Binaural recordings are reproductions of sound the way human ears hear it. In fact, the word “binaural” literally just means “using both ears.” When you listen to a binaural recording through headphones, you perceive distinct and genuine 360° sound.
It’s the purest, most natural way to record and listen to music.
Click on the frequently asked questions below to learn more. Have a question not answered here? Ask us directly.
Binaural recordings are made using a special microphone that simulates a human head (a.k.a. “Fritz”). Two microphones are built into its “ear canals,” which preserve the natural direction of sounds coming from anywhere around it.
When a binaural recording is played back through headphones, the listener hears exactly what Fritz heard during the performance.
Directional cues are what allow us to understand where the sounds around us are coming from. When sound waves reach our heads, our brain can detect differences in volume and time delay between our two ears, and determine each sound’s location. (This is also known as the “Head Related Transfer Function.”)
In order for our brain to process the directional cues correctly, the signals from the dummy head’s ears have to go directly to our own, respectively. Listening through headphones is the easiest way for this to happen, and any brand or style will work (nothing fancy required!).
Not at all. Binaural recordings made with “Fritz” still sound fantastic on speakers – you just won’t be able to get the 3D effect. That’s because as the sound travels through room, the left and right channels mix and your brain can’t make sense of the directional cues. (Note: Technology is currently being developed that allows proper 3D listening on speakers – find out more on our blog.)
Wondering why you haven’t heard of binaural audio before? Click here to find out.
