Revolutionising sound: Role of AI in audio technology

By Sukhesh Madan

Audio technology is one area where artificial intelligence (AI) is making huge inroads in the ever-changing digital world. From the way we listen to audio to the sound quality in our favourite movies, AI is remodelling the audio reveal. This collaboration between current AI algorithms and audio innovation is not only improving sound quality but also developing individualised acoustic environments.Some elements of the ever-changing audio experience are:

The most striking impact of AI on audio technology is the improvement in personalised audio experiences. Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music are used to analyse users’ listening habits, preferences, time of day, location, and contextual data. This enables these platforms to curate personalised playlists, recommend new music, and craft experiences created for each user.

Additionally, the smart speaker headphones are seamlessly integrated with AI-powered virtual assistants such as Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa. These virtual assistants empower users to control their audio experience with simple voice commands, not only increasing user satisfaction but also creating new communication between artists and their listeners as well.

Audio Processing and Enhancement

Noise cancellation has witnessed substantial improvements with the integration of AI. Utilising sophisticated algorithms, AI-powered headphones adapt to diverse environmental sounds, cancelling unwanted noise and providing users with an immersive listening experience. This technology finds applications in both consumer and professional settings, ranging from daily commutes to studio recording sessions. Audio restoration is another frontier where AI is making waves. Employing neural networks, AI algorithms intelligently repair degraded or damaged audio recordings, restoring them to their original quality. This has far-reaching implications, from preserving historical audio archives to enhancing audio quality in film and television post-production, enriching the auditory experience across various applications.

In spatial audio processing, AI algorithms create three-dimensional audio environments. This allows listeners to understand sound emanating from different directions, offering a heightened immersive experience, in particular in digital reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) programs. As the call for immersive audio experiences grows, AI is poised to play an important role in shaping the destiny of the spatial audio era.

Creativity and Composition

AI is not merely changing how we consume audio but also how we create it. AI algorithms are actively assisting musicians in the composition process, giving rise to AI-generated music. Companies like OpenAI have developed models capable of composing music in various styles, showcasing the potential for AI to become a creative collaborator for artists. These AI-generated compositions serve as wellsprings of inspiration for human musicians, offering novel ideas and perspectives. Additionally, AI tools are employed to analyse and categorise extensive music databases, facilitating the discovery of unique sounds and genres that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Conclusion

 As AI continues its relentless advance, its impact on audio technology is set to deepen. From personalised listening experiences to advanced audio processing and even creative collaboration in music composition, AI is reshaping the way we perceive and interact with sound. The convergence of artificial intelligence and audio technology is not just a technological breakthrough; it’s a shift that has the potential to redefine the future of music, entertainment, and communication.

The author is CEO, Blaupunkt Audio, India

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn