Focusrite’s Post

Focusrite buys Innovate Audio to add the panLab line to TiMax. It’s a complimentary pairing. It’s hardware agnostic interfacing with QLab and/or consoles. Hardware lock in from other solutions drive implementation costs into the seven to eight figure range. For cabs, power and processing it’s a mil for small scale. Spacial positioning is primarily software driven by high bandwidth compute resources. A Mac Studio M2 Ultra will crush the computational power of the proprietary spacial processors. Hopefully between this and SPAT (and perhaps others to come) we’ll see a price correction with the other products. I see this in terms of price/performance and accessibility similar to what happened with both DAWs and digital console evolution.

The Other Side is the World’s First Nightclub to Adopt L-ISA Spatial Audio Located in a former bicycle workshop that’s been transformed into a nightclub as well as a record label and agency representing DJs and producers, The Other Side has put itself squarely at the forefront of European nightlife with its new L‑ISA spatial audio system. The world’s first nightclub to offer an L-ISA immersive experience, The Other Side’s main, 900-capacity room boasts a fully immersive 14.1.5 L-ISA configuration designed to wrap the audience in a 360-degree auditory experience. The system offers a unique and creative palette for artists and takes the nightclub experience to a whole new level for revelers. Doeshka Vrede and Jasper Löwik, the multi-hyphenate duo behind The Other Side – in addition to owning and managing the club, both are producers, musicians, and artist managers as well - explained that from the outset, optimum audio quality was at the forefront of their minds. “The Other Side is a place where artists grow, creativity flows, and self-expression is the name of the game,” explains Vrede. “If you start a club like this, the main product has to be sound.” The couple has worked with Stefan Liem, sound engineer and spatial audio expert, to ensure their vision. Liem, already familiar with L-Acoustics and L-ISA spatial technology, relished the opportunity to deploy such groundbreaking technology. Working with Netherlands-based L-Acoustics Certified Provider Audio Solvation, Liem designed a 5.1 Scene system. Visiting DJs choose how they wish to use the technology – they can perform in stereo using L-ISA Stereo Mapper functionality, or they can delve into the full immersive capacities and explore the creative potential of L-ISA to the fullest, with Liem’s guidance. “He’s our sound wizard - he uses the space as an instrument,” says Vrede. “L-ISA is amazing,” says Liem. It was really important for The Other Side to be at the forefront of technology, to bring new experiences to our audience, and to have a high level of involvement from the artists who want to use it. All the right assets were there to get this whole project moving, and L-ISA has been much more stable than other immersive technologies that I’ve worked with. We needed everything to work seamlessly, and L-ISA does that.” Looking forward, Vrede is excited about what the future holds for The Other Side and how they can continue to push boundaries. “Since opening in November, we’ve created a big buzz,” she exclaimed. “Many people talk about the sound system being the best in Amsterdam. It’s a new experience for both the audience and the performers. Everyone is excited to be a part of it.”  L-Acoustics

"The impact of immersive audio content on the home audio market has been enormous. These formats have made it acceptable for homeowners to have more loudspeakers in their homes. Responding to the public’s increased appetite for loudspeakers, manufacturers have developed a range of products including traditional floorstanding speakers, on-wall surround speakers, in-room height speakers, and all-in-one powered smart speakers. Looking at some of the latest products available, here are 38 loudspeakers that address a variety of home audio applications that includes stereo, surround sound, and immersive audio." Read more and check out all the recommended audio solutions (including the highly capable Theory sb25 multi-use loudspeaker) in this feature from CE Pro. #avtweeps #av #audio #hometheater #hifi #hometheatre #dolbyatmos #immersiveaudio #speakers #loudspeakers #twochannel #mediaroom #cedia #resdientialav #residentialaudio #surroundsound #smarthome #distributedaudio

