Almanac
Answer to Yourself
VA Acoustic Geometry Materials
Within the concept of VA there is the function to define material properties of rendered environment geometry. This is done via Steam Audio’s geometry tag component, which can assign properties of absorption / scattering / transmission to surfaces to adjust how incoming rays from sound sources interact with surfaces.
VA Stereo Transferability Testing
As a key aspect of this type of surround encoded audio is that it is done with only 2-channel PCM waveforms, this testing session will investigate whether this is digital dependent or whether it is compatible and able to be reproduced over analogue stereo tape. The purpose of this is to understand whether the encoded audio on reproduction should be consistent regardless of 2-channel playback medium, to understand whether playback speed has any effect to the encoded audio’s spatial properties, as well as to demonstrate that the spatial and binaural cue properties are fundamental to the waveform with no additional decoding / processing / playback setup requirements.
VA Pilot Session - Mixing Implementation of VA into Logic Pro X with Unity Engine + Steam Audio
Running through the first implementation gained valuable insights on the recording process of the Steam Audio implementation in Unity engine. With the initial setup across Logic Pro X and Unity Engine sessions, the internal routing software Blackhole had led to a mismatch between the two project sessions due to unconfigured sample rate settings, leading to slowed audio in the engine and heavily distorted recordings in the DAW. Despite this the initial setup itself was quick and straightforward, with the CPU and memory demand being reasonable.
Virtual Acoustic Space Models
The following VAS model rooms have been created to generate varying audio rendering environments which the signal stems can propagate, encoding them with the virtual acoustic properties of each. These examples use different stems for each source, and vary in VAS sizes to investigate the breadth of variety which could be possible with this encoding process.
Steam Audio integration into Unity Engine for recording and mixing in Logic Pro X
As the aim of this project is focused on encoding virtual acoustic properties into PCM stereo, there is a need to bring the encoding processes together within a virtual rendering environment in such a way that allows for generation and recording of virtual acoustic space. Also summarised in the virtual rendering inquiry as the component functions concept involving the encoding / rendering functions :
Mixing Implementation Development of Virtual Acoustics
Within the following pages is the iterative session documentation that has been produced alongside the primary practice-based research inquiry into practical and creative application of the encoding method itself. The iterative process has spanned across both development and optimization of the rendering process and encoding functionality, as well as the structure and approach to the sessions themselves.
Major Project Notes and Observations
Within this appendix is additional information and notations regarding discussed topics within the major research project’s integral document. These notes have been organised as an accompanying journal to convey additional background research and insight, being critical to informing the project as a whole as a primary account of inquiry. Numeric notation in reference to these extracts are in continuation of wider topic focuses, and can be considered as supplementary to the inquiry to further extrapolate grounding for background research context and method.
Stereo Rendering Environments Project Proposal
For my major project I am proposing an inquiry into audio encoding technologies which render spatial and 360° directional stereo playback. I will be utilising directional encoding software on instrumental audio sources to define spatial information within a rendered playback environment relayed via a stereo field. The focus is anchored on the application of this across stereo playback music productions, and how effective the application may be with regard to the spatial capacity enhancement and practical application of these directional rendering technologies to a mix’s stereo field.
Major Project Methodology Considerations
For our major project proposal and academic essay we must research and utilise a number of methodological approaches that are relevant to the research questions and inquiries which both aspects separately require.
For my project proposal, I had considered a number of methodologies for the practical and written components based on the interpretivist paradigm which the work would fall under.
Major Project Planning Considerations
For the major project there are a number of areas to plan for successful time management and progression. The project is an inquiry into the application of virtual acoustics encoders in music production, for stereo formatting. The investigation and research will include topics across technologies related to :
An Inquiry Into Socioeconomic Barriers In Regard To The Adoption Of Surround Sound Audio Technologies.
This paper outlines research and an inquiry into socioeconomic barriers which are present in the application and accessibility of surround sound technologies. Opening with a look into what socioeconomic barriers permeate technologically developing areas of industry, with a wide overview then narrowing to industry specific contextualisation.
Brief Production Writeup - Ideation Process
In our first week of the module we were tasked to produce an asset pack for a film, this consisted of ADR recordings, sound design packs, foley backgrounds, walla / loop groups, and music for four scenes. Working as a production team we divided the assets up, meaning I was responsible for producing the alternatives for foley backgrounds and sound design. The ADR was then scheduled to be recorded in the Neve / Audient studios along with the loop group assets.
CD / Mastering Production
During the ASP project I have aimed to produce CDs for promotional material. These have been planned with consideration of presenting an aesthetic branding which reflects our style and flavour as artists. For the production of the CDs, I first had to source the discs themselves [CD-R 52x 700MB] and cases.
Project Post-Production & Mastering Preparation
As the recording and mix stages reach completion for Magic Satin, the final stage of the production comes to the mastering process, including preparing the release for transferability across multiple playback platforms. The playback mediums I will be focusing on will be CD and Spotify Streaming, as these two distribution channels have different technical delivery requirements I will have to produce masters specifically for each.
Production Progress Presentation Write-up
For my presentation I began with covering the production of the tracks, explaining overarching concepts and themes and then delving into the audio engineering and tracking relating to some areas of each track. Following this, I then went through the first marketing materials including a timeline schedule containing the release planning information and timings for the promo campaign plans.
Promotional Materials Production & Launch Event
For the Magic Satin production we have also set out to produce a number of additional promotional materials and aspects which will go towards the final release portfolio for promotional and marketing purposes. For this, it has been my responsibility to produce :
Magic Satin Recording Sessions
For our project we have undertaken a number of recording sessions to track the various aspects of each arrangement for the final full productions. Going into the project we had scratch outlines of the compositions to each track, and a general concept for the sounds tonality and aesthetic as well as it’s genre influences. During the recording sessions we then worked to instil these ideas of what we’re aiming for into the instrumentation with regard to the style of the albums content and concept.
Magic Satin Production Project Plan & Presentation
For the advanced specialised project module, I will be working with partner Das as our production group and collective name Sociodelic. For the project we will be undertaking the production of two EP releases, along with the business and marketing materials provided for following through with the release process and promotion. As we’re producing two together, I will take on producing Magic Satin, and Das will produce Silhouettes. For clarification all references to EP in these pages will refer to Magic Satin.
The Stamp - Studio Production Reflective - How we Livin’
In our modules covering recording / mixing / mastering, we have been undertaking a production project with local band, The Stamp, with whom we have produced a track for called How we Livin’. This production has been a great success for ourselves in our production team as it has brought around exciting prospects of a full album production with the band after the success of this first production.
Neve Genesys Console - Signal Flow & Reflection
During this module myself and our production team have utilised the Neve Genesys console and studio. This has been our primary base of operations and we have carried out a number of production sessions and projects working with the desk and external hardware here. During the start of the module we were instructed on it’s operation by lecturer Nick, and we have gain a fluent understanding and practical knowledge of its operation in recording, mixing and mastering workflows.