Project 1 – Some thoughts – 3D Audio & Surround Sound

It is worth noting that 3D Audio and surround sound systems are two completely different audio systems, with significant differences in their work and the sound they produce. Cinemas initially used surround sound systems, where sound could only come from four directions – front, back, left, and right. 3D audio systems can virtually place sound in any space around the listener – both above and below – by tricking the listener’s ears. This means that the listening experience feels like the sound is coming from all directions. 3D Audio allows the listener to pinpoint the location of the sound and is, therefore, more widely used in games, especially first-person games. 

In a first-person shooter game(FPS), you can accurately determine an enemy’s position by listening to the direction of footsteps. This is where 3D Audio comes in, giving you a sense of direction when listening. 3D Audio’s primary goal is to recreate the sound and make it as realistic as possible. The way you hear sounds in the real world is what 3D Audio aims to recreate. And listening to the grass rustle as you walk can make you feel as if you’re in the world itself. The 3D Audio is no less immersive than surround sound.

While 3D Audio is common in games, it is also used in virtual reality devices as well as in some films and home cinemas. However, unlike surround sound, which places you in front of the action, 3D Audio attempts to put you in action relative to your position. This added complexity means that if this is implemented widely in cinemas, each audience will need to hear a different sound in relation to their exact location. Therefore it is not practical to use 3D Audio for film production at this time. And 3D Audio is unsuitable for film sound production in terms of the viewing experience. Because films not only have the First-person perspective but also have objective one. But for my project, it was perfect. Although Afterwards is a documentary, it is an experimental documentary in first-person view only.