A Guide to Deep Listening

Introduction:

In recent years, technological advances have dramatically changed the way we experience sound. Traditional stereo systems were replaced by immersive audio formats that provide an intense and lifelike listening experience. Whether you are an audiophile or a casual listener, knowing how to immerse yourself in the world of sound will help you enjoy music, movies and virtual reality even more. In this blog post, I will explain the art of immersive music listening and give practical tips on how to realise its full potential.

deep-listening-to-immersive-audio--in-austrian-forest
Giant Meagaphones built by a team of architecture students from the Estonian Academy of Arts to listen to the sounds of nature, a place for resting, healing and contemplation in Baumkronenweg Park, Kopfing, Austria.
? : Anne Rongas

Understanding immersive audio:

Before getting into the intricacies of immersive audio, it’s important to understand its basic concepts. Immersive audio aims to replicate the way we naturally perceive sound in three-dimensional space (article: Human perception of sound), providing a more realistic and immersive experience. This is achieved through the use of specialised audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D and binaural listening, which use multiple channels and object-based audio to create a sense of height, depth and width in the soundstage.

Setting up your immersive audio system:

Getting the most out of immersive audio requires the right setup. If you have the budget, start by investing in a high-quality audio system (see site Techradar) that supports the immersive audio format of your choice. This typically includes a compatible AV receiver or processor, multiple speakers and, optionally, special overhead or ceiling-mounted speakers for a wider soundstage. Proper speaker placement, calibration and acoustic treatment of the room are critical to achieving optimal sound quality and immersion.

The amazing thing about Dolby Atmos is that the 3D audio sphere is not limited to a certain number of speakers. So if you have five speakers, if you have seven speakers, if you have two speakers or if you just have headphones, the Dolby Atmos technology will take what I have created in my studio and distribute it to whatever is available. So what I’m particularly excited about is the idea that it’s no longer limited to end users who have multi-channel systems.

If you don’t have the budget or the right listening room, you can listen to immersive music through headphones. The headphone experience, which is obviously the simplest and most accessible experience for the majority of listeners, is actually quite stunning and magical, and a truly unique opportunity to experience a whole new world of audio.

Select immersive audio content:

Once your system is set up, the next step is to choose content that supports immersive audio. Many new Blu-ray discs, streaming platforms and game consoles offer immersive audio formats as part of their repertoire. Look for content specifically labelled as supporting formats such as Dolby Atmos or Binaural for a truly immersive experience. From blockbuster movies to music albums and video games, there is a growing library of content to explore and enjoy.

The art of deep listening:

The art of deep listening refers to the practice of fully engaging and immersing oneself in the act of listening to music or any other form of auditory experience. It goes beyond simply hearing the sounds and involves a conscious and focused attention to the nuances, details and emotions conveyed by the audio.

Deep listening requires setting aside distractions, being present in the moment and allowing yourself to be fully absorbed by the sounds. It involves paying attention to the subtle layers, textures and dynamics within the music, as well as the emotional and expressive qualities it evokes. Deep listening encourages an openness to experiencing music in a holistic and immersive way.

Here are some of the aspects and benefits associated with the art of deep listening:

1. Mindfulness:

Deep listening is a form of mindfulness practice. By focusing your attention only on the auditory experience, you cultivate a state of focused awareness in the present moment.

So be in the present! Focus your attention on the sound alone. Let go of other thoughts and distractions and allow yourself to be fully present in the magic of the moment.
Pay attention to the spatial aspects of the sound. Notice the positioning of instruments, sounds and voices within the soundstage. Imagine yourself in the scene or environment being created.

Activate your senses, don’t listen, feel. Close your eyes and let your auditory perception take over. By removing the visual stimulus, you allow your mind to fully absorb the sonic landscape and emotional nuances of the content.

2. Appreciation of details:

Deep listening allows you to notice and appreciate the intricate details and nuances within the music that might otherwise go unnoticed. It helps you gain a deeper understanding and connection with the composition and the artist’s intentions.

These are the kinds of details and subtleties that are often lost in traditional stereo sound. Listen for subtle ambient sounds, delicate reverberations and spatial cues that add depth and realism to the experience.

3. Emotional connection:

Deep listening opens you up to the emotional impact of music. It allows for a deeper connection with the artist’s expression, which can evoke a range of emotions and enhance the overall listening experience.

Allow yourself to become emotionally involved with the content. Immersive audio has the power to awaken powerful emotions, and by fully immersing yourself, you can enhance the impact and resonance of the sound.

4. Enhanced musical perception:

Deep listening develops your ability to discern different elements of music, such as instrumental separation, spatial effects, tonal qualities and the interplay of different melodies and rhythms. It sharpens your musical perception and enriches your overall understanding of music.

5. Expanded musical horizons:

Practicing deep listening allows you to explore a wider variety of genres, styles and artists. It encourages curiosity and openness to new sounds and musical experiences, expanding your musical horizon.

6. Active engagement:

Deep listening is an active process that encourages participation rather than passive consumption of music. It may involve reflecting on the meanings and messages conveyed by the composition and relating them to your personal experiences and emotions.

7. Experiment with personalisation:

Immersive audio systems often offer room correction and personalisation features to adapt the sound to your specific listening environment. Use these tools to tweak the audio experience to suit your preferences. Experiment with different sound modes, equaliser settings and speaker or headphone models to find the sweet spot that works for you.

Conclusion:

Overall, listening to immersive audio goes beyond the passive consumption of sound. The art of deep listening promotes a deeper appreciation, understanding and connection with music, enriching the overall listening experience and fostering a more profound relationship between the listener and the art form.