Avio - Avio Labs

Free 3d sound - Holophonic Rain Ambience!

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginonic) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 06:24:00 -0700

Today,we're giving away another free Holophonic recording that you can use in your projects. This one is a recording of the rain, from a terrace thats located in the middle of a busy City. Also be sure to check out our other recording of the sea, after you've finished listening to this one. Enjoy :)

IMPORTANT!

USE YOUR HEADPHONES AND NOT YOUR SPEAKERS TO LISTEN TO THIS RECORDING!

Click here to play without having to download the file

MP3 320 Kbps , 16.5 Mb

Note: This file is also available from the Public Repository for download.

Usage Restrictions:

This holophonic audio recording is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non commercial-shareAlike 3.0 Unported License. This means that you may use this file in any way you like as long as

1)You don't make money out of it

2) You agree to provide a legible, valid backlink to this blog.

This is all we ask for!! If you need to use this file for commercial purposes, please contact us.

This Holophonic Recording of the Sea by Avio Labs is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://labs.imaginonics.com/.

Free Immersive HQ Holophonic Sea Ambience (Holophinc Recording)!

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginonic) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 10:07:00 -0700

Today we're giving away a free Holophonic recording that you can use for your projects. Its a recording of the sea tides and waves, recorded in a manner that gives you the perfect feeling of being right in the middle of the Sea shore!! Its quite soothing and we know you'll love it for sure!! Enjoy :)

IMPORTANT!
USE YOUR HEADPHONES AND NOT YOUR SPEAKERS TO LISTEN TO THIS RECORDING!

Download this Free Holophonic Recording from below:

Click here to Play without having to download the file

MP3 320 Kbps , 15.4 Mb

Note: This file is also available from the Public Repository for download.

Usage Restrictions:

This holophonic audio recording is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non commercial-shareAlike 3.0 Unported License. This means that you may use this file in any way you like as long as

1)You don't make money out of it
2) You agree to provide a legible, valid backlink to this blog.

This is all we ask for!! If you need to use this file for commercial purposes, please contact us.

This Holophonic Recording of the Sea by Avio Labs is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://labs.imaginonics.com/.

Sony-MDR-XD-300-reviewed

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginonic) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:10:00 -0700

Today, we're going to review the Stereo Headphones / Studio Monitors from Sony, the MDR-XD 300's in specific (and probably the other models in the XD series as well).

First Look:

The XD-300's are packed in a very attractive box, that may seem a little deceptive. I say 'deceptive' because the box doesn't make a mention of the terms "Studio Monitors" anywhere. This doesn't mean its a falsely marketed product, but its probably targeted at the wrong audience, like the general consumers (instead they should've targeted at audiophiles). This is an audiophile grade headphone and depending on the audio source, these headphones would sound different too. It's sole aim is to reproduce everything "as it is" instead of adding "color" to the sound it outputs.

Design:

The XD-300's have HUGE cups that surround your ear and are designed to provide a sense of comfort when you wear them over your head. It features a spring-like system to ensure a comfortable and more precisely, a perfect fit. Many complain that wearing these will make you look like an alien, but to be honest, if you get to know how the whole 'suspension' system works to comfort your head, the 'alien looks' won't be an issue AT ALL.

The suspension-like feature:

The XD-300's feature a sound mode switch that lets you switch between Music and Movie modes. Yes, this switch seems to do nothing, apparently, BUT, what it DOES is that it actually closes and opens a vent inside the cups each time you meddle with the switch. The switch does improve the BASS notes at times, but not too often. However, since the switch makes the unit a semi-open system whenever it is toggled, it could prove useful when you're monitoring something.

The Sound-mode Switch:

The XD-300's also feature angled ear-cups for the best comfort ever. This is an awesome feature of the XD series, which enables you to wear these headphones on for hours without stressing over your ears.

The angled ear-cups:

Overall, the design of the MDR-XD 300's can be considered to be GOOD (9/10).

