Spatial Audio Fundamentals

This two-day short course will equip you with the fundamental skills to integrate spatial audio into your creative practice. You will be introduced to the creative potential of spatial sound and equipped with the skill to edit, mix and compose in spatial audio using accessible tools.

You will learn techniques and approaches that extend beyond Dolby Atmos, such as Ambisonics, exploring the rich and varied histories of spatial audio practice to drive your creative potential.

You will experience our 32.4 Spatial Audio Lab, part of the Shared Hub for Immersive Future Technologies, through curated listening sessions and have the opportunity to listen to your own work through this system.

For more information about our facilities visit: 

WHAT IS SPATIAL AUDIO?

Spatial audio composition with studio technology enables artists to create enveloping experiences in which sounds surround and travel around the listener.

In our everyday life we hear sounds from above, behind, around and below us, they may move past us from front to back, or pass over us from left to right. Spatial audio allows creatives to access this dimension of sound which is lost in traditional stereo (two channel) formats, and to re-create and play with the spatial position of sounds as a feature in their creative work.

The popularity of spatial audio tools has exploded in recent years, with the adoption of Spatial mixes by Apple Music and Dolby Atmos Music, amongst others. But few practitioners are able to the full potential of spatial sound because they have not unlocked the full potential by understanding the heritage of spatial sound practice.

Through our research at the SOUND/IMAGE Research centre and our established Loudspeaker Orchestra concert series, we frequently welcome practitioners and artists at the forefront of spatial sound composition, giving us access to world leading creative approaches in spatial sound.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

DAY ONE:

DAY TWO:

WHO WILL BE MY TUTORS?

You will be taught by composers and musicians at the SOUND/IMAGE Research Centre who are experts in spatial audio composition.

Including:

• Dr Brona Martin

• Dr Emma Margetson

• Prof. Andrew Knight-Hill

COST

£350 for one two-day course

COURSE DATES

2 Days In-Person (10- 5 each day, 12 hours)

Available dates:

• 8-9 September 2025
• 8-9 January 2026
• 20-21 April 2026

WHAT WILL I NEED?

• Enthusiasm and passion to explore the creative potential of spatial audio.

• Pair of Headphones

• Hard drive for transferring files

• - Download link - 

If you have some of your own recorded sounds that you would like to work with then please bring them. Otherwise, we will provide you with a sound library.