Hi All!
I was referred to this amazing site by one of your members Justin (drummer0608)
I myself am not blind, but I have invented a product that blind iOS users like Justin are getting really excited about. He urged that I share here.
My name is Anthony Mattana. For the last 5 years I've worked as a professional sound designer and composer in NYC. Now I am the founder and creator of Hooke Audio and have always been fascinated by binaural audio. For those that don't know, binaural audio is recorded audio captured identically to the way the human ear experiences sound. The result is a two channel recording that makes any listener with a pair of headphones feel like they are there. How cool is that?!
There haven't been any products out there that let a user record binaural audio to their iphones, so I decided to invent one! I combined binaural recording technology into a pair of wireless headphones. It's called the Hooke Verse. Hooke Audio is my company. Hooke is both a playback and capturing device, capable of playing music AND recording 3D Audio. Check out my site here: www.hookeaudio.com and our youtube channel here to hear our 3d recordings captured with Hooke: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBRvQgL46ga9WmgFyTFxNCg
I hope to bring binaural recording to all by making storytelling as easy as unlocking your iOS device!
Would love to hear what you guys think of my product and would be happy to answer any questions you might have! Right now we are manufacturing the headphones. You can pre order via our website. They are set to ship late this summer.
Thank you!
Anthony
Comments
Hi Anthony, I had previously
Hi Anthony, I had previously contacted you with an inquiry about the 3d recording headphones. I had no idea of your visual impairment and probably did not tell you that I was either. I still cannot wait to try the headphones, but wasn't able to place an order at that time. Will there be an app into which the audio recorded by the headphones is transferred?
Sounds nice I own a pair of
Sounds nice I own a pair of roland in ear ics, but it would be nice every once in a while not to carry those, yet ware a pair of ear buds, or head phones and record sceens such as those I archive at http://tffppodcast.com/cc or http://audioboom.com/ke7zum
I'm an audio quality snob and work with what I have to make things sound almost studio quality. Hopefully that makes sence.
Here is one I just uploaded This was recorded using said mics and my olympus ls14 Is this what you were aiming for in terms of binaural?
https://audioboom.com/boos/3219606-why-can-t-we-have-a-bit-more-respect-a-live-recording-05-18-2015
If you need any blind beta testers for the software I'd love to try and do this. You can contact me through my applevis contact form by clicking my username.
Be blessed.
Sounds absolutely wonderful!
Sounds absolutely wonderful!
Will have to check them out for sure. I never even knew the definition of this type of microphone technology even though I'd heard sound geeks memention them all the time.
noise, spl, etc
You can also get the same result by building a human head, or something that looks like one, but it's normally not the same.
Yeah I'm also very excited as well. I wonder what the sound quality and spl and db's excepted will be. Also will compression/expansion be possible when certain thresholds of noise are reached to prevent distorting?
I want these
I want these. I'm a big fan of 3d audio myself, co being able to record this with my iPhone would be totally bad-ass.
Hey Nafisah! Actually I am
Hey Nafisah! Actually I am not visually impaired. I mentioned that in the beginning of my comment but perhaps you missed it. Sorry about that :-/ You can purchase our headphones from our site! www.hookeaudio.com There is a little button in the top left corner of our homepage that says "Pre order now" but perhaps that doesn't translate on whatever system you're using to read the site? Let me know. And yes! Our Hooke smartphone app will let you upload these binaural recordings to YouTube, Dropbox, Facebook. Wherever you wish! And regardless, they will be stored in a folder inside your camera roll just like instagram or any other photo/recording app would. Thanks!
@KE7ZUM EXACTLY! The Rolands
@KE7ZUM EXACTLY! The Rolands are very cumbersome, create a lot of cable noise and can't seamlessly act as both a playback and recording device (two connectors). Not to mention, I am not a big fan of their recording or playback quality. If you've heard the quality of our recordings via our YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBRvQgL46ga9WmgFyTFxNCg) I think our quality is much better. And they playback quality is comparable to a pair of Shure SE215s if you're familiar with those...
You'll be happy to hear that our headphones capture 24 bit 48kHz .wav files! Totally acceptable for professional application.
