Echoes in Space: Reimagining Chinese Traditional Instruments through Immersive Audio

空间回声：通过沉浸式音景重新想象中国传统乐器

100,000

Spatial audio technologies have transformed the way we perceive sound, creating immersive and three-dimensional auditory experiences. Despite these advances, their potential for preserving and promoting traditional music forms remains largely untapped. This two-year research project aims to bridge that gap by using spatial audio to showcase Chinese traditional instruments such as the Pipa, Erhu, and Guqin. Through cutting-edge techniques like binaural recording with the Neumann KU 100 head microphone, the project will capture the spatial nuances of these instruments, allowing listeners to feel as though they are in the performance space and fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of traditional Chinese music.

The project will also explore the creative possibilities of spatial audio composition, utilizing these recordings to develop new multichannel works that place the instruments in innovative sonic contexts. Additionally, the final phase will involve creating a virtual 3D recreation of the Immersive Sound Studio at the XEC Campus using game engine technology and audio path tracing, offering a new platform for experiencing these compositions. This project has the potential to impact the fields of ethnomusicology, sound preservation, and new media art, while setting a precedent for future efforts to preserve global music traditions through immersive audio technologies.