May 15, 2024

Janessa Angela Alerre

10th Grade

George Washington High School

Spatial Audio

For many years, spatial audio has been used to create more realistic and immersive experiences, in video games, virtual reality, and cinema experiences! You’ve probably heard of 3D or 4D audio, but what about 8D audio? Is the audio truly eight-dimensional? As fun as it may sound, 8D audio does not have eight dimensions. Instead, 8D audio plays tricks on your brain—making you assume you are listening to the music live. Though, how does this work? 

How Does 8D audio work?

Producers can utilize binaural recording, a technique where two microphones are present in the recording room to generate a 3d sound effect. The sound is created by physically moving the sound source around a set of microphones—stimulating the ear. However, 8D audio can also be incorporated digitally on a computer through 3D audio software tools. This can be created by combining panning, equalization techniques, and special effects. Equalization is a process in which we change the balance of different audio frequencies, and panning is the distribution of sound on audio channels. These factors combined allow the listener to experience the 8D audio effect! 

Listening to 8D Audio

To immerse yourself in the 8D audio experience, headphones are a must! Additionally, the 360 illusion won’t be experienced with a set of speakers, as you will hear something known as a crosstalk. In short, crosstalk prevents the brain from accurately locating sounds. 8D audio works with headphones because the sound from one ear does not extend to the other ear, thus allowing you to feel as if this music was played live. However, with a pair of speakers, your ears can hear the music simultaneously—meaning you’re experiencing crosstalk. So, if you want to get the full experience of 8D audio, ensure to wear headphones.

8D Audio Effects

Listening to any sound for long periods can be harmful if you are blasting it at a high level. However, if you maintain your sound levels around 60 to 85 dB, you will be okay! Although there are no serious long-term effects associated with 8D audio, common short-term effects include nausea, dizziness, and sensory overload. Furthermore, 8D audio seems to have had a positive impact on neurodivergent people since 2020. Reported positive effects include relaxation, destressing, and a more positive mood!