Method and apparatus for recording multi-track sound recordings for dual-channel playback

Abstract

A method and system are provided for re-recording multi-track sound tracks onto two-channel sound recordings. A playback mechanism that has multiple speakers is provided for reproducing the sound from the multi-track sound track. The speakers are placed around a sound sensing unit that includes two microphones. Preferably, the sound sensing unit is a binaural head microphone. The sound detected by the binaural head microphone is recorded while the playback mechanism plays the multi-track sound track through the speakers. The binaural head microphone produces two channels of sound, so the recording produced is a two-channel recording regardless of how many tracks are on the original multi-track recording. The two signals generated by the binaural head microphone contain sound direction cues. When played back through headphones, the original sound is reproduced with the sound direction cues. Consequently, it sounds to a listener as if the listener is surrounded by speakers. The two-channel sound signals produced by the binaural head microphone may be digitally recorded and played back during the execution of a computer program to provide multi-media products with enhanced sound realism.