motivated them to start the company. You will learn what acoustic simulation is, how the Treble platform works across different use cases and you will hear a real-time binaural audio demo of Treble auralization. 

Dr Finnur Pind, CEO & Founder

Finnur has 15+ years’ of experience in sound simulation technology, spatial audio, computational mathematics, and software engineering, as well as considerable experience in management and public speaking. Finnur is a globally recognized thought leader within the acoustics and audio industries and a recurring keynote speaker at various audio and startup events. His PhD research at DTU was done in collaboration with Henning Larsen Architects, a global leader in sustainable and tech-driven architecture. Prior to his PhD research work, he was an acoustic consultant at EFLA Consulting Engineers for 3 years and a software engineer at Síminn for 2 years. Finnur’s responsibilities within Treble are mainly focused on driving the longer-term and big-picture strategy of the company as well as supporting the company’s various teams and managers in obtaining the company’s goals. Since the founding of Treble, Finnur has participated in and won numerous competitions & awards.

Jesper Pedersen CPO & Founder

10 years of experience in acoustic simulations, virtual prototyping, and product development. Jesper spent 6 years at Oticon (a producer of hearing aids) as a lead simulation specialist. After that, he ran his acoustic consultancy before joining forces with Finnur to start Treble Technologies. Jesper’s responsibilities within Treble are primarily to lead the product development at Treble and to work on the company’s overall strategy.

Gunnar P. Hauksson CCO & Co-Founder

Over a decade of experience in sales- and marketing management, entrepreneurship and business development. Extensive experience in sales- and marketing management (8 years in Key account management, and as a sales and marketing manager at Iceland’s largest IT company) as well as project management. Gunnar founded and managed other software start-ups in the past. Gunnar is responsible for business development, business strategy, sales channel development and customer success at Treble.

Aslaug Gisladottir UX Front-end Developer

With 8 years of front-end development expertise, Aslaug has cultivated her skills in diverse environments. Her journey began at iQmetrix where she developed contactless Restaurant & Hospitality solutions as well as Virtual Queuing for physical retail locations. Later, she contributed her talents to Shopify’s Brand and Audience Expansion Marketing UX team, leading development efforts for various marketing initiatives. Now in her role as a UX Front-end Developer at Treble, she specialises in tackling challenges with a user-first mindset. Her guiding question at Treble is simple yet powerful: How can we, at Treble, create the best user experience for our users.

Listen to Podcast

Show Notes

Treble Technologies Website – https://www.treble.tech/

Treble Technologies Validation Cases – https://docs.treble.tech/validation

Start your Full 30-day Free Treble Trial – https://www.treble.tech/free-trial

Finnur Pind Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/finnurpind/

Jesper Pedersen Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedersenjesper85/

Gunnar P. Hauksson Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gunnarpetur/

Aslaug Gisladottir Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/aslaugsollilja/

Our Sponsors

HHB Communications is the UK’s leader in Pro Audio Technology. For years HHB has been delivering the latest and most innovative pro audio solutions to the world’s top recording studios, post facilities, and broadcasters. The team at HHB provide best-in-class consultation, installation, training, and technical support to customers who want to build or upgrade their studio environment for immersive audio workflow. To find out more or book a demo at their HQ facility visit www.hhb.co.uk

Innovate Audio offers a range of software-based spatial audio processing tools. Their latest product, panLab Console, is a macOS application that adds 3D spatial audio rendering capabilities to live audio mixing consoles, including popular models from Yamaha, Midas and Behringer. This means you can achieve an object-based audio workflow, utilising the hardware you already own. Immersive Audio Podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% discount on all panLab licences, use code Immersive20 at checkout. Find out more at innovateaudio.co.uk *Offer available until June 2024.*

HOLOPLOT is a Berlin-based pro-audio company, which features the multi-award-winning X1 Matrix Array. X1 is software-driven, combining 3D Audio-Beamforming and Wave Field Synthesis to achieve authentic sound localisation and complete control over sound in both the vertical and horizontal axes. HOLOPLOT is pivoting the revolution in sound control, enabling the positioning of virtual loudspeakers within a space, allowing for a completely new way of designing and experiencing immersive audio on a large scale. To find more, visit holoplot.com.

