Audio Talks

How AI and Immersive Audio are Rewriting the Rules of Listening

with Dr. Mathias Johansson, Vice President of the Cognitive Systems Lab at Harman In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny is joined by Dr. Mathias Johansson, Vice President of the Cognitive Systems Lab at Harman—a team at the forefront of AI and immersive audio innovation. Together, they dive into how artificial intelligence is transforming the very nature of listening, making sound more responsive, emotional, and personal than ever before. Mathias shares how Harman’s legacy of engineering excellence and decades of research underpin their approach to immersive audio, from gaming and automotive to live music experiences. The conversation explores the science behind perceptual modelling, the challenges of creating truly realistic 3D sound, and how AI is shifting audio from something you control to something that understands you. He also discusses the future of sound—from adaptive, emotionally intelligent audio environments that follow you through your day, to the role of immersive audio in safety, entertainment, and even live concerts. Mathias reflects on the importance of user feedback, the intersection of psychology and technology, and Harman’s commitment to making world-class sound accessible to everyone. +++++++++ Hear more about Auracast here: https://audiotalks.podigee.io/76-bluetooth-exploring-auracast [https://audiotalks.podigee.io/76-bluetooth-exploring-auracast] Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93 [https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93] Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening: Instagram @audiotalkspodcast Instagram @HARMANintl Twitter @HARMANintl Facebook @HARMANint LinkedIn @HARMAN International https://artoflistening.harman.com/ [https://artoflistening.harman.com/]

The Power of Musical Score in Film, Stage, TV and Interactive Media

with Eímear Noone, conductor and award-winning Irish composer In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny is joined by trailblazing composer and conductor Eímear Noone, whose music has shaped everything from the Oscars to iconic video games like World of Warcraft and Diablo III. Together, they explore the transformative power of musical storytelling across film, television, and interactive media. Eímear shares how her Irish roots, early mentors, and relentless curiosity propelled her from a small village to the world’s most prestigious stages. The conversation delves into her experiences in the video game industry, the unique challenges and creative opportunities of composing for games, and the emotional depth that music can bring to storytelling. She also discusses her commitment to supporting the next generation of composers through her mentorship program for young female artists, reflecting on the importance of resilience, community, and paying it forward in the music world. ---------------------------------------- Watch the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsy-HaRo47I [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsy-HaRo47I] Explore Eímear's work and upcoming events here: https://www.eimearnoonemusic.com/ [https://www.eimearnoonemusic.com/] Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93 [https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93] Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening: Instagram @audiotalkspodcast Instagram @HARMANintl Twitter @HARMANintl Facebook @HARMANint LinkedIn @HARMAN International https://artoflistening.harman.com/ [https://artoflistening.harman.com/]

HARMAN & Sound United: Amplifying Audio's Future

with Lyle Smith, president of the Sound United Strategic Business Unit at HARMAN In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny welcomes Lyle Smith, president of the Sound United Strategic Business Unit at HARMAN, for an in-depth conversation about HARMAN’s recent acquisition of Sound United and its ripple effects across the audio industry. Lyle shares his personal journey into audio, from formative childhood experiences and a defining first concert at Red Rocks, to his passion for building relationships and elevating iconic brands. The episode also examines the promise of future product innovations and commitment to the audiophile community. Lyle Smith highlights the emotional connection people have with music, the challenge of balancing technical specifications with emotional appeal, and the responsibility to preserve brand authenticity. The conversation is rich with anecdotes about legendary brands—Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, and more—and the importance of keeping their DNA intact within the HARMAN ecosystem. ---------------------------------------- Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wK8c21VoYV8 [https://youtu.be/wK8c21VoYV8] Learn more about the Art of Listening here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA63hS9H9ns [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA63hS9H9ns] Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93 [https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93] Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening: Instagram @audiotalkspodcast Instagram @HARMANintl Twitter @HARMANintl Facebook @HARMANint LinkedIn @HARMAN International https://artoflistening.harman.com/ [https://artoflistening.harman.com/]

Has Music Become Too Perfect?

with Frank Filipetti, renowned music producer, engineer, and mixer, and Dr Hauke Egermann, scientist who investigates music using empirical research methods In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny is joined by Grammy-winning producer and engineer Frank Filipetti and Dr. Hauke Egermann, professor of systematic musicology at the University of Cologne. Together, they tackle one of the most provocative questions in modern music: Has music become too perfect? Drawing on decades of experience and research, Frank and Hauke explore the evolution of music listening, from the days of active, immersive engagement to today’s era of passive, background soundtracks. The conversation dives into the impact of technology, from auto-tune and pitch correction to AI-generated music, and considers how these tools can both enhance and diminish the emotional depth and human connection in music. They share insights from the Art of Listening project, reflect on the importance of imperfection, and offer practical advice for reconnecting with the soul of music in a world of infinite digital possibilities. This episode offers a compelling look at how humanity, emotion, and imperfection remain at the heart of truly memorable music, even as technology continues to reshape the art form. ---------------------------------------- Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt_EKKYB3bw [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rt_EKKYB3bw] Learn more about the Art of Listening here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA63hS9H9ns [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA63hS9H9ns] Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93 [https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93] Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening: Instagram @audiotalkspodcast Instagram @HARMANintl Twitter @HARMANintl Facebook @HARMANint LinkedIn @HARMAN International https://artoflistening.harman.com/ [https://artoflistening.harman.com/]

Cabin Fever: How Cars Became the Next Entertainment Frontier

with Andreas Ehret, Head of Automotive Business at Dolby and Greg Sikora, Executive Director, Global Acoustic Engineering at HARMAN In this special episode of Audio Talks, recorded live at IAA Mobility in Munich, host Oisin Lunny is joined by Andreas Ehret, Head of Automotive Business at Dolby, and Greg Sikora, Senior Director, Global Acoustic Systems Engineering at HARMAN. Together, they explore how the in-car experience is undergoing a sensory revolution, driven by innovation and collaboration between the two audio powerhouses. From adaptive soundscapes and AI integration to real-time data personalization, the conversation reveals how HARMAN and Dolby are transforming car cabins into immersive entertainment hubs. The episode also delves into the emotional and artistic dimensions of automotive audio—highlighting how precision engineering and a deep understanding of the artist’s intent are shaping the future of sound on the road. Through the personal journeys of audio engineers and the legacy of their craft, this episode offers a compelling look at how immersive audio and emotion converge to redefine the car experience. ---------------------------------------- Head over to YouTube to watch the recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NAmVCnNR1U [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NAmVCnNR1U] Our Audio Talks Playlist: https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93 [https://listen.tidal.com/playlist/6d14f4ad-f1c7-404d-ba82-fe8d0a320b93] Make sure to follow us on Social Media and visit our Art of Listening website to get a full view on how HARMAN helps people get the most out of each moment they spend listening: Instagram @audiotalkspodcast Instagram @HARMANintl Twitter @HARMANintl Facebook @HARMANint LinkedIn @HARMAN International https://artoflistening.harman.com/ [https://artoflistening.harman.com/]