🎧 Immersive Audio, Spatial Audio,. 3D Audio: But what the hell is what ?! 🤯 Let me help you, how I'd define those . What exactly are Immersive, Spatial, and 3D Audio? Immersive Audio 🌌 is an umbrella term that describes any sound experience that envelops the listener and immerses them into an auditory world. It's not just about the technology but about the feeling of being in the middle of the action, whether it involves simple stereo sounds or complex multi-channel setups. For me, it's more about the content, not technology. Spatial Audio 🧭, often highlighted by technologies like Apple's Spatial Audio, specifically refers to audio that creates the illusion of sound sources arranged in three-dimensional space around the listener. This technology often uses head motion tracking to dynamically adjust the audio experience so that it changes with the user's orientation. So for me more the technical side and now unfortunately occupied by apple. There isn't really a German term. 3D Audio 🚀 is the most obvious of the three definitions. Fun fact: If you go to Apple's homepage and switch from English to German, it changes Spatial Audio to 3D Audio. I guess because German's like myself are more into facts and data?! Read more on my new article: Why the distinction is important: Correctly identifying and applying these audio forms is crucial for communication. While many colleagues equate Dolby Atmos with immersive audio, they often overlook that many immersive media cannot fully utilize the capabilities of formats like AC-4. 🎧 My role and how I can help: As someone deeply immersed in the world of Spatial and 3D Audio, I have developed specific strategies and tools to make these complex technologies understandable and accessible. On my blog and in my courses, I offer insights and training on how best to use these sound formats to create genuine immersive experiences. 💡 Let's together find the right words to elevate the listening experience to a new level! 🌍 Or what terms do you use? #AudioTechnology #3DAudio #SpatialAudio #ImmersiveAudio #SoundDesign

Immersive Audio Explained: What It Is & How It Works Whether you're a music enthusiast, a gamer, or a movie buff, immersive audio is revolutionizing the way we all experience sound. Our new blog post covers everything you want to know about immersive sound, namely what that is, how it works, how it has evolved through time, and how it's leveraged in different fields. Check our article to find out 👇 https://lnkd.in/g_94eHw7

🔊 🔊 Whether it’s films, music, podcasts or immersive experiences, 3D audio is becoming more and more popular. But what is it exactly? 3D Audio is a general term for several immersive audio technologies. Their aim is to replicate an auditive experience that is as close as possible to what humans hear in the real world. Nowadays, there are many ways to achieve this. Let’s look into some of the most well-known 3D audio formats! Binaural  Binaural is a way of recording spatial audio on a two channel system. It achieves audio tri dimensionality by recording sound through specific binaural microphones, like the Hooke Verse (www.hookeaudio.com), which are able to capture the exact location of every singular auditory source. This kind of recording system is capable of accurately replicating the way we hear noise and sound through human ears. In this way a user can experience immersive sound without the need of a complex output system. Channel Based Audio Often used in the mixing and mastering stages, channel-based audio is a system that locates each sound source to a determined channel or speaker. Therefore sound movement is created by lowering the gain of the sound source on one speaker and raising the level of the same source on another speaker. The audio is then encoded for a specific speaker layout ( e.g. 5.1 or 7.1) so that the final mix remains the same regardless of the playback environment or device - as long as it reflects the intended speaker configuration. This method provides consistent and high quality results but it is also limited when it comes to adaptability and it is often less accessible to the average consumer since it requires a more complex set up in order to display its full potential. Object-based Audio In Object-based audio instead, each independent sound source is treated as an object with its own metadata (e.g. volume, direction and location). Compared to channel-based audio, this system is more dynamic as it can be rendered according to the different speakers' layouts, the listener’s position and can also take the room’s acoustic properties  into account. Ultimately it can display a more flexible and customisable experience  but it requires more processing power and digital storage.

If you haven’t, then you should reconsider. Think of how many people you see on a daily basis that have earpods in; it’s becoming the new standard (and some mediums it IS the standard) I’ve recently been exploring with Dolby atmos and is actually quite fun to play and experience. And either way, we all need to eventually adapt, might as well start now 🫣 My issue has always been that I don’t have the proper speaker array to make this happen in my studio. BUT, thanks to Mass FX Media and their beautiful atmos theatre 🤤, I am highly reconsidering doing much more spatial audio work in the future. 😉😁 #mixingengineer #masteringengineer #audioengineer #mixingandmastering #audioproduction #sounddesign #dolbyatmos

The Battle for Immersive Audio: Sony 360 Reality Audio vs. Dolby Atmos Music Sony 360 Reality Audio Vs. Dolby Atmos Music: The New Format Wars In the ever-evolving landscape of music technology, a new battle is brewing between two giants: Sony 360 Reality Audio (360RA) and Dolby Atmos Music. As these two formats duke it out for supremacy, music listeners find themselves at the precipice of a surround-music revolution. But are they truly ready to embrace this immersive experience? That remains to be seen. While Dolby Atmos Music has gained significant traction, Sony's 360RA is also making waves and becoming a formidable competitor. The current decade has witnessed a resurgence in surround-music, driven by advancements in digital technologies. Dolby Atmos Music has been at the forefront of this revival, offering listeners a three-dimensional audio experience like never before. By utilizing object-based audio formats, Dolby Atmos Music creates a sense of immersion and spatial awareness, transporting listeners into the heart of the music. However, Sony's 360RA has emerged as a worthy challenger and is gaining traction in the market. 360RA takes a different approach to surround-music, utilizing Sony's proprietary technology to create an immersive audio experience. By capturi...

