How to Make 8D Audio (and What It Really Is)

You have probably heard them: songs with 8D in the title, where the sound seems to circle around your head. It sounds like new technology, but it is not. Here is what 8D audio really is and how to make it from your own track.

What is 8D audio?

8D audio is not a separate format, and there are no eight dimensions in it. It is a stereo mix that slowly moves from left to right and back again, often with some volume changes and reverb. According to RouteNote, the name is mostly marketing: it is panning, volume automation, reverb and spatial processing. It took off on YouTube around 2016 to 2018.

Mirek Stiles of the famous Abbey Road Studios calls it the most basic form of spatial audio, and even a gimmick, in an article from the studio. Being simple does not make it less fun though. People love listening to it, especially on headphones.

Why only on headphones?

On headphones each channel sits right on one ear. When the sound moves from left to right, you really feel it pass your head. On speakers or a phone speaker you mostly hear a song shifting back and forth a little. That is why you should tell people to put on headphones in your title or description.

Is 8D the same as binaural?

No. A binaural recording is made with a dummy head with a microphone in each ear, meant for headphones (source). That captures how sound actually reaches your head. 8D is processing added afterwards to a normal stereo mix. The effect is similar, but far less precise.

Making 8D audio in your DAW

In any DAW it works roughly like this:

1. Put your track on a stereo channel. You can make it mono first, so the sound moves as a single source. That often sounds more convincing.
2. Let the panning move slowly. Use an auto-pan effect, or automate the pan knob with a calm wave from left to right and back. A full cycle of around eight seconds sounds relaxed. Faster quickly feels like a merry-go-round.
3. Do not go all the way out. Hard left and hard right can get tiring. A slightly smaller movement often sounds nicer.
4. Add reverb. A roomy reverb strengthens the feeling of a space around you. Keep it so the words stay clear.
5. Listen on headphones and adjust the speed and depth until it stays pleasant, even after a minute.

Working in FL Studio, Logic Pro or Ableton? Start with your slowed version: see FL Studio, Logic Pro or Ableton Live. A lot of 8D versions are slowed or sped up too.

Making 8D audio in a few clicks

The free slowed + reverb maker has an 8D effect. It moves your track calmly from left to right, with a full cycle of about eight seconds. You can combine it with slowed + reverb or sped up and with the other effects, like lo-fi and vinyl.

Trying it is free. To download your version with 8D, you need Slowed + Reverb Pro. That also gives you MP3 at 320 kbps and video for TikTok, Reels and YouTube.

Tips for an 8D version people actually finish

• Pick a calm, spacious song. Dreamy tracks and slowed versions work best. A busy drill beat with 8D quickly gets chaotic.
• Put headphones in the title. Something like: use headphones.
• Use your own music. You cannot simply upload an 8D version of someone else's song. Read can you upload slowed + reverb songs.
• Make it a video. On YouTube and TikTok, 8D is mostly shared as video. Read how to make a slowed + reverb video.

FAQ

Does 8D audio work on speakers?

A little. You hear the sound move back and forth, but the effect around your head mostly happens on headphones.

Do I need special software?

No. Every DAW can pan and add reverb. Want it quick? Use the slowed + reverb maker.

Why is it called 8D?

It is mostly a catchy name. There are no eight dimensions in it. It is stereo processing with movement and reverb.