Survey and implications for the design of new 3D audio production and authoring tools

3D audio production tools vary from low-level programming libraries to higher-level user interfaces that are used across a wide range of applications. However, many of the user interfaces for authoring 3D audio parameters are underdeveloped, forcing users to resort to ad hoc solutions with other tools or programming languages. Identifying these limitations and custom methods are needed to inform the development of new user interfaces. Towards this end, an on-line survey was conducted with current practitioners to gather ethnographic information on their tools, methods, and opinions. Results of the survey revealed specific methods and limitations within authoring techniques and 3D audio production with regards to Audio Rendering and Recording , Visual Feedback , Functionality , and Workflow Integration . These results also shed light on three basic tasks that have to be performed interactively with 3D audio production tools: Defining the Rendering Space , Creation and Manipulation of Audio Objects , and Monitoring with Audio/Visual Feedback . This classification helps identifying the needs for 3D audio tools that address issues within the workflow and low-level functionality of systems.