Build Quality:

The area where the XD-300's lose is in the build quality. The XD-300's feel quite plastic-ish. Though the surface of the cups feels quite smooth and posh, the rest of the supportive elements feature a cheap-ish kind of finish. However, it is not quite bad and can be considered to be ABOVE AVERAGE (7/10)

The plastic-ish finish:

The wonderful finish:

The XD-300's feature a gold-plated plug and a loooong chord (yes its that long). In addition to the long chord, you also get a complimentary longer chord inside along with the cans.

The complimentary extension chord:

Performance:

The XD-300 studio monitors feature a flat frequency response and this is really very evident when you're listening to Bass-heavy tracks like the ones from Fashion-TV's compilations / Chill Jazz Sessions. The sound you get from these cans is like WYHIWYP (What you hear is what you play). The quality, its amazing - you get to hear every single bit of audio stream present in the track! You can even work out the number of instruments being played, if you're playing music composed with a lot of instruments.!

A Friendly Warning:

What this headphone isn't - This headphone isn't a bass-o-matic. Meaning, the box may have deceived you into thinking that this headphone, since being a movie headphone, might produce fierce Bass notes with its full might, just because it looks so huge. Don't get disappointed, this headphone won't do that. Yes, you DO get Bass and plenty of it such that it pumps up the adrenaline, but not in a way that you imagine it to be. This is NOT a defect and is a typical characteristic of monitors. It sounds beautiful for movies, but for music, you might not get that so called 'punch'. While this is a not-so-important issue for audiophiles, this is definitely something disappointing for the Bass lovers. However, there is a wonderful workaround for this, (will explain it in the next post, please be patient till then)

Performance Rating: 10/10 !

Conclusion:

Overall, The XD-300's can be considered to be a very good product from Sony. These headphones would be quite useful, if you're into monitoring or something. This headphone is meant for audiophiles and not for general consumers / Bass lovers. These will also be the perfect match for Movie lovers. The overall product rating would be 8/10.

Good Day

New innovative Shockwave units !!

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginonic) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Today, we're unveiling a new series of concept speakers - kuro. Kuro is made of thick slabs of Acrylic Glass that are sturdy, rigid and are designed to allow for maximum vibration leakage. Kuro follows an open design principle which means it allows for maximum wave transmission through air compared to its competitors. This has the advantage that you can feel the sound waves rather than just being able to 'hear' them. The Low frequency drivers of Kuro are able to reproduce sub-bass frequencies without reaching the limits of its voice-coil air suspension limit. This also means that you get to 'feel' the low frequency bass notes from instruments such as drums, bass guitars and so on. This is something that is accomplished by other competitors by using a separate sub-woofer unit (as in a 2.1 configuration). Kuro doesn't have any separate bass modules. Just two speakers and crystal clear audio that takes you into another dimension. Watch the TVC below:

Good Day

Back on track !

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginonic) — Fri, 9 Jul 2010 09:15:00 -0700

Here's Avio Labs, with refreshing, newer features. Check out the cool Fade-effects too ;)

So whats New?

Installed Jquery.
Fixed the crappy markup.
Removed Google Ads.
Replaced the music player with an Open source Alternative
Updated the sidebar components.
Integrated with the Facebook Graph API.
The Blog homepage pre-loader is now fixed and works perfect even on IE.
Integrated with Twitter.
Photos now display on a fancy light box. Works only on latest posts though.
Using a custom Domain name (the old one is still valid though)
Re-built everything from scratch using the popular Open Source tools Notepad ++ and Gimp.
Proudly powered by Blogger, as always ;)

Renovation work!

noreply@blogger.com (Imaginonic) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:25:00 -0700

We're renovating the whole network of Avio Labs.Expect a lot more features and amazing Skins!!

Good Day

Binaural and Holophonic Sound

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 1 Nov 2008 06:53:00 -0700

Binaural Recording

A Binaural Recording is a recording that is made usually by special Microphone arrangement.The usual method is by the use of a dummy head.In this method,a dummy head is placed and two microphones are placed exactly where our ears would be,precisely.Using this arrangement,recordings are made and the information about the position of the sound source is also embedded in the recording.As a result,the output is a very-realistic,immersive experience,that makes the user feel as though the sound really is emitted from the exact spot. However,there are certain limitations to this method:

1)You need Headphones to Listen to the recordings

2)Binaural Recordings,though somewhat realistic,has better subtitutions

Holophonic Recordings

A Holophonic Recording is similar to a Binaural recording,except that an inaudible reference signal is passed through the recording,that adds perception of Complete Depth.Unlike Binaural Recordings,Holophonic Recordings sound extremely realistic,some people even claim that they smell sulphur when they hear a match stick light!!!

