A New Way to Enjoy Music! The World of Binaural ASMR

Hello!
I am Kaoru, a composer!!

This time, I would like to talk about "Binaural ASMR."

Binaural ASMR is trending on video sites like YouTube and TikTok.

Recently, a variety of equipment is being sold, making it the era where anyone can enjoy ASMR easily!

First, for those of you who might be thinking, "What is that??" Let me briefly explain.

What is binaural?

It’s the recording of sound in the state it reaches the eardrums by using a dummy head or simulator that reproduces the human head and its acoustic effects.
In other words, it refers to enjoying three-dimensional, immersive music by faithfully reproducing the human ear (sense of hearing).

What is ASMR?

It is what people feel through auditory and visual stimulation.

The sounds that people find pleasant vary from person to person.
Sounds that are especially popular such as chewing or ear cleaning are said to have a relaxing effect that feels familiar and induces pleasure, and it seems many people listen to them when going to sleep!

items that you can enjoy easily!

MICROPHONE MADNESS / MM-BSM-4

A microphone that attaches to the frames of glasses or sunglasses.
Although this is a small microphone, it is high-performance!
With a frequency response of ±2dB, it realizes deep bass, smooth mid-range, and clean high-range tones.

Because of the ear-hook design, you can capture more natural sound.

It is quite a unique and groundbreaking item!

The price is around 14,000, so it’s very accessible for getting started!

ROLAND / CS-10EM ASMR Binaural Microphone Earphones

A binaural microphone earphone set from ROLAND, a top manufacturer known to everyone that sells various music products.
You wear them in your ears just like regular earphones to record.

Since you can capture sound from both ears, you can accurately record 360-degree audio.

Because they look like ordinary earphones at a glance, you can use them without standing out or feeling self-conscious even when you want to capture sounds in the city.
They include a windscreen to prevent wind noise, so you can record outdoors with peace of mind.

They also come with a carrying pouch, making it a convenient set for portability.

ZOOM / H3-VR VR Handy Recorder

The conical body can also be used by placing it on a surface.
It’s equipped with an Ambisonics VR microphone capable of capturing sound from all directions, including up, down, and depth, in addition to the conventional left-right direction.

It is especially made for surround sound in VR works, allowing you to focus in specific directions.
By equipping it with separate headphone and line-out terminals, you can easily check the recorded sound on the spot.

By using the separately sold Bluetooth adapter "BTA-1" to link it with an iOS device, wireless control becomes possible, improving your freedom of use.

It also functions as a USB audio interface, so you can connect it to a PC and record directly.

I think it would be interesting to try using it for one-take recordings of band sounds!!

Also includes:
・Windscreen
・Dual mount adapter (DMH-3)
・Two AA alkaline batteries
・Quick guide

are included.

It can truly be called a new-era handy recorder!!

ROLAND / R-07(WH) High Resolution Audio Recorder

A compact and cute audio recorder that looks just like an old game console.

Despite its compact size, it has excellent functionality!

It is capable of up to 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution recording, which can be said to be essential in this day and age.
Furthermore, the scene function, which allows you to record in the best condition for various environments, saves you the trouble of tedious settings.

It is equipped with features that are easy for even beginners to handle, such as a hybrid limiter function that prevents the occurrence of clipping noise.

It is convenient for instrument practice, as it is equipped with metronome and tuner functions!
It has a built-in small speaker, allowing for immediate sound confirmation on the spot.

The screw hole on the back of the unit allows it to be mounted on a tripod.

NEUMANN / KU100

A dummy-head binaural stereo microphone that mimics a human head, made by "NEUMANN," a company world-famous for its high-end microphones.

It is truly a professional-grade, ultra-high-end machine.
By incorporating microphone capsules into both ears, it is possible to record sound with a three-dimensional feel.
You can accurately capture even subtle atmospheres and the "sense of air."

Due to its high performance and sound quality, it’s used in various settings, playing an active role in radio drama production and field recording.

Since it is large and heavy, it is not suitable for carrying around, but it is undoubtedly top-class equipment.

SOUND PROFESSIONALS / SP-TFB-2H

In-ear binaural microphone.
This is a high-sensitivity model.

You can record exactly the sound that you hear with your own ears.
It has a very compact and simple body.

Additionally, a standard model ↓

SOUND PROFESSIONALS / SP-TFB-2S

is also available, so it’s best to choose according to the situation you will use it in!!

That’s all for my summary of equipment for binaural ASMR.
It’s perfect not only for musical works, but also for video works!!
I was surprised that there are actually many inexpensive options available!!

Give it a try!!

The “sound & person” column is made up of contributions from you.
For details about contributing, click here.