Binaural recording with ZYLIA

The ZYLIA ZM-1 microphone has a lot of applications. One of them is the possibility to record your sound scenes and represent them in a binaural way. What does binaural actually mean?

​According to Wikipedia, 

Binaural recording is a method of recording sound that uses two microphones, arranged with the intent to create a 3-D stereo sound sensation for the listener of actually being in the room with the performers or instruments. This effect is often created using a technique known as "dummy head recording", wherein a mannequin head is outfitted with a microphone in each ear. Binaural recording is intended for replay using headphones and will not translate properly over stereo speakers. This idea of a three dimensional or "internal" form of sound has also translated into useful advancement of technology in many things such as stethoscopes creating "in-head" acoustics and IMAX movies being able to create a three-dimensional acoustic experience.

​Since ZYLIA ZM-1 is a 19-channel microphone array, it is possible to simply record 360 sound and convert it to a binaural representation. 

How?
​
It is easy. Just convert the 19-channel audio recorded with ZYLIA ZM-1 to ambisonics, using ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter, then use a binaural decoder VST plugin such as the one from the IEM suite (https://plugins.iem.at/). 

Why?
​
From the artist point of view, you are able to present your music scene or performance in a new way, giving your audience a true feeling of being inside your music and experiencing performance in a more natural way. You can play with your listeners, triggering additional emotions by incorporating the binaural way of recording into your music workflow.​

​From the sound designer point of view, it is a huge field for experiments. Check those simple recordings to experience the movement of sound objects. 

It is also the perfect solution for field recordists. You can record immersive 360 scenes and represent them in a binaural way, presenting a vivid experience of being on the spot.