Based in Southampton, UK, Audioscenic are an innovative audio technology company dedicated to advancing spatial audio technology. Their recently trademarked Amphi Hi-D (High-dimensional Sound) technology aims to set a new standard in the field, providing detailed control over 3D sound reproduction using cross-talk cancellation techniques to enable binaural reproduction over speakers rather than headphones.
Amphi Hi-D is said to overcome the ‘sweet spot’ limitation faced by conventional cross-talk cancellation systems, where the accuracy of the spatial positioning relies on listeners remaining in the optimal location. Thanks to machine-learning-based listener-position sensing, the technology is able to track the alignment of the listener’s ears with the playback device, and responds to movement by dynamically adjusting the audio processing to ensure the 3D sound stage remains unaffected as the listener moves around.
Current Applications
Audioscenic's technology is behind the immersive audio capabilities of a number of current products, including Acer's SpatialLabs 3D displays and Razer's Leviathan V2 Pro Soundbar.The company have already made quite the impact in the world of consumer audio, with some prolific names incorporating Audioscenic’s technology into their product line-ups. Their Amphi AI Beamforming technology is behind the immersive capabilities of ICT giant Acer’s latest SpatialLabs 3D displays, where it helps to provide an immersive listening experience without the need for headphones, while gaming experts Razer have relied on Audioscenic’s proprietary loudspeaker array technology, head-tracking and AI capabilities to power their Leviathan V2 Pro Soundbar. They have also partnered with some other major names such as Dell, MSI, Cirrus Logic and Zylux.
“Spatial sound is seeing a tremendous increase in backing by the audio industry and we are proud to work with Razer and THX Spatial Audio to bring a product to market that defines the future of a user-centric listening experience. The future of audio listening is spatial, and integrating technology like ours to consumer products has the power to revolutionise the domestic audio scene.” - Marcos Simon, Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer, Audioscenic
What’s Next?
As evidenced by the existing collaborations, gaming is an obvious application for Amphi Hi-D, but the company say that its versatility also opens the doors to a diverse range of products. In home entertainment, for example, Hi-D allows soundbars to deliver cinematic experiences without the need for complex multi-speaker setups, and it can even be put to work for applications such as conference calling, where its ability to create distinct voice positioning and enhanced clarity help to create a more natural and engaging virtual meeting space.
Of course, the increasing demand for immersive audio means that more and more facilities — both professional and ‘project’ studios — are being kitted out to deliver mixes in an array of spatial formats, particularly those that specialise in creating audio content for film, TV and games. So, how might the technology be put to work in the pro-audio world? An interesting example would be a collaboration with a loudspeaker manufacturer: could Amphi AI provide a viable compact alternative to a discrete immersive playback rig? If so, it’d certainly be welcome news for smaller studios that have ruled out immersive audio due to space or budget restraints.
More information on Audioscenic’s technologies, and their collaborations with equipment manufacturers, can be found on the company’s website.
