Binaural audio is a recording technique that creates an immersive, three-dimensional sound experience for the listener. It uses two microphones, positioned close to where each ear would be, to capture sound the way it would be heard from inside someone’s head.
This technique has been used in radio broadcasts and live performances for decades, and it’s becoming more popular as people discover its unique benefits. This guide covers how to record binaural audio so your listeners can enjoy realistic 3D soundscapes.
What Is Binaural Audio?
Binaural audio creates the illusion of three-dimensional sound by playing slightly different signals into each ear, with one signal delayed relative to the other. This delay creates a sense of depth and directionality that mimics how we naturally perceive sound in physical space.
The difference between what reaches your left ear versus your right ear creates the sensation that someone is speaking from one side rather than from directly in front of you.
Binaural audio traces back to 1881, when German physicist Heinrich Wilhelm Dove discovered that human ears perceive sound from a single source differently than sound recorded using stereo techniques like surround sound. The word “binaural” comes from the idea of “two ears.”
When you listen to binaural recordings through headphones or speakers, your brain interprets each channel individually, using cues like level changes and time delays to build a perceptual image of where sounds are coming from. This is known as spatial imaging.
How to Record Binaural Audio
Here’s a step-by-step process for creating binaural audio.
Step 1. Find a space with good acoustics to record in.
Step 2. Place two microphones facing away from each other, as close together as possible. The goal is for them to sit equidistant from the sound source, ideally at ear level. Mount both on tripods or another stationary setup. You’ll also want software that lets you adjust stereo width in your recording, such as Logic Pro X.
Step 3. When playing back your recording, make sure it’s formatted so that each side of a listener’s headphones plays back the corresponding microphone. This ensures listeners hear the same spatial effect regardless of how they’re positioned.
Step 4. Start recording.
A binaural dummy head can help you achieve better spatial sound when capturing two channels simultaneously, and these are widely available online if you want to invest in dedicated binaural recording gear.
Where to Use Binaural Audio
Binaural audio shows up across gaming, music, and film. It’s also used for cognitive tasks requiring deep focus, and some people use it as an alternative to meditation or yoga when they don’t have time to learn traditional techniques.
Binaural audio sounds best through headphones, and people who use it regularly often keep their headphones or mobile device nearby so they don’t need to step away from what they’re doing.
Tips for Recording Binaural Audio
It’s best to record binaural audio with a good quality microphone and an omnidirectional polar pattern. Our guide to what a boundary microphone is covers one omnidirectional option worth considering for this kind of recording.
Record in mono rather than stereo. The left channel should capture one side of the binaural recording, while the right channel captures the other.
Record your voice, then have someone else listen back without telling them what they’re hearing beforehand. This gives you a more unbiased read on how each channel sounds, since they won’t know in advance which ear corresponds to which speaker.
If possible, try using two different microphones for sound input, one set up for general room capture and another positioned farther away for additional spatial detail.
Benefits of Recording Binaural Sound for the Listener
Binaural sound creates a strong sense of realism, since it mimics how sound is actually heard in real environments. It works well for virtual tours of places that would otherwise be inaccessible or too costly to visit in person.
Recording binaural sound and playing it back through headphones lets listeners experience audio from different perspectives. It’s frequently used in video games and films, including well-known examples like The Blair Witch Project.
Some people also find that listening to binaural sound helps with mental health concerns like anxiety, by creating an immersive, calming environment. There are many other applications worth exploring beyond what’s covered here.
Methods to Record Binaural Audio
The most common methods for recording binaural audio are binaural stereo microphones, a binaural dummy head, or a combination of both.
Binaural stereo microphones use two or more dedicated binaural mics to capture sound across different recording techniques.
A binaural dummy head uses a single microphone fitted with an adjustable rubber cap that has small openings positioned where ears would be. A separate opening, resembling a mouth, captures ambient sounds like wind or traffic from any direction during the session.
You can also combine both methods, since they complement each other well.
The dummy head method is one of the easiest and most affordable approaches to get started with, though it’s worth experimenting with other methods to see what works best for your specific setup.
How to Record Binaural Audio Using Audacity
Recording binaural audio with Audacity is a popular approach worth trying if you want a free, accessible option. Here’s a simple process to follow.
Set up two microphones in an X-Y configuration, with one microphone angled 90 degrees from the other.
Record background noise for about 5 minutes, or until sound levels stabilize.
Play back the recording through two sets of speakers while wearing headphones, so each ear hears a different sound source. This creates the depth perception and spatial cues that help listeners understand where things are located as they move through the environment.
Finally, export your recording to MP3 format, and you’re done.
Recording Binaural Audio on a Phone
Can You Record Binaural Audio on Your Phone?
Recording binaural audio with a phone is one of the more accessible methods, though it comes with some limitations worth knowing about.
If you move during recording, you may introduce echo due to the close proximity between speakers on most phones. Using dual mics on both sides of a speaker can also create issues, since noise cancellation may not work properly due to interference between the two sides, especially on mobile devices.
When recording on your phone, keep a steady hand and avoid scratching or rubbing the microphone while holding it, since this can introduce unwanted noise and result in blurry sound.
How to Record Binaural Audio on Your Phone
You can record binaural audio on your phone using its built-in microphone paired with binaural mics, or by using a high quality USB microphone instead. For dedicated USB options, our guide to best USB microphones under $100 covers strong, affordable choices.
Conclusion
Recording binaural audio is a rewarding way to capture realistic, three-dimensional sound, with practical applications across gaming, film, virtual tours, and relaxation content. The dummy head method offers one of the easiest starting points, while tools like Audacity make the process accessible even on a budget.
A good microphone makes a real difference here, so it’s worth checking out our other guides to find the right fit, including best microphones under $200, best microphones for acoustic guitars, best microphone for rappers, best microphones for interviews, and best boundary microphones.