Thank you so much for the offer on beta testing. I am a startup, I could use all the help I can get! I really really appreciate it :-)
@rdfreak So happy to hear
@rdfreak So happy to hear this! Yes, binaural recording for too long has only been a professional tool. Everyone should have access to this technology. Sound is fundamental to our life experiences! Thanks for the support
Anthony
@KE7ZUM sound quality is
@KE7ZUM sound quality is super important to me. I am a sound designer myself. Most people think Bluetooth degrades audio quality, but thats because most companies don't use it to its full potential. They think the market doesn't care. Well, I want to change that. Our mics are 20Hz - 20kHz omni directional microphones that capture 24bit 48kHz .wav files.
@Joseph, thanks! You can pre
@Joseph, thanks! You can pre order via our website www.hookeaudio.com we are planning to ship soon!
Also, let me know if I am
Also, let me know if I am commenting wrong here guys. Sorry I'm new to this :-) I want to make sure I am responding to everyone!
re: sound
Lol. I have a business of music and tech certificate. What I put up was a sample of the roland in ear mics in a very very live place. it sounded pretty good at 44.1khz 16 bit streo wav.
As for the storing in the camera role, is that not a bit confusing? I mean these are not mov files, but waves that are beeing produced. I hope I'm making sence. Just my thoughts, and yeah you are coming through loud and clear
Good luck.
@KE7ZUM, totally makes sense.
@KE7ZUM, totally makes sense. Most users will use the built in smartphone camera to record video that's paired with binaural audio. That's why they'll store in your photo reel. A user will have the option to record video with binaural audio or just audio. the audio recordings will just stay on the Hooke app :-)
hey, very awesome
Hi and welcome to the site, now, this is awesome. so, if I am understanding correctly, it will be a pare of headphones, with a mic on each one? Wow, I really want a set. I've been looking for a set of binoral mics, but, most of them are too much for my budget. and the cheaper ones are easy to fall apart. I'll definitely give your site a look over and check out the youtube stuff. thanks for bringing this to our attention. The best to you and your team. I'd also love to help in beta testing your app.
To pre-order
Hi guys,
To click the pre-order button on the site, you need to simulate a double mouse click.
HTH.
@Chris Norman, is that an
@Chris Norman, is that an issue? What does HTH mean?
No worries
iya mate,
It's not an issue, just not an obvious thing, because with VoiceOver (Apple's screen reading technology), you usually press the VoiceOver keys with the space bar. To simulate a mouse click requires a few more keystrokes, but it's usually the second thing I try if something doesn't work.
Do you sell to the UK? I just tried to make an order, and when I click the "Pay Now" button, nothing happens. I've tried several different things, and no go.
Cheers.
@Chris We do sell to the UK!
@Chris We do sell to the UK! Sorry to hear your having trouble. try this link? http://blog.hookeaudio.com/hooke-3d-audio-storeb/hooke-wireless-3d-heaphones
looking forward to such an awesome product!!! hooke verse
Hi everyone
I just wanted to post on here that Anthony is a very straight forward guy who has developed a start up that has successfully empowered him to bring I'm sure one of his most salt after dreams to life.
I think I speak for most of us here when I state that we all would like to see binaural audio in small packages and as an audio standard everywhere to enhance the user experience as a blind person.
One step closer to the mainstream society means so much to me, as an independent person who lives the life I want.
Pictures may mean more than 1000 words, but binaural 3D audio can express so much more emotion, spacial, and natural sounding audio off frame, and create memories that we can fully relive and know we're truly there!!
I personally would like to thank Anthony once again for reaching out to me for his help in spreading the word about an amazing product upcoming on the market to change the way we experience sound throughout the world!!!
Justin Thornton
Amazon
Hi,
I tried the link you sent me, and it said my card was declined... Not sure if it's your end or mine - some of the steps were a little confusing. Not moaning by the way, I'm just rubbish when it comes to working websites.
Are you planning to sell your product through any third-party market places like Amazon? I know my card works with them! :-)
Cheers for all the help.
@Chris, we haven't had any
@Chris, we haven't had any issues on our end with either of these links :-/ Only issue we've ever had is with an Australian CC. You're not using an Australian card right?