Survey

We want to hear from you! We really value our community and would appreciate it if you would take our very quick survey and help us make the Immersive Audio Podcast even better: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3Y9B2MJ Thank you!

Credits

This episode was produced by Oliver Kadel and Emma Rees and included music by Rhythm Scott.

Episode 97 Patrick Cairns (AudioLab, Immersive Network Music Performance)

This episode is sponsored by HHB Communications, the UK’s leader in Pro Audio Technology. For years HHB has been delivering the latest and most innovative pro audio solutions to the world’s top recording studios, post facilities, and broadcasters. The team at HHB provide best-in-class consultation, installation, training, and technical support to customers who want to build or upgrade their studio environment for immersive audio workflow. To find out more or book a demo at their HQ facility visit www.hhb.co.uk

Summary

In this episode of the Immersive Audio Podcast, Oliver Kadel is joined by the remote audio network engineer and PhD candidate at AudioLab, the University of York – Patrick Cairns from Glasgow, Scotland.

Patrick graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University (2019) with a BSc in Audio Systems Engineering. Patrick has since achieved an MSc by research in Audio Technology at the Audiolab, University of York (2021), where they currently continue their research as a PhD student. Patrick’s research explores the development, application and evaluation of bleeding-edge network music performance systems, with a focus on immersive audio. This work investigates how spatial audio and virtual acoustics can be applied to make network music experiences more like live performance, and examines the effect this can have on the way we interact with one another musically in shared virtual spaces. Patrick’s research also includes high-impact industry collaboration within the MINERVA project. Beyond academia, Patrick is an avid enthusiast of all things audio and has experience in various roles across the industry, including broadcast, live sound, sound for film, and music recording and production.

Patrick discusses in depth the current advancements in remote spatial audio networking for a range of industry use cases covering the core technology, signal flow and production workflows.

Listen to Podcast

Show Notes

Patrick Cairns Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-cairns-178387248/  

Patrick Cairns AudioLab – https://audiolab.york.ac.uk

University of York – https://www.york.ac.uk/

Musical Interactions in Networked Experiences using Real-time Virtual Audio (MINERVA) – https://audiolab.york.ac.uk/minerva/

Scalable Audio Frameworks For Immersive Realtime Experiences (SAFFIRE) – https://audiolab.york.ac.uk/saffire/

AudioLab’s Spatial Audio Library, York – Huddersfield Networked Performance – https://audiolab.york.ac.uk/library/york-huddersfield-performance/

Evaluation of Metaverse Music Performance With BBC Maida Vale Recording Studios – https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=22139

Recording Music in the Metaverse: A case study of XR BBC Maida Vale Recording Studios – https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=21842

Immersive Network Music Performance: Design and Practical Deployment of a system for Immersive Vocal Performance – https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=20918

Parametric Evaluation of Ensemble Vocal Performance Using an Immersive Network Music Performance Audio System – https://secure.aes.org/forum/pubs/journal/?elib=21541

AES Paper: Context-Based Evaluation of the Opus Audio Codec for Spatial Audio Content in Virtual Reality – https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=22037

Our Sponsors

Innovate Audio offers a range of software-based spatial audio processing tools. Their latest product, panLab Console, is a macOS application that adds 3D spatial audio rendering capabilities to live audio mixing consoles, including popular models from Yamaha, Midas and Behringer. This means you can achieve an object-based audio workflow, utilising the hardware you already own. Immersive Audio Podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% discount on all panLab licences, use code Immersive20 at checkout. Find out more at innovateaudio.co.uk *Offer available until June 2024.*

HOLOPLOT is a Berlin-based pro-audio company, which features the multi-award-winning X1 Matrix Array. X1 is software-driven, combining 3D Audio-Beamforming and Wave Field Synthesis to achieve authentic sound localisation and complete control over sound in both the vertical and horizontal axes. HOLOPLOT is pivoting the revolution in sound control, enabling the positioning of virtual loudspeakers within a space, allowing for a completely new way of designing and experiencing immersive audio on a large scale. To find more, visit holoplot.com.

Survey

We want to hear from you! We really value our community and would appreciate it if you would take our very quick survey and help us make the Immersive Audio Podcast even better: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3Y9B2MJ Thank you!

