„I’m Here“ in 3D Audio
The Idea
„I’m Here“ in 3D Audio in an atmospheric and immersive soundscape piece. The piece itself is inspired by a waterscape with different waves coming from different directions at the same time. The goal was to sonically represent a space fully immersed by the water and the waves.
Implementation
The piece is created in 5th order Ambisonics. For Ambisonic encoding, a stereo encoder and granular encoder were used.
The piece has experimental positioning of different elements: vocal, electronics and acoustic instruments. The element in focus is vocal where its positioning from above as well as its movement in space becomes part of the storytelling and the soundscape.
Technically, I worked with Reaper, spatialisation plugins such as the IEM Suite and Ableton Live. The approach of the mix was to include a lot of movement, including automation, in order to build an immersive listening experience. The lead vocal was positioned in a front elevated position to enhance the ethereal approach of the mix. Additional spatial movement was introduced through dynamic panning within the space and modulation, allowing for the soundscape to evolve continuously throughout the piece.
Making of
Ethereal Ambience
The Idea
As part of the 3D Audio and Sound Design Masterclass, I created “Ethereal Ambience”, a modulation device that transforms voice and breath into real-time sound design tools. The goal is to create an organic, intuitive way to shape ambient sound, where the performer’s breath naturally controls effects.
Implementation
Ethereal Ambience is a Max for Live device (a customised device created for the Ableton Live DAW) that works with a microphone, requiring no extra hardware. It analyses vocal amplitude, pitch and breath intensity to control reverb freeze, filter brightness and ambient noise particles.
Breathiness, volume and pitch of the sung tones are tracked separately. Unlike the usage of external instruments or controllers, the performer’s own vocal expression can create evolving, hands-free modulations. This tool is made for vocalists, electronic musicians, and sound designers working in Ableton Live that are interested in exploring experimental sound design tools.