* When you think of virtual reality, most people focus on the visual aspects of the experience. However, the audio component is also important for creating an immersive scene for the user, and can be included in different ways. Here we compare two different uses of audio in VR: one that employs a traditional recording combined with a VR visual, and another that uses binaural technology, which is sound that is differentiated between ears.
* Two startups in Berlin, intovr and Vragments have created a VR experience simulating a Stasi interrogation, but used sound differently. intovr used actors and newly recorded binaural audio to create 360 degree videos that make the user feel as if they are a prisoner in the Stasi prison. Vfragments used an original recording of a Stasi interrogation and then put it into an interactive VR platform.
* Many VR platforms currently use traditional audio, but binaural audio like that used by intovr is becoming more widespread. The audio is recorded with two special microphones that are shaped like ears, so whatever is in the environment comes into the microphone the same way it would to a person. The result when played back is a 360 degree audio experience that makes the user feel as if he or she is actually there.
* One example of the use of this technology, along with 360 degree cameras, is Beck’s performance of David Bowie’s ‘Sound and Vision’. It was transformed into an interactive film in 2013 that could be watched online and would follow the movements of the user’s head to experience the music.
* Another example is the very popular ASMR, which consists of videos on youtube of people making various noises (crinkling, scratching, whispering) into binaural microphones.
The videos have millions of views **and can be very creepy**
Backstage of the 360 audio
Some great suggestions:
http://dragons.org/creators/chris-milk/work/beck-hello-again/