Analysis Methods
Transparency in methodology is non-negotiable. Every technique we use is documented here so our work can be scrutinized and replicated.
Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA)
When a sound event is captured by multiple recording devices at known positions, the time difference between arrivals constrains the source location to a hyperbolic curve. With three or more receivers, multilateration pinpoints the source position.
Spectral Analysis
Fourier transform-based decomposition of audio signals into frequency components over time. Spectrograms reveal patterns invisible in the time domain — harmonics, formants, transient events, and compression artifacts all have distinct spectral signatures.
Impulse Response & Echo Analysis
Impulsive sounds (gunshots, claps, etc.) reveal the acoustic properties of the recording environment through their reflections. By analyzing the timing and amplitude of echoes, we can distinguish direct sounds from reflections — critical for accurate shot counting and source characterization.
Metadata & Codec Forensics
Audio file metadata (container format, codec parameters, encoding history) provides provenance information. Compression artifacts, re-encoding signatures, and container inconsistencies can reveal whether a file has been modified, re-encoded, or assembled from multiple sources.