Date of Submission
12-2021
Type of Work
Exegesis and Creative Work
Principal Supervisor
Dr. Toby Wren
Keywords
Spatial audio; 360 audio; Ambisonics; FOA; immersive audio; binaural; 3D; azimuth; elevation; radius; distance; cones of confusion; head-locked audio; soundscape composition; field recordings; acoustic ecology; research-led practice; Creative arts enquiry
Audience
Mature (M) - moderate impact language/themes, includes violence/nudity, not restricted to 15+
Abstract
What are the possibilities of 360 audio to expand compositional practice?
This graduate project employed a mixed methodology to research the field of 360 audio and its potential to expand DAW-based compositional practice. The outcomes of the project include a body of new 360 audio compositions, a range of demonstrative 360 audio samples, and an accompanying exegesis.
Specifically, my research looks at 360 composition using ambisonic plugins, and the binaurally decoded output for headphone delivery. A literature review of human spatial hearing and contemporary 360 audio practice has been conducted, and research-led practice has been used to explore concepts and techniques from the literature. Iterations of creative enquiry have followed to demonstrate what is and is not possible in light of the limitations of both human hearing and current technology.
This creative enquiry intends to add to the field of 360 compositions and to contribute to the discussion of best practice. To enable this research to be replicable, free and open-source technology has been used where possible. 2
Notes
Supplementary content note: To experience the immersive 360 spatialisation, headphones are required.
Supplementary files Guide:
Table 1_Four EPs of 360 Audio Composition pp. 21
Table 2_Specific Audio Experiments pp. 22
Recommended Citation
Hancock, C. (2021). Sonic Submersion: Artistic Research into 360 Audio [Masters dissertation, SAE University College]. Creo.