How To Spatialize Audio - Create Immersive Sound
As someone who loves experimenting with sound, I’ve always been fascinated by how we can take a standard stereo audio track and turn it into an even more realistic sound experience using audio spatialization.
Spatializing audio opens up endless creative possibilities, whether you’re designing for VR, mixing music, creating soundscapes, listening to music, or just exploring the next frontier of sound.
While many people think it's hard to spatialize audio, it can actually be done in a few minutes using the right tools (like Audioube) - which you'll learn in this article.
Keep reading to learn how to spatialize audio, understand how audio spatialization works, and explore tools and techniques to help you create three dimensional sound experiences.
In This Article You Will:
Learn the definition of what spatializing audio means, and why you'd want to do it.
Understand the tools, techniques, and innovative technology to create spatial audio, and spatialize sound.
Get a deep dive into spatial audio, and it's core surrounding concepts.
Learn how to create spatial audio content using cutting-edge tools like audiocube.app
What Does It Mean to Spatialize Audio?
Spatializing audio is the process of creating the perception that sound is coming from a three-dimensional space. It’s not just left and right (as in stereo audio) or a single point (as in mono); it’s sound that moves around you, above you, or even below you. This approach makes audio more engaging, realistic, and immersive.
Imagine watching a movie where you hear a plane fly overhead, footsteps behind you, and whispers from the side. This level of detail creates a deeper connection with the content and makes spatial audio a game-changer for music, movies, and gaming.
You can listen to spatialized audio on any device with headphones - it doesn't have to directly support spatial audio, thanks to binaural tech.
How to Spatialize Audio: Step-By-Step
I've always been interested in creating spatialized audio experiences, for over a decade now. However, I found that most of the tools were limited, fiddly, expensive, and couldn't achieve the effect I wanted. This is what drove me to start developing my own spatial audio software - Audiocube. I've specifically designed it to give creators a full 3D audio engine & workflow, making it easy and affordable to spatialize audio.
The following steps shows you the basic workflow to quickly spatialize audio using Audiocube.
Download Audiocube - You can use the free version to access the core spatialization function, but Audiocube Pro unlocks a bunch of extra features.
Import Your Audio Files- Begin by loading your mono or stereo audio files into Audiocube using the import wizard. Whether they’re sound effects, music stems, or voice recordings - whatever .mp3 and .wav you want to spatialize.
Plan Your Project - Decide on the type of experience you want to create. For example:
A concert-like environment with sound sources surrounding the listener.
A focused, intimate setting with subtle shifts in audio direction.
A dynamic gaming scene with sound effects moving in real time.
Position Sounds in 3D Space - Use Audiocube’s 3D audio interface to position sounds within a virtual space. You can place sounds above, below, or around the listener, creating a full 360-degree sound field. Adjust parameters like distance and direction for added realism.
Add Movement and Dynamics - To make your soundscape more engaging, use Audiocube’s dynamic sound emitters & placement automation. These tools allow you to move audio sources over time, simulating effects like a helicopter flying overhead or footsteps circling the listener.
Layer and Enhance - Combine multiple sound sources to build a rich and complex sonic environment. Use Audiocube’s layering capabilities to blend atmospheric sounds, ambient noise, and effects seamlessly.
Apply Effects and Spatial Processing - Add depth and realism with Audiocube’s built-in effects, such as reverb and delay. For immersive environments, simulate room acoustics or outdoor spaces using convolution reverb, and build custom rooms using Soundwall devices.
Test and Refine - Preview your spatialized audio. Try toggling different acoustic settings like HRTF Binauralization, reflections, occlusion, and more, to get the right tone and acoustic feeling to your project.
Export Your Creation - When your spatial audio project is complete, use Audiocube's output recorder to playback and capture the processed audio. This creates a HD .WAV that contains all the spatialized information to create an immersive listening experience.
As you can see, the process of spatializing audio in Audiocube is super easy. This software is designed to give full control over audio spatialization and can achieve results that aren't possible using traditional tools like DAWs and VSTs.
Get started for free - download Audiocube now!
Check out the Audiocube User Manual for more information!
Understanding How Spatial Audio Sound Works
Spatial audio sound is a revolutionary approach to audio design that enhances how we perceive sound in a three-dimensional space. Unlike mono audio or stereo tracks, which are limited to linear left-right or front-back sound placement, spatial audio creates a fully immersive environment where sound seems to come from all directions, including above and below. This depth and realism transform the listening experience, making it more dynamic and engaging.
