Definition: Binaural recording is a very interesting concept. Quite simply, binaural recordings are recordings that capture exactly as the human ear hears. Sounds just like a stereo recording, right? Sounds easy, but it's quite a bit more complicated than this.
Binaural recordings are stereo, recorded using special microphones and techniques that reproduce audio in a spatially correct stereo image to the actual event. In theory, you can put on a pair of headphones or in-ear monitors, and you'll have an exact aural reproduction of the event to the point that you feel like you're immersed in the experience.
Binaural recordings separate themselves from basic stereo recordings by using omnidirectional microphones, since those pick up in a closer pattern to the human ear; think about this: you can hear in all directions around you, so your microphone should, too.
Baffling -- a simple barrier in the middle between the microphone pickup lobes -- allows the spacing between microphones to be exactly like that of the human ears. In fact, some manufacturers, including Sennheiser, make dummy heads with microphones built into anatomically correct ears. This is necessary because you want to create the effect of the space between your ears, and do it in a way that doesn't affect the frequency response between the two.
Some smaller binaural microphones come worn in the recordist's ears. These allow a very natural response, and are great for those on a budget who want to truly experience good binaural recordings.
And does it work? Quite simply, yes. There's a lot of great binaural recordings out there -- Google it, and you'll find the most popular available for free -- and yes, they do offer stunning realism, allowing you to relive a moment in time, especially with a good imagination on your shoulders.
Binaural recordings are stereo, recorded using special microphones and techniques that reproduce audio in a spatially correct stereo image to the actual event. In theory, you can put on a pair of headphones or in-ear monitors, and you'll have an exact aural reproduction of the event to the point that you feel like you're immersed in the experience.
Binaural recordings separate themselves from basic stereo recordings by using omnidirectional microphones, since those pick up in a closer pattern to the human ear; think about this: you can hear in all directions around you, so your microphone should, too.
Baffling -- a simple barrier in the middle between the microphone pickup lobes -- allows the spacing between microphones to be exactly like that of the human ears. In fact, some manufacturers, including Sennheiser, make dummy heads with microphones built into anatomically correct ears. This is necessary because you want to create the effect of the space between your ears, and do it in a way that doesn't affect the frequency response between the two.
Some smaller binaural microphones come worn in the recordist's ears. These allow a very natural response, and are great for those on a budget who want to truly experience good binaural recordings.
And does it work? Quite simply, yes. There's a lot of great binaural recordings out there -- Google it, and you'll find the most popular available for free -- and yes, they do offer stunning realism, allowing you to relive a moment in time, especially with a good imagination on your shoulders.