Credits

This episode was produced by Oliver Kadel and Emma Rees and included music by Rhythm Scott.

Episode 96 Anthony Hunt (AudioLab, Avatar Representation in Extended Reality for Immersive Networked Music Performance)

This episode is sponsored by HHB Communications, the UK’s leader in Pro Audio Technology. For years HHB has been delivering the latest and most innovative pro audio solutions to the world’s top recording studios, post facilities, and broadcasters. The team at HHB provide best-in-class consultation, installation, training, and technical support to customers who want to build or upgrade their studio environment for immersive audio workflow. To find out more or book a demo at their HQ facility visit www.hhb.co.uk

Summary

In this episode of the Immersive Audio Podcast, Oliver Kadel is joined by the PhD researcher at AudioLab, the University of York – Anthony Hunt from Toulouse, France.

Having graduated from the University of York (2021) with an MSc degree in Audio and Music Technology, Anthony joined the Audiolab research team in October 2021.  He is currently undertaking a PhD program on “Virtual representation of performers in Extended Reality Networked Music Performance (XR-NMP)” under the supervision of Prof. Gavin Kearney and Prof. Helena Daffern. This project aims to better understand which bodily elements are essential to represent the performer in the XR-NMP context, and how it impacts their sense of social presence.

Anthony discusses his research in avatar representation in extended reality for immersive networked music performance and what impacts social presence and immersion.

Listen to Podcast

Show Notes

Anthony Hunt Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-hunt-3948a9196/  

AudioLab – https://audiolab.york.ac.uk/

University of York – https://www.york.ac.uk/

Avatar representation in Extended Reality for Immersive Networked Music Performance AES Paper – https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=22183

Introducing Apple Vision Pro: Apple’s first spatial computer – https://www.apple.com/uk/newsroom/2023/06/introducing-apple-vision-pro/ Sony Reveals Standalone MR Headset with “4K” OLED Displays and Unique Controllers – https://www.roadtovr.com/sony-mr-headset-4k-oled-unique-controllers/

New Qualcomm MR Reference Headset Shows What to Expect From Samsung – https://www.roadtovr.com/qualcomm-snapdragon-xr2-plus-gen-2-mr-reference-headset-samsung/

Wi-Fi Alliance® introduces Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 7™ – https://www.wi-fi.org/news-events/newsroom/wi-fi-alliance-introduces-wi-fi-certified-7

ab Imager – https://www.audiobrewers.com/plugins/p/ab-imager

dearVR PRO 2 – https://www.dear-reality.com/products/dearvr-pro-2?utm_source=kla&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pro2-2401&utm_id=01HMBSFT423E2WCHP4MNA7GW8X&_kx=ykxJMCBtaSl7r65f0QEfZG4tlLXuyNm0ohkuZhTNzbY%3D.WrPMAF

Announcing Living Sky – https://www.gpu.audio/newsfeed/announcing-living-sky-a-cutting-edge-spatial-reverb-that-forges-a-new-partnership-between-gpu-audio-outer-echo-and-mntra-instruments-27

Atmoky True Spatial – https://atmoky.com/  

Our Sponsors

Innovate Audio offers a range of software-based spatial audio processing tools. Their latest product, panLab Console, is a macOS application that adds 3D spatial audio rendering capabilities to live audio mixing consoles, including popular models from Yamaha, Midas and Behringer. This means you can achieve an object-based audio workflow, utilising the hardware you already own. Immersive Audio Podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% discount on all panLab licences, use code Immersive20 at checkout. Find out more at innovateaudio.co.uk *Offer available until June 2024.*

HOLOPLOT is a Berlin-based pro-audio company, which features the multi-award-winning X1 Matrix Array. X1 is software-driven, combining 3D Audio-Beamforming and Wave Field Synthesis to achieve authentic sound localisation and complete control over sound in both the vertical and horizontal axes. HOLOPLOT is pivoting the revolution in sound control, enabling the positioning of virtual loudspeakers within a space, allowing for a completely new way of designing and experiencing immersive audio on a large scale. To find more, visit holoplot.com.

Survey

We want to hear from you! We really value our community and would appreciate it if you would take our very quick survey and help us make the Immersive Audio Podcast even better: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3Y9B2MJ Thank you!