This technique was developed in 1980 by Hugo Zuccarelli.It is similar to the way in which a typical Hologram Label is made,except that Sound signals are used.Some researchers cite that even some hearing-disabled people can hear holophonic sound!

Though Holophonic sound is gaining popularity among Professional Artists,it needs more light.Just like a Binaural recording,Holophonics sound best when heard through Headphones.

Resources - Downloads

Now here's the fun part for you not-so-technical enthusiasts.All the downloads are LEGAL and DO NOT VIOLATE COPYRIGHTS.

1)Preview Samples from Mso.org [Binaural]

Page link

2)Preview Samples from freesound.org [Binaural]

Page link

3)Carta 3d - A great Demo [Holophonic]

Page link

Download Link

4)Toccata e fuga in re minore- An Organ in its natural Surroundings [Holophonic]

Page link

Download Link

5)Cereni - A great Demo,Match stick going all around you! [Holophonic]

Download Link

6)Temporale - A good thunder Recording [Binaural]

Download Link

7)Le (povere) orecchie di Bellini - A good street scene Composition [Binaural]

Download Link

Quietamerican.org - Vox Americana (Echolocations)

Page link

three trains - Download link

malaria - Download link

circumlocution- Download link

inpassing- Download Link

dukka - Download link

stuck - Download link

lethe - Download link

usa - Download link

nimbus - Download link

hush - Download link

gurgle - Download link

bell and bang - Download link

Binaural Music

Harrison Town

Scotland the Brave / My Bonnie Lass

Lady Mary - Vocal, Pamela Branscum

Endearing Young Charms

Black Rogue

Wellen

JawHarp - Original Composition by Pamela Branscum

Previous Post || Next Post

Health Issues

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:47:00 -0700

From the previous post,we learned about the impact of Improper design on the quality of sound.Today,we'll learn how the same could adversely affect our Ears.

This is the back side of the Fake chinese driver:

and,this one is the back side of Sony's Driver:

Okay,things you'll notice here,both these drivers have got the black surrounding.this is nothing but the filter that filters out unwanted frequencies..this...is a crucial segment in speaker design.

If there was'nt a filter,this would allow unwanted frequencies to pass throught our ears - Contrbuting a small part to the hearing Loss.

In addition to the side filters, Sony has also added a filter in the centre,which not only limits certain frequencies,but also limits the movement of the diaphragm (cone).In case of the chinese driver,there is sticky glue present in the centre as well as the sides,which results in uneven Sound distribution.

How does this affect my Health?

Well,since the filters present in the chinese drivers are of low quality,this may allow unwanted,especially higher frequencies that may cause damage to our ears.That also explains why the chinese drivers sound "not-so-clear".

Previous Post || Next Post

Quality Matters

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:06:00 -0700

Now,to keep track of the technical names such as 'core','cone' or 'driver',please read the previous post.

Most of you must have used these Chinese earphones,that come in a variety of colours and designs. Perhaps you must have thought they are worth your money...hmmm..?

Unfortunately,the answer is a strict NO!

Apart from the sound quality,you also tend to make yourself prone to hearing loss.Shocking,but true.Why is that so?Read on..

the picture you see on the left is a cheap chinese fake of the well renowned brand Aiwa.

For the sake of learning

what this little devil can do to our

ears,we'll break it apart and explore what's inside.We'll also compare it to one of the premium Earphones making brand - Sony.

Now,the one you see on the right,is a middle range walkman headset from Sony.We'll dismantle this too to see what's inside..

