Immersive Hypperreal Soundscapes: applying practice-based methods to interrogate novel multichannel sound formats.
Andrew Knight-Hill, Paula Fairfield, Brona Martin · 2019
A collaborative project between the Sound Design at Greenwich and industry partner L-ISA (a division of L Acoustics), engaging international Sound Artist Brona Martin and Hollywood Sound Designer Paula Fairfield, to investigate the potentials in novel multichannel technologies (the L-ISA system) for the construction of immersive sonic experiences. Practice methodologies were applied to reveal through action, the possibilities inherent in novel object based audio systems (such as the L Acoustics L-ISA) and the creative workflows available for adapting linear timeline-based compositions towards new object-based panning systems. Existing works, composed in a range of “traditional” multichannel formats (stereo, 5.1, 8 channel, ambisonic), were adapted for public exhibition via the new object-based L-ISA system. Qualitative response data from both contributors and audiences was used to assess and evaluate the approaches and challenges inherent in making this transition between a range of multichannel mixing formats. The process of adapting existing works was compared and contrasted with the development of new original works for the system. Comparing and contrasting workflow approaches, from both adaptation and novel composition of works, allowed exposition of a wide range of possible approaches in immersive soundscape composition, and evaluation of the relative merits of the different approaches. Data collection from audiences at the public events was used evaluate the effectiveness of the multichannel experiences and imbricated with reflections from creative practitioners. In order to reflect a wide range aesthetic styles and varied creative workflows, it was essential to bring in artists and professionals working in a range of different media formats and creative industries. Paula Fairfield (LOST, Game of Thrones) brought perspectives from Hollywood sound design, Brona Martin her experiences in multichannel sound art and installation formats and Andrew Knight-Hill perspectives from electroacoustic music composition. Outputs were disseminated via public exhibition at the Highgate studios / lab of L-Acoustics L-ISA team, at a public talk to creative industry professionals (hosted by the Association of Motion Picture Sound) and through video documentaries. Beneficiaries include engineers and developers of multichannel audio systems, post-production sound professionals, student composers engaged in the project and composers and sound artists engaging in multichannel composition.