Credits

This episode was produced by Oliver Kadel and Emma Rees and included music by Rhythm Scott.

Episode 95 Gavin Kearney & Helena Daffern (AudioLab, University of York)

This episode is sponsored by HHB Communications, the UK’s leader in Pro Audio Technology. For years HHB has been delivering the latest and most innovative pro audio solutions to the world’s top recording studios, post facilities, and broadcasters. The team at HHB provide best-in-class consultation, installation, training, and technical support to customers who want to build or upgrade their studio environment for immersive audio workflow. To find out more or book a demo at their HQ facility visit www.hhb.co.uk

Summary

In this episode of the Immersive Audio Podcast, Oliver Kadel is joined by Professors Gavin Kearney and Helena Daffern from the AudioLab at the School of Physics Engineering and Technology at the University of York, UK.

Gavin Kearney is a Professor of Audio Engineering at the School of Physics Engineering and Technology at the University of York. He is an active researcher, technologist and sound designer for immersive technologies and has published over a hundred articles and patents relating to immersive audio. He graduated from Dublin Institute of Technology in 2002 with an honours degree in Electronic Engineering and has since obtained both MSc and PhD degrees in Audio Signal Processing from Trinity College Dublin. He joined the University of York as a Lecturer in Sound Design at the Department of Theatre, Film and Television in January 2011 and moved to the Department of Electronic Engineering in 2016. He leads a team of researchers at York Audiolab which focuses on different facets of immersive and interactive audio, including spatial audio and surround sound, real-time audio signal processing, Ambisonics and spherical acoustics, game audio/audio for virtual and augmented reality and recording and audio post-production technique development.

Helena Daffern is currently a Professor in Music Science and Technology at the School of Physics Engineering and Technology at the University of York. Her research utilises interdisciplinary approaches to investigate voice science and acoustics, particularly singing performance, vocal pedagogy, choral singing and singing for health and well-being. Recent projects explore the potential of virtual reality to improve access to group singing activities and as a tool for singing performance research. She received a BA (Hons.) degree in music, an M.A. degree in music, and a PhD in music technology, all from the University of York, UK, in 2004, 2005, and 2009. She went on to complete training as a classical singer at Trinity College of Music and worked in London as a singer and teacher before returning to York. Her research utilises interdisciplinary approaches to investigate voice science and acoustics, particularly singing performance, vocal pedagogy, choral singing and singing for health and well-being. Recent projects explore the potential of virtual reality to improve access to group singing activities and as a tool for singing performance research.

Helena and Gavin talk about the recently announced CoSTAR project – the initiative focuses on leveraging a novel R&D in virtual production technologies including CGI, spatial audio, motion capture and extended reality to create groundbreaking live performance experiences.

Listen to Podcast

Show Notes

Gavin Kearney Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-p-kearney/?originalSubdomain=uk

Helena Daffern Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/helena-daffern-32822439/?originalSubdomain=uk

AudioLab – https://audiolab.york.ac.uk/

University of York – https://www.york.ac.uk/

CoSTAR Project – https://audiolab.york.ac.uk/audiolab-at-the-forefront-of-pioneering-the-future-of-live-performance-with-a-new-rd-lab/

BBC Maida Vale Studios – https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/venue/bbc-maida-vale-studios 

AudioLab goes to BBC Maida Vale Recording Studios – https://audiolab.york.ac.uk/audiolab-goes-to-bbc-maida-vale-recording-studios/

Project SAFFIRE – https://audiolab.york.ac.uk/saffire/

Our Sponsors

Innovate Audio offers a range of software-based spatial audio processing tools. Their latest product, panLab Console, is a macOS application that adds 3D spatial audio rendering capabilities to live audio mixing consoles, including popular models from Yamaha, Midas and Behringer. This means you can achieve an object-based audio workflow, utilising the hardware you already own. Immersive Audio Podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% discount on all panLab licences, use code Immersive20 at checkout. Find out more at innovateaudio.co.uk *Offer available until June 2024.*

HOLOPLOT is a Berlin-based pro-audio company, which features the multi-award-winning X1 Matrix Array. X1 is software-driven, combining 3D Audio-Beamforming and Wave Field Synthesis to achieve authentic sound localisation and complete control over sound in both the vertical and horizontal axes. HOLOPLOT is pivoting the revolution in sound control, enabling the positioning of virtual loudspeakers within a space, allowing for a completely new way of designing and experiencing immersive audio on a large scale. To find more, visit holoplot.com.

