Build Your Own Binaural Dummy-Head!

Long time no post! That's because I've been busy with a lot of binaural goodies. I will soon have a new music video which has taken me more time to plan out than actually create...

The reason for this post, however, is to let y'all know about a tutorial I just posted on building your own binaural dummy-head! Yep, I show you the easiest and cheapest way I know to get started with a good looking, and sounding head. Take a look for yourself:

Dummy-Head Tutorial

I hope you have fun with it and please, please let me know if you find anything that I can improve on.

Matchbox, My Way

Here's another shot at duplicating the localization precision of Zuccarelli's matchbox.

matchbox.mp3

W Interview

This is just a funny binaural interview with our president. I was bored and invited him over to ask some questions. Headphones required. Actually, it works best with earbuds, so Earbuds Required.

W Interview.mp3

Pullman, WA

To watch in full screen HD, go here: Pullman, WA from Bird vs. Alligator on Vimeo.

A walk down main street 99163. Headphones Required.

iPod/iPhone download: Pullman.mp4 (20.1 Mb)

shaker test

this is my shaker based interpretation of Hugo Zuccarelli's matchbox recording. Also a test of my new ear design.

shakerBVA.mp3

experimental binaural

this is an experimental mix of binaural audio. Can you hear the seams??

whisper.mp3

Paper Trail

Ok, I'm working on improving the up/down localization for my "ears". Thanks to the help of Rich at binaural.com, I'm focusing on the Pinna Effect (that's the reflection of sound off of your outer ear). It makes sense that sounds coming from above would reflect off the inner bottom cup of your ear and invert phase. The problem I have is that my "ears" are made of soft silicon rubber. I imagine they absorb too much of that needed directional information.

While I wait for some harder material to make new ears, I decided to test the localization ability at a close proximity. I moved closer into the head with a softer sound (paper wavering). This is the best way to accentuate the shadow of the head and ears. It seems to provide much better localization, especially around the back. That is pretty much what I expected, but I'm still hoping for better distance detail. All in good time I guess... Anyway, check it out:

paper trail.mp3