Implementation of a Multi-Channel 3D Audio Architecture

Abstract

3D synthesis is the process where mono or stereo audio signal are rendered into audio with three dimensional qualities. By using these techniques it is possible to simulate natural audio by over a pair of stereo headphones. SoundScape Studios AS are investigating the area to be able to bring forward a portable 3D synthesizing device. The areas of application are many and 3D audio can be introduced in many established settings. Museums can extend their exhibitions by giving all visitors a personal tour. 3D sound effects can be very realistic and give the visitors a whole new experience. SoundScape Studios AS have under development a 3D Audioguide and the intention of this project has been to implement a working hardware kernel. What will be of most interest is how much data can be processed on such portable device. With limited hardware resources a suggestion to a design has been implemented and tested. The results give a hint about what capacity the system has. Due to the complexity of the design only the kernel of the system has been realized in hardware. This has made it difficult to deliver audio results which has lead to the development of a software version as well. Both implementations are based on the same architecture and will therefore have certain similarities and they both deliver correct results. But while the software version produces audible results the hardware version delivers computational power. Together these implementations will hopefully give a lot of useful results to SoundScape Studios AS in the further development of the 3D Audioguide.