Binaural recording vs binaural beats – what's the difference?

The word “binaural” is garnering a lot of interest these days. By definition, it literally just means “having or relating to two ears.” Human beings (along with many other animals) experience all sound binaurally.

But confusingly, “binaural” can be applied to a few very different things – most applicably, binaural recording (aka binaural audio), and binaural beats (aka binaural brainwaves).

To help get everyone on the same page, here’s a quick rundown and some audio demos about the differences between binaural recording and binaural beats/brainwaves…

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Crosstalk cancellation, or "Why Dr. Edgar Choueiri is my new hero" PART 1

In case you haven’t heard, there was huge news in the world of binaural audio this spring. Edgar Choueiri, head of Princeton University’s “3D Audio and Applied Acoustics” lab, announced breakthrough audio processing that solves crosstalk cancellation for binaural audio playback through two speakers.

“Great!” you’re probably thinking. “But what the heck is crosstalk cancellation?”

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Musicians Take Note: 3D Is Not Just For Movies!

Remember getting those red and green 3D glasses with comic books back in the day? Now, 3D movies in theatres (and in people’s living rooms!) are the next big thing, and they make the old 3D specs look like antiques.

Likewise, most people with a home theatre setup have their speakers set for 5.1 surround sound, but very few people are savvy to the most immersive, ear-tingling 3D audio format that’s actually even more accessible.

Binaural audio is the sonic equivalent to today’s ultra-immersive 3D movies, and it’s actually been around for ages!

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