A user centred investigation into the potential of alternative input devices for mixing immersive audio

This paper outlines a large-scale study on user preference in relation to the suitability of commercially available input devices for immersive mixing. The rise of consumer focused immersive audio formats marks a shift from channel-centric to object-orientated mixing workflows. Whilst traditional input methods dominate, prior research has explored the potential of alternative input devices, e.g. hand motion controllers, for immersive mixing. This research takes a step back from developing novel input methods to gauge music producers’ views on the suitability of various commercially available input devices for immersive mixing. A multi-part survey was developed for this study: the first section collected demographic information and the participants’ experience level. The second
and third steps considered the suitability of traditional and alternative input devices for immersive mixing, while the fourth step explored the suitability of haptic feedback. Finally, the concluding step allowed respondents to share their perspectives on the features they would like to see in an ideal input device. The findings of this survey
indicate hardware DAW controllers are preferred for controlling level and automation, touch screen devices are favoured for positioning within a 3D sound stage, trackball for general movement within the environment, and highlights two-handed gestural control as a method that could offer expressive control of mix parameters.