Harmonizing Sound Engineering with AI: Innovations in 2024 As we delve into 2024, the synergy between Sound Engineering and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is driving groundbreaking innovations in the realm of audio technology. Here are some key trends and insights shaping the convergence of Sound Engineering and AI this year: AI-Powered Audio Processing: AI algorithms are revolutionizing audio processing techniques, enhancing sound quality, noise reduction, and audio restoration. From real-time audio enhancement to intelligent audio analysis, AI is transforming how we perceive and interact with sound. AI in Music Production: The music industry is embracing AI-driven tools for composition, mixing, and mastering. AI-powered music generation, virtual instruments, and automated production workflows are enabling musicians and producers to unleash their creativity like never before. Voice Recognition and Audio Assistants: AI-based voice recognition technologies and audio assistants are redefining human-computer interactions. From smart speakers to voice-controlled devices, AI is enabling seamless and intuitive audio interactions in everyday life. Spatial Audio and Immersive Experiences: AI-driven spatial audio technologies are creating immersive soundscapes for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and gaming applications. Spatial audio processing and AI-driven audio rendering are enhancing immersive experiences for users. AI for Audio Content Analysis: AI algorithms are being utilized for audio content analysis, including speech recognition, sentiment analysis, and content categorization. This enables applications such as automated transcription, content moderation, and personalized recommendations in audio platforms. As professionals at the intersection of Sound Engineering and AI, it's crucial to stay abreast of these trends and embrace innovation to unlock new possibilities in audio technology. Let's collaborate, innovate, and shape the future of sound engineering with AI-powered solutions. What are your thoughts on the role of AI in revolutionizing sound engineering? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below! #SoundEngineering #AI #AudioTechnology #AI2024 #MusicProduction #VoiceRecognition #SpatialAudio #ImmersiveExperiences

I received a technical clarification from client representative/consultant : What factors should be considered when deciding whether to implement a mono or stereo sound system, and how do these choices affect the overall audio experience and program material? Choosing between mono and stereo configurations in professional audio systems depends on several factors, including venue requirements, program material, and desired listening experience. Here are some key points to consider: - Mono sound systems consolidate all audio signals into a single channel. They are commonly used in situations where speech intelligibility is crucial, such as public address systems, conferences, and presentations. - Stereo sound systems employ two independent audio channels, typically referred to as the left and right channels. They aim to recreate a sense of sound localization and spatial imaging, providing a more immersive listening experience. - Implementing a stereo system requires careful attention to speaker placement and coverage to maintain the intended stereo image. The ideal listening position, known as the "sweet spot," is where the left and right channels blend seamlessly, creating an accurate stereo image. - LCR (Left/Centre/Right) systems combine elements of both mono and stereo configurations. They are commonly used in theaters and large venues where localized mono speech reinforcement is required alongside stereo-like imaging for music or sound effects cues. - When selecting a sound system configuration, it is important to consider the specific requirements of the venue, the nature of the program material, and the expected audience size. Factors such as the size and shape of the space, the intended use of the system, and the acoustic characteristics of the venue all play a role in determining the most suitable configuration. - Professional audio engineers and consultants can provide expert guidance to ensure that the chosen sound system configuration meets the desired goals and delivers optimal audio quality and coverage. Their expertise in speaker placement, calibration, and system integration is crucial for achieving the best possible audio experience for the audience. In summary, the choice between mono and stereo configurations in professional audio depends on venue requirements, program material, and the desired listening experience. Mono systems excel in providing uniform sound reinforcement for speech, while stereo systems offer a more immersive and spatially accurate experience. LCR systems combine the benefits of both configurations and are useful in venues that require localized speech reinforcement alongside stereo-like imaging. Consideration of venue-specific factors and expert guidance from audio professionals is essential for selecting the most suitable sound system configuration. #avindustry #avdesign #ProfessionalAudioSystems #MonoVsStereo #audioexperience #SpeechReinforcement #audioengineering