Survey

We want to hear from you! We really value our community and would appreciate it if you would take our very quick survey and help us make the Immersive Audio Podcast even better: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3Y9B2MJ Thank you!

Credits

This episode was produced by Oliver Kadel and Emma Rees and included music by Rhythm Scott.

Episode 94 John Johnson (HHB – Multi Channel Sound Systems)

Summary

In this episode of the Immersive Audio Podcast, Oliver Kadel and Monica Bolles are joined by the Chief Technology Officer at HHB Communications – John Johnson from London, UK.

JJ has nearly two decades of experience supplying and supporting audio-visual equipment for post-production facilities, broadcasters, and music studios, worldwide. Managing the Pre-Sales, Training & Technical Support teams at HHB Communications, his focus on technology includes assisting the widespread adoption of Immersive  Audio such as Dolby Atmos and Apple Spatial Audio, and various implementations of Audio Visual over IP solutions – predominantly based on the Audinate Dante platform.

JJ covers in-depth the entire process of what it takes to install a multi-channel sound system, from small boutique production spaces to large-scale broadcasters and post facilities, covering the speaker set-ups, consultations, assisted installation and calibration along with associated challenges and opportunities.

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Show Notes

JJ Linkedin – www.linkedin.com/in/jajola

HHB Website – www.hhb.co.uk

Visit London’s premiere pro audio demonstration facility. Visitors have the opportunity to audition for an array of studio solutions including Dolby Atmos. The HHB team of audio experts will be available to help customers navigate all the options available today. Book an appointment – www.hhb.co.uk/demo-request

The Home Entertainment Dolby Atmos Room Design Tool (DART) – https://professionalsupport.dolby.com/s/article/The-Home-Entertainment-Dolby-Atmos-Room-Design-Tool-v6-0-0-is-Now-Available?language=en_US

Our Sponsors

Innovate Audio offers a range of software-based spatial audio processing tools. Their latest product, panLab Console, is a macOS application that adds 3D spatial audio rendering capabilities to live audio mixing consoles, including popular models from Yamaha, Midas and Behringer. This means you can achieve an object-based audio workflow, utilising the hardware you already own. Immersive Audio Podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% discount on all panLab licences, use code Immersive20 at checkout. Find out more at innovateaudio.co.uk *Offer available until June 2024.*

HOLOPLOT is a Berlin-based pro-audio company, which features the multi-award-winning X1 Matrix Array. X1 is software-driven, combining 3D Audio-Beamforming and Wave Field Synthesis to achieve authentic sound localisation and complete control over sound in both the vertical and horizontal axes. HOLOPLOT is pivoting the revolution in sound control, enabling the positioning of virtual loudspeakers within a space, allowing for a completely new way of designing and experiencing immersive audio on a large scale. To find more, visit holoplot.com.

Survey

We want to hear from you! We really value our community and would appreciate it if you would take our very quick survey and help us make the Immersive Audio Podcast even better: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3Y9B2MJ Thank you!

Credits

This episode was produced by Oliver Kadel and Emma Rees and included music by Rhythm Scott.

Episode 93 Juergen Herre (MPEG-I)

Summary

This episode is sponsored by Innovate Audio. Innovate Audio offers a range of software-based spatial audio processing tools. Their latest product, panLab Console, is a macOS application that adds 3D spatial audio rendering capabilities to live audio mixing consoles, including popular models from Yamaha, Midas and Behringer. This means you can achieve an object-based audio workflow, utilising the hardware you already own. Immersive Audio Podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% discount on all panLab licences, use code Immersive20 at checkout. Find out more at innovateaudio.co.uk *Offer available until June 2024.*

In this episode of the Immersive Audio Podcast, Oliver Kadel and Monica Bolles are joined by the Chief Executive Scientist for Audio and Multimedia fields at Fraunhofer International Audio Laboratories – Juergen Herre from Erlangen, Germany.

