DigDagga's
Binaural Audio Dummy-Head Tutorial
For 3D Audio Recording
by: Jeffrey Anderson - DigDagga.com
Start recording 3D Audio today!
This tutorial is a step-by-step procedure describing how to build your own binaural dummy-head on a budget. It tells you everything you need to know about materials, microphones, and design. As I go through, I will discuss various design issues that I've come across and try to explain the reasons behind why I've built my dummy head this way.
Note: Binaural 3D audio is a mysterious beast. Depending on the dummy head design, 3D localization might work great for one person, and not very well for the next. Keep this in mind and try not to get too discouraged. I am continuously trying to improve my design for universal binaural 3D audio enjoyment, so keep checking back.
Here are the materials and general costs for the project assuming you have all the tools:
| Mannequin Head | $ 40 |
| Binaural Microphones | $ 250 (or $70, see below) |
Click Here for Silicone Binaural Ears - SBE-1
(3D Audio is delicate, and the ears are the key piece) |
$ 99 (+ shipping) |
Plastic tubing (1 foot) |
$ 2 |
1/8" x 1 1/4" pan head bolts (qty. 6) |
$ 1 |
1" fender washers to match the bolts above (qty. 6) |
$ 1 |
Hex nuts to match the bolts above (qty. 6) |
$ 1 |
Metric ruler |
free |
Hot Glue Gun |
free |
Metric Ruler |
free |
Pencil |
free |
Scissors or razor |
free |
Drill with 3/16" bit |
free |
Dremmel tool or jig-saw |
free |
A pile of old t-shirts |
free |
| Total | $ 394 (or $214) |
Of course if you go with a cheaper option for microphones, the price will go down. I use the Core Sound Binaural Microphone set in this tutorial, but alternative mics can be used. I mention one other option for mics in the Microphone section just for your information, which cost around $70.
Example Recording
This video was made using a dummy head like the one shown in this tutorial. The binaural 3D Audio is provided by DigDagga's SBE-1 Silicone Binaural Ears.