When we spatialize stereo, the traditional two-channel audio is reimagined to simulate surround sound, adding a sense of depth that mono audio cannot achieve. For example, in a movie scene with spatial audio, you might hear raindrops overhead while footsteps approach from behind. This level of immersion is possible because spatial audio works by simulating how our ears naturally perceive sound waves in a real-world environment.
How Spatial Audio Creates Immersive Experiences
At its core, spatial audio relies on advanced audio processing to manipulate sound positioning and depth. Here’s how spatial audio works to create lifelike soundscapes:
Positioning Audio Sources: By placing sound elements in a virtual 3D space, spatial audio creates the illusion that audio is coming from specific directions relative to the listener.
Dynamic Adjustments: Features like volume control and panning ensure that the perceived distance and intensity of each sound align with the desired effect.
Compatibility with Apple Devices: With Apple Spatial Audio, users can experience spatialized sound effortlessly on devices like AirPods Pro and Max. Apple’s integration of head tracking adds another layer of realism, ensuring the audio sound adjusts dynamically as the listener moves.
Transforming Stereo into Surround: Tools like Audiocube allow creators to take stereo mixes and convert them into spatial audio formats, achieving surround sound-like results without the need for multi-speaker setups.
By combining these techniques, spatial audio creates not just sound but an immersive environment that places the listener at the center of the action. Whether you're experiencing a concert, gaming, or enjoying Apple Spatial Audio on streaming platforms, the result is a rich and captivating audio experience that surpasses traditional formats.
Why Spatializing Audio Matters
The ability to spatialize audio has revolutionized sound design across industries. From virtual reality to live music, spatial audio enhances how we experience sound.
For Music: It adds a new layer of depth and creativity for artists, turning traditional tracks into dynamic experiences.
For Movies: It makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action, whether it’s a car chase or a quiet dialogue.
For Gaming: Precise sound placement enhances immersion and can even impact gameplay, like knowing where an enemy is in a shooter game.
Spatializing audio isn’t just a technical feature—it’s a way to connect audiences to sound like never before.
Common Applications of Spatialized Audio
Spatial audio is becoming a cornerstone of modern sound design:
Music Production: Artists are releasing tracks mixed for spatial audio, creating unique listening experiences.
Movies and Streaming: Platforms like Netflix and Disney+ offer spatial audio options, enhancing at-home movie nights.
Gaming and VR: 3D sound makes virtual worlds feel real, adding depth and interactivity.
Everyday Listening: With tools like Apple’s personalized spatial audio, immersive sound is available for casual listeners.
Other Tools for Spatializing Audio
Creating spatial audio requires the right tools and techniques. Here are some of the best ways to get started:
Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)
Modern DAWs like Audiocube are designed for 3D sound design. Audiocube, for example, lets you position sounds in a virtual space with precision, whether you’re working on soundscapes, game audio, or dynamic music.
Apple Devices with Spatial Audio
Apple has made spatial audio widely accessible on devices like iPhones, iPads, and AirPods. Features like dynamic head tracking and personalized spatial audio enhance the experience by tailoring sound placement to your unique ear shape.
Streaming Platforms
Services like Apple Music and Tidal offer tracks mixed in spatial audio formats, allowing listeners to enjoy spatialized music effortlessly.
Exploring Spatial Audio on Apple Devices
Apple has made it easier than ever to enjoy spatial audio. With AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, you can enable spatial audio and head tracking to experience sound like never before. Tracks labeled “Dolby Atmos” on Apple Music bring this technology to life, giving listeners a taste of immersive soundscapes.
Personalized spatial audio goes a step further by scanning your ear shape using an iPhone or iPad to optimize the experience for your unique anatomy.
Start Spatializing Audio with Audiocube
If you’re ready to explore the endless possibilities of spatial audio, Audiocube is the perfect tool to help you get started.
With Audiocube’s intuitive 3D interface, you can position sounds, create dynamic movements, and design immersive experiences effortlessly. Whether you’re crafting soundscapes, producing music, or working on game audio, Audiocube empowers you to spatialize audio with precision and creativity.
Ready to dive in? Try Audiocube today and transform the way you create and experience sound.
FAQs About Spatializing Audio
What does spatialize audio do?
Spatializing audio places sounds in a virtual 3D space around you, creating immersive experiences that mimic real-life listening environments. You can activate it on Apple devices in the control center, although you'll need the right type of headphones like Airpods of Beats Headphones.
Is spatialized audio good on AirPods?
Yes, spatialized audio works exceptionally well on AirPods, enhancing music and media with immersive, three-dimensional sound.
What is the point of head-tracked spatial audio?
Head-tracked spatial audio adjusts sound positioning based on your head movements, creating a realistic and interactive listening experience.