Now,we have the driver from the Chinese fake here:

And the one from Sony,here:

Now,if you closely look into both of the pictures and start comparing,you'll notice these:

Sony's driver has a larger coil-diameter
Sony has alloted plenty of holes for sound to pass through
The Chinese fake's cone's plastic quality is poor
Sony's coil is precisely positioned
The chinese fake's coil is attacked by fungus and has'nt been positioned accurately
The chinese driver uses cheap ferrite Magnets,whereas Sony uses Powerful Neodymium Magnets

Now,as seen above,the factors I've mentioned,only explain why the chinese drivers dont sound clear enough.

The last two factors are the most critical factors that stand out in determining the

quality difference between Sony and the Chinese Fake.

Coming to the health hazards,we need to have a look at the backside of both these drivers.

Previous Post || Next Post

Acoustics

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 07:05:00 -0700

Today,we are going to deal with one of the most interesting topics - Acoustics.Acoustics may be defined as the Science that deals with the study of sound (All types,including Ultrasound and infrasound) .But we shall confine ourselves just to the plain old "sound". Today in the modern world,we have numerous forms of Devices to transmit Sound - Most of them being just the variation of the plain old Loud Speaker.The most popular forms of these are the ones used in Headphones and Earphones,to which we'll confine ourselves today.

What You See

First of all,as you see,the driver (the speaker) contains a circular plastic paper (also known as the "cone") ,which is attached to a movable coil (the circular orange thingy in the centre).Next,you notice a shiny metallic object in the centre,around the coil,which is the magnetic housing part (we'll again come to this part later..).Finally,you notice two wires coming out of the driver unit.

The driver used in this photograph is 30mm wide in diameter.

How it Works

When Sound signals are passed through the wires,the coil,which is wrapped around the golden core,magnetises the core, proportionally to the strength of the signal that flows in..Since the core is fixed,it's movement seems impossible,hence,the coil is forced to vibrate instead,which inturn vibrates the plastic papaer stuck to it...and this,inturn prouduces Sound.As simple as that...But wait...we do have some issues...

Headaches

So..by now...you must be wondering...if the construction of a speaker was as simple as described above,then why do we have companies like Bose/Sony/Pioneer/JBL..etc.. charging way too much for just a speaker?

The answer is simple - They charge us for the Sound quality their Drivers provide.

So...what factors affect the quality of sound?

There are many factors affecting the quality of the sound produced by a driver,the most prominent ones are-

Diameter of the Driver
Quality of the material used in the cone
Quality of the core used
Power and Quality of the magnets used
Precision in the Positioning of the cone and the coil
The casing in which the driver is to be kept.
Resonance,if any

Now you get it?Thats why these huge corporations charge you so much for a device as simple as a speaker..

Stay tuned,coz the next post is going to be about a realtime example of the differences between a branded and a Cheap,Unnamed chinese Driver.

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Welcome!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:50:00 -0700

Welcome to Avio!

Avio is a start-up focussing on innovation in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Acoustics.

The technology you see around,work and use have got Drawbacks- No matter what the scientists come up with, it is never as good as an organic living being. In simple terms, the complexity associated with the mental and physical functioning of ANY organism in this whole wide world can NOT be depicted by an Artificially intelligent bot. Well, we do have proof. If you broke the sensors of a robot, does it grow back? No. If you taught a robot to love someone, does it fall in love? No. If you tried to explain about supernaturality to a robot, does it understand? No. If you tried to... NO. If you... NO. If... NO. I... NO. In other words, these robots are built on top of Machine Languages, which use Mathematics as the foundation - Yes, mathematics is great, but as a subject. When it comes to living organisms, mathematics don't(can't) count. You don't calculate the number of grains you intake. You don't calculate the litres of water you sweat out. You don't do anything that is related to mathematics in your daily life, then why give a damn about it? Why do robots have to be any different? P.S - The robots I'm referring to here are undoubtedly humanoids. Of course it would be stupid to install 'feelings' onto an industrial bot! Avio is an initiative to bridge the gap between humans and robots; not by using any algorithms(mathematics) but by using advanced humane languages. Trust me, the human brain is far too complex than just a set of graph nodes inter-connected.

Good Day.

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