In the not-so-distant past, wired headphones were the go-to choice for smartphone users. However, the days of tangled cords and limited mobility are gradually fading away. Wireless headphones and earbuds have become incredibly popular, offering a level of convenience and audio quality that makes us forget about the constraints of wired options. But what’s even more exciting is the introduction of spatial audio technology, a game-changer in the world of audio experiences.
Also Read: Galaxy Buds Pro 360 Audio Issue Fix
What is Spatial Audio?
So, what exactly is spatial audio? To understand this innovative technology, let’s first delve into the world of traditional audio. Stereo, the standard two-channel audio setup, consists of a left and a right signal. While this approach works well for many audio experiences, it has limitations when it comes to simulating true surround sound. To achieve surround sound, you typically need multiple physical speakers positioned around you, such as in a 7.1 channel audio setup. This provides an immersive audio experience but can be cumbersome to set up and fine-tune for optimal performance.
Now, enter spatial audio, also known as 3D or 360-degree audio. Spatial audio offers an immersive audio experience similar to surround sound, but it takes a different approach. Instead of relying on a multitude of physical speakers, spatial audio leverages on-device computational processing to simulate 360-degree audio. This magical technology can work its wonders without the need for numerous extra speakers. However, to experience the full potential of spatial audio, it’s best to use dedicated headphones or earbuds.
There are two primary types of spatial audio techniques in use today: Binaural spatial audio and Object-based spatial audio.
Binaural spatial audio
Binaural spatial audio is a simple yet fascinating concept. Similar to stereo, it utilizes two separate audio channels. The key difference lies in how the audio source is captured. In binaural spatial audio, two microphones are used to record the audio simultaneously. These microphones are typically spaced apart at an average human ear’s width. This method ensures that the audio closely mimics what our ears naturally hear, making it ideal for headphones and earbuds.
Object-based spatial audio
Object-based spatial audio takes a more advanced approach. This technique uses specific data points for each audio object, allowing for the simulation of 360-degree audio. As a result, each object or item on the screen can have its distinct audio source, providing a profound sense of depth perception. You can accurately gauge the distance of each sound source based on its on-screen position.
Leading Spatial Audio System
Dolby Atmos
The adoption of spatial audio varies across different companies and device manufacturers. One prominent player in the spatial audio industry is Dolby Atmos. Dolby is renowned for its contributions to the audio industry, and Dolby Atmos is its proprietary sound engine. It employs object-based spatial audio and supports up to 128 independent audio channels. This extensive channel support delivers a highly immersive surround sound experience, making you feel like the audio is enveloping you from all directions. It’s worth noting that while Dolby Atmos is gaining momentum, not all content supports it by default, but this is expected to change as more consumers adopt the technology.
Apple Spatial: Immersive Audio with AirPods
Apple, the maker of the iPhone, has introduced its own proprietary spatial audio feature known as Apple Spatial. This feature is exclusive to AirPods Pro and AirPods Max headphones. Apple Spatial combines object-based spatial audio with head tracking, ensuring that the audio stays synchronized with your movements. This dynamic approach creates a truly immersive listening experience when enjoying supported content.
Google and Spatial Audio: Android 13
Google has also entered the spatial audio arena, with Android 13 and above offering built-in support for spatial audio features. This means you can experience spatial audio, including head tracking, with supported headphones. While Google is experimenting with head tracking for specific movies and TV shows, it doesn’t yet extend to music, signaling the company’s commitment to advancing spatial audio technology.
Bose Immersive Audio: Redefining Sound
Bose, a renowned headphone manufacturer, has introduced its own spatial audio system called Bose Immersive Audio. The QuietComfort Ultra headphones are among the first to feature this technology, offering a spatial audio experience with two listening modes for sitting or moving. What’s remarkable is that these headphones can activate spatial audio support on any Bluetooth-compatible device, even if they don’t natively support spatial audio features. As more headphone makers follow suit, spatial audio is poised to become the new standard in audio.
Jabra Elite 10: A New Era of Spatial Audio
Jabra, a rising star in the headphone industry, is making waves with its Jabra Elite 10 earbuds. These earbuds support spatial audio via Dolby Atmos and Dolby Head Tracking. They prioritize comfort with their unique ComfortFit technology, providing a comfortable, pressure-free fit for all-day use. This combination of comfort and industry-leading spatial audio features positions Jabra as a compelling choice for audio enthusiasts.
PlayStation 5’s Tempest Engine: Elevating Gaming with Spatial Audio
For gaming enthusiasts, spatial audio has enhanced the gaming experience. For example, both Xbox and PlayStation 5 have embraced spatial audio. The PlayStation 5, in particular, employs its own audio engine, the Tempest Engine, for gaming. This engine supports up to 1,000 separate object audio channels, delivering an exceptional level of audio immersion in games. It’s a step above traditional surround sound setups, as it caters to the dynamic and interactive nature of gaming.
Spatial audio is indeed revolutionizing the way we experience audio. From music and movies to gaming, it offers an unparalleled level of immersion. As more devices and content creators adopt this technology, the audio entertainment landscape is evolving, promising a richer and more dynamic listening experience for all. Whether you’re a music lover, movie buff, or dedicated gamer, spatial audio is set to transform your audio encounters in ways that were once unimaginable.