Nope
Nope, just a VISA. I'll try again in a couple of days, in case it's a problem with the money coming out of the bank. It's equally possible I'm just being thick! :-)
Cheers again.
another quick question
I'm seriously thinking of pre-ordering these. I'll still keep my Roland in er mics and my Olympus of corse. that is not going away, as each serves their own purpose. The clips sound just awesome.
I forgot to ask will I be able to hear through them as well? I don't want to be shouting at someone, as I can't hear my environment and what the mics are capturing.
@KE7ZUM, great question and
@KE7ZUM, great question and yes something I accounted for! My headphones incorporate ambient pass through technology that allows you to monitor what you're recording when recording. Volume for this monitored sound when recording can be adjusted using the physical buttons on your iOS/Android device!
Good. Is the volume for the
Good. Is the volume for the mic accessible as well? The reason I ask is I was using a piece of software to control something whos slider was infisible and nonaccessible to voice over and the company did not give 2 beans for accessibility. I was not happy about this, let me tell you.
Take care and be blessed.
very excited for this product
I just have to say, I am very excited for this product. This begins a new era of being able to capture audio via a smart phone. I cant wait for this!! The demos sound fantastic!! I am looking forward to getting these microphones. If you guys have not heard samples, head on over to
www.hookeuadio.com
to hear samples.
One more thing to add
It's truly amazing how with binaural audio, how with this package, you will get a true sense spacially of what is around you. lots of memories can be preserved this way and also it's the closest we as blind people can get to eh visual aspect of things. Thank you Anthony and to your company for creating such an awesome product that will change the way audio is captured.
applevis podcast
This whole subject as it relates to iOS devices and audio I think might be worth doing a podcast on the applevis podcast.
Definitely! How can I get
@Rich Definitely! How can I get involved?
@KE7ZUM, right now when a
@KE7ZUM, right now when a user hits record, two faders on either side of the iOS device will appear and monitor input level. If sound is clipping, a user can use his/her finger to slide the faders and adjust input gain.
I realize this does not help for a user that is visually impaired. But I'm not interested in being that other company! I want you all to be able to access this. Any ideas?
A
A couple questions
I was wondering a few things. First, if we preorder, is the money taken out of our account immediately, or when the product ships? Second, will this capture VoiceOver well? That's the fight I'm having with the mics I'm using currently, and it's not fun. Third, can these also function just as headphones while not recording? Fourth, does the double-click need to be simulated to preorder with JAWS, and if so, how is this done?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks @Lorelei I was kind of
Thanks @Lorelei I was kind of afraid to ask that question about the preorder. but yeah. I'm really thinking about this. This should be good.
I like the questions you asked about the headphones as well. Can't wait for the answer.
Be blessed and happy Wednesday.
In-ear Monitoring
It doesn't sound like this is an option, but it would be really nice if these headphones could be used in conjunction with an in-ear monitor system for live performances, and the mics could be used to dial in ambient noise just like when you're recording. I've seen IEMs with a feature like that, but they're outlandishly expensive. If these have the sound reproduction of SE215s and could also add ambient sound to an IEM mix, they'd be an incredible product for live sound applications, and not just for recording.
OH yeah, maybe with a update
OH yeah, maybe with a update or something. She sure in ear monitors go for around $80 or so if you want to consider that for your live gigs. A drummer recommended those to me to save my failing ears. But I'm straying a bit off topic here so will stop now.
Take care.
Off-topic FTW!
Yeah, Shure's SE215s are great...but in order to get the ambient mix, you've got to have a mic picking up room noise, and then dial that into your mix...and it's still not located at your position as a listener. That's why in-ears with built-in microphones that can insert that ambient noise directly into your mix are so desirable.
These sound phenomenal!!!!!
Hi,
I'm going to preorder these right away, I have two questions in the mean time though. First, will these headphones go over my ears? I have trouble getting things to stay in my ears. Also, how big are they? Oh, one more question actually, since they're bluetooth, will they be rechargeable?
Thanks,
Moop
Can't wait to get these.
Like many others on this thread, I will also be getting these! Fantastic!
