What is Spatial Audio?

Everything you need to know from the BBC

What is spatial audio anyway? You probably keep hearing about it (thanks to Apple Spatial Audio) but is that all there is to it? Apple Spatial audio is available now on a pretty wide range of devices from Apple, which is awesome. It requires either their AirPods (3rd Gen),MAX, PRO or Beats Fit Pro headphones, along with a supported iPhone, iPad or Mac. Obviously end users have to find spatial content on a growing list of service providers who support the technology. But what about non-apple users & folks on the creation side of this content?

Unsurprisingly, spatial audio (sans Apple) has existed as a bit of a catch all term for quite some time now. They are calling the ability to listen to existing immersive formats on their hardware ‘Apple Spatial Audio’. When you look for this content to play using your Apple devices, you’ll probably be looking for Dolby Atmos files.

However, spatial audio, immersive audio or 3D audio are pretty mature and constantly evolving technologies. There are a number of different flavors and purposes for different immersive uses. For one use, the goal may be to place a listener within a specific environment. Conversely, the goal may be to track elements and move them through a space in a real time live setting. From a production standpoint, a clear idea of what you’re trying to achieve is needed before you start.

The resources, processing power and purpose built gear are all more accessible to users and creators now than ever before. I remember years ago working with early high-end surround microphones for the first time was a different story. Early mics were extremely expensive, cumbersome & often came with a rep from their company, to make sure everything worked properly. Thankfully, the gear is getting cheaper and more accessible too. Now, portable recorders and less expensive binaural microphones are coming out all the time. Virtual and augmented reality will only push these technologies faster into the hands of consumers in the coming years.

BBC Academy

Like most important subject in production, the BBC Academy has a guide for working with immersive audio. The academy’s Spatial Audio – Where do I Start? guide is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to get their bearings in the immersive audio arena. The BBC also has resources for almost anything you might come across in audio or broadcasting. From recording to mixing, they have up to date explanations and best practices you will undoubtedly find useful. One of my favorites is their Best Practice Guide for mixing BBC Programmes – It includes probably the best advice anyone has ever given for mixing dialogue for television ‘When the final mix is complete the BBC recommends taking the music down 4db.’ – Simple.