Juergen Herre received a degree in Electrical Engineering from  Friedrich-Alexander-Universität in 1989 and a Ph.D. degree for his work on error concealment of coded audio. He joined the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS) in Erlangen, Germany, in 1989. There he has been involved in the development of perceptual coding algorithms for high-quality audio, including the well-known ISO/MPEG-Audio Layer III  coder (aka “MP3”). In 1995, he joined Bell Laboratories for a PostDoc term working on the development of MPEG-2 Advanced Audio Coding (AAC).  By the end of 1996, he went back to Fraunhofer IIS to work on the development of more advanced multimedia technology including MPEG-4,  MPEG-7, MPEG-D, MPEG-H and MPEG-I, currently as the Chief Executive  Scientist for the Audio/Multimedia activities at Fraunhofer IIS,  Erlangen. In September 2010, Prof. Dr. Herre was appointed full professor at the University of Erlangen and the International Audio  Laboratories Erlangen. He is an expert in low-bit-rate audio coding/perceptual audio coding, spatial audio coding, parametric audio object coding, perceptual signal processing and semantic audio processing.  Prof. Dr.-Ing. Herre is a fellow member of the Audio Engineering Society  (AES), chair of the AES Technical Committee on Coding of Audio Signals and vice chair of the AES Technical Council. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Juergen  Herre is a senior member of the IEEE, a member of the IEEE Technical  Committee on Audio and Acoustic Signal Processing, served as an associate editor of the IEEE Transactions on Speech and Audio Processing and was an active member of the MPEG audio subgroup for almost three decades.

Juergen explains the science of the key technology concepts behind the worldwide adopted family of MPEG codecs and we discuss the latest addition of the reference model for the virtual and augmented reality audio standard – MPEG-I Immersive Audio.

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Show Notes

Juergen Herre – https://www.audiolabs-erlangen.de/fau/professor/herre

International Audio Laboratories, Erlangen – https://www.audiolabs-erlangen.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS) – https://www.iis.fraunhofer.de/en/ff/amm/for/audiolabs.html

Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg –  https://www.fau.eu/

AES Paper MPEG-I Immersive Audio — Reference Model For The Virtual/Augmented Reality Audio Standard – https://www.aes.org/e-lib/browse.cfm?elib=22127

Perceptual Audio Codecs Tutorial “What to Listen For” – https://aes2.org/resources/audio-topics/audio_coding/perceptual-audio-codecs/

Survey

We want to hear from you! We really value our community and would appreciate it if you would take our very quick survey and help us make the Immersive Audio Podcast even better: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3Y9B2MJ Thank you!

Credits

This episode was produced by Oliver Kadel and Emma Rees and included music by Rhythm Scott.

Episode 92 Mariam Gviniashvili (Composing in Spatial Audio)

Summary

This episode is sponsored by Innovate Audio. Innovate Audio offers a range of software-based spatial audio processing tools. Their latest product, panLab Console, is a macOS application that adds 3D spatial audio rendering capabilities to live audio mixing consoles, including popular models from Yamaha, Midas and Behringer. This means you can achieve an object-based audio workflow, utilising the hardware you already own. Immersive Audio Podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% discount on all panLab licences, use code Immersive20 at checkout. Find out more at innovateaudio.co.uk *Offer available until June 2024.* 

In this episode of the Immersive Audio Podcast, Oliver Kadel and Monica Bolles are joined by composer and sound artist Mariam Gviniashvili from Oslo, Norway. 

Mariam works as a composer and sound artist  – combining electronics, electroacoustics and 3D sound technology with visuals, dance and live performance to penetrate deep into the physical and emotional essence of sound and space. Growing up in eastern Georgia, she sang and played the piano, and studied composition in Tbilisi, Budapest and Oslo. Through her subject matter, her compositions display a curiosity about the world and society – from distractions during online meetings in DAYDREAMING (2022), to the viral patterns in DECONSTRUCTION (2020). Other works explore the Syrian war, a globally- sourced collection of songs and prayers, and a river soundscape in Oslo. Gviniashvili’s music has appeared at festivals all over the world – the New York Electroacoustic Music Festival (USA), BEAST FEaST (UK), Transitions at CCRMA (USA), ICMC (Korea), Mixtur Festival (Spain), ARD Hoerspieltage (Germany), Ars Electronica (Austria), Klingt Gut (Germany), Heroines of Sound (Germany) and Ultima Festival (Norway).