@Lorelei, yes transaction
@Lorelei, yes transaction occurs at point of pre order, not shipment. As for V/O quality: well, listen for yourself! I recorded a little demo for you of me wearing Hooke and just speaking out loud. listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXfv9JOm4K4&feature=youtu.be
Yes, they can function as headphones! Think of Hooke as a pair of wireless headphones that just happen to ALSO have built in binaural microphones. And that these binaural microphones let you capture binaural audio to your phone.
Unfortunately I don't know the answer to your fourth question. Web development for the visually impaired is unfortunately not one of my fortes :-/ Try pre ordering through this link and let me know if it works? http://blog.hookeaudio.com/hooke-3d-audio-storeb/hooke-wireless-3d-heaphones
@Joseph, it is a feature we
@Joseph, it is a feature we are working on actually! It's still in development but steps are being made :-) One thing at a time, ha
Haha, all good. To the best
@KE7ZUM Haha, all good. To the best of my knowledge, the Shure SEs start at $99. They're INCREDIBLY isolating so really only good for playback and blocking literally everything out. I live in NYC and was walking down the street one day and almost got hit by a bus. Couldn't hear anything!
@Joseph, Exactly!!! Ya hit
@Joseph, Exactly!!! Ya hit the nail on the head. That's what I'm setting out to do :-)
@Moopie, that's fantastic!
@Moopie, that's fantastic! Thanks so much for helping me bring binaural audio to the masses!
To answer your questions, Hooke fit like this. We use a very high quality memory foam ear tip and uniquely molded earbud designed to fit VERY securely inside your ear. Then, we take a memory wire cable (the kind you can bend and hold its shape) that runs out of the ear to a very small form fitting enclosure that sits behind the ear. This is the case on both ears. A thin cable runs between each enclosure behind the back of the head.
They will be rechargeable! The Hooke Verse charges via a micro USB cable.
@Mike thank you! Can't tell
@Mike thank you! Can't tell you how much that means to me. You guys are helping me bring binaural audio to the masses and I am so appreciative of that!
thought son voice sample
For @AnthonyM. I'm a bit of an audio quality snob. I have to say the mics are a bit hissy. I can't discribe it, almost as if there were about a 8-10k peak someware. I did not hear this in the demo recordings on youtube. Sorry I'm being a nit pic. I can't help it. Lol! Also the volume if that was all the way up is a bit quiet, but at the same time that would give me about 10 db of head room to work with should I shout, clap, etc.
@KE7ZUM, you're not wrong on
@KE7ZUM, you're not wrong on that. This is actually my bad, noticing now I made that recording on a pair of old prototypes that are using outdated mics. We specifically replaced them because of their high noise floor! Ha, that's what you get when you purchase cheaper mics, direct increase in signal/noise ratio. Right now that is the only prototype I have on me, but I can assure you the quality is that of our YouTube recordings :-)
I absolutely love this idea!!!
Hi!!!
I absolutely love this idea, but have a question.
When using Bluetooth headphones, with my experience at least, their is a considerable lag between interacting with the touch screen, and hearing what VO is saying through the Bluetooth headset.
Can you wire the headset to the phone, and still record with it?
Also if you need more beta testers, I would be more than happy to help you out!
Thank you so much!!!
Chris
@Chris, the headphone jack on
@Chris, the headphone jack on a smartphone only takes a mono input (one channel) A binaural recording requires two channels, so hard wired recording on a phone at the moment is not possible.
This Apple VO integration for the visually impaired is completely new to me! I'm so glad I found you guys because I am currently accumulating all of these notes and making sure we test them in our latest build. All feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Recording
Hi!!
I'm sorry, I wasn't clear.
What if you use the hard wire just as an output for the phone, and use Bluetooth to record the two channels?
I hope this makes sense!
Chris
response to @AnthonyM
Oh yeah I forgot about that point. I don't use bluetooth headphones. I don't even know how. Lol! But yeah. I'd love to beta test, after I preorder hopefully in June.
I'm glad I was not going crazy when I heard that recording. Lol! And thanks for your answer regarding that, @AnthonyM.
Take care, and be blessed.
@Chris, no hardwire option on
@Chris, no hardwire option on our first Hooke Verse