Innovative Solutions & Research

We've done a lot of cool stuff with some really interesting people.  From NASA to Disney, we've worked hand in hand with clients to  develop cutting edge audio technology solutions for sound, film, and video game applications.

Our mission is to bring high-impact solutions that can be deployed in the market, or in the field, within a short to medium timeframe.  Our culture is a very important part of our success: we work with sponsors who share our passion for and strategic commitment to R&D, and who delight in the vicarious experience of our Sonic Arts team pushing the envelope. 

Sound Beaming

Auditory imaging for a variety of communications, musical, and AR/VR applications.

Sonic Arts has developed a flexible, patented technology employing optimized audio frequency beam forming for several use cases:

• Direct sound in a highly intelligible manner where it is needed and effective
• Limit sound where it is not wanted or where it may be disruptive
• Provide non-headphone based, high definition, steerable audio imaging in which a stereo or binaural signal is directed to the ears of the listener to produce vivid virtual and 3D auditory images using binaural or more properly, trans-aural auditory imaging.

Sonic Arts binaural beam forming technology shapes audio into controllable beams of sound, directed to each listener’s ear. As a result, listeners can receive an individual 360° sound experience without the need for headphones. Imagine yourself watching TV with a group of people. Through a standard speaker set up, each person would hear the same audio, although those closest to the speakers would hear the audio louder than others. Sound beams are far more precise: they can be individually controlled and directed with pinpoint accuracy. These beams can be used to direct equalized audio to each person, or at a volume adjusted to each listener’s preference. Multiple beams could also be employed simultaneously, so that one listener hears a German audio track, the second hears a Spanish audio track, and the rest hear an English audio track. These audio tracks would all be heard with perfect clarity with negligible overlap. Comhear Inc. currently has acquired the commercial license to this technology, upon which it has been developing numerous products for consumer and professional audio markets.

Space3D

Space3d is a comprehensive and general platform for three dimensional spatial processing of sounds.

Using raytracing, reverb simulation, and binaural processing, the Space3d algorithm can provide scalable audio spatial impressions over speakers in large and small diffusion arenas as well as over headphones. Using raytracing techniques and room modeling the algorithm controls both the delay and amplitude to provide a large sweet spot for the audience. Our patented technology can simulate very realistic and visceral spatial impressions for objects which virtually pass through the listening room.

Living Audio

Living Audio: Immersion is everything.  

Our project to create an interactive binaural algorithm will pave the way for not just surround sound, but immersive environments that put the listener in the center. Using our special realtime binaural Space3d algorithm, Living Audio simulates the audio impression of a fully surround sound system setup with full head tracking of the listener. We are able to achieve realistic and satisfying sptialization with high degree of externalization.