Mariam talks about her journey as a conventional composer evolving into a multidisciplinary sound artist performing her work in spatial audio on multi-channel arrays in different immersive spaces across the world.

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Show Notes

Mariam Gviniashvili Website – https://www.mariamgviniashvili.com

Mariam Gviniashvili Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariam-gviniashvili-140a3989/

Mariam Gviniashvili Bandcamp – https://mariamg.bandcamp.com/

Mariam Gviniashvili YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@mariamgartist

NOTAM – https://notam.no/meetups/the-ambisonics-salon/

Q&A: Mariam Gviniashvili, Artist & Composer – https://www.balticimmersive.net/blog/interview-with-mariam-gviniashvili

Survey

We want to hear from you! We really value our community and would appreciate it if you would take our very quick survey and help us make the Immersive Audio Podcast even better: surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3Y9B2MJ Thank you!

Credits

This episode was produced by Oliver Kadel and Emma Rees and included music by Rhythm Scott.

Episode 91 SXSW 2024 Panel Acceptance Announcement

Summary

We have a big announcement to make – Immersive Audio Podcast are going to SXSW 2024!

We are hosting the panel “State of Play of Immersive Audio: Past, Present & Future”.

It’s been almost six years since we started the Immersive Audio Podcast and as we are coming up to our 100th release anniversary we wanted to mark this milestone with a special edition at SXSW 2024. With the hindsight of releasing almost 100 episodes, we’ve met a lot of companies and experts covering a broad spectrum of topics fundamental to our industry. This panel will highlight the key indicative developments that have defined the immersive audio industry for the past decade, reflect on the current trends and look forward to the future.

Our expert guests will feature Audioscenic Limited covering binaural audio over speakers on consumer devices and HOLOPLOT discussing spatial audio for large-scale immersive events. We’ll moderate the panel as well as discuss our own work in the space of interactive live performance in immersive spaces and spatial and interactive sound design in immersive media production.

Audioscenic – https://www.audioscenic.com/

HOLOPLOT – https://holoplot.com/

If you’d like to learn more about our panelists go to your favorite podcast app or our website and check out Episodes 75/76 featuring Audioscenic (Binaural Audio Over Speakers) and Episodes 77/85 HOLOPLOT (3D Audio – Beamforming and Wave Field Synthesis).

Our audience will receive a comprehensive overview of what defines immersive audio as a whole in the modern multifaceted world of digital media. We’ll provide an overview of core technologies, formats and distribution platforms along with associated challenges and opportunities. Attentive audience members will get a range of unique perspectives from panel experts that can be helpful for education and business development.

This panel is aimed at Sound Engineers, Sound Designers, Musicians, Mixers, Gamers, Writers, Audio Tech Consumers, Academics, Immersive Content Makers and general Tech Enthusiasts…

If you’re planning to attend and would like to arrange to meet us, please get in touch via [email protected]

The panel will be recorded and released on our podcast channel as Episode 100th.

We’d like to thank all our listeners who voted for us and your continued support!

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Show Notes

Panel Details, State of Play of Immersive Audio: Past, Present & Future – https://schedule.sxsw.com/2024/events/PP132288

Episode 75 Audioscenic Binaural Audio Over Speakers (Part 1) – https://immersiveaudiopodcast.com/episode-75-audioscenic-binaural-audio-over-speakers-part-1/

Episode 76 Audioscenic Binaural Audio Over Speakers (Part 2) – https://immersiveaudiopodcast.com/episode-76-audioscenic-binaural-audio-over-speakers-part-2/

Episode 77 HOLOPLOT (3D Audio-Beamforming and Wave Field Synthesis) – https://immersiveaudiopodcast.com/episode-77-holoplot-3d-audio-beamforming-and-wave-field-synthesis/

Episode 85 Roman Sick (HOLOPLOT) – https://immersiveaudiopodcast.com/episode-85-roman-sick-holoplot/