Unity Audio System

Audio System Overview

Unity's audio system provides full 3D spatial sound, real-time mixing and mastering, hierarchies of mixers, snapshots, and predefined effects. The core architecture follows a source-listener model:

1. AudioClip -- A container for audio data imported into the project
2. AudioSource -- A component attached to a GameObject that plays AudioClips
3. AudioListener -- A microphone-like component (typically on the Main Camera) that receives audio from sources and outputs to speakers
4. Audio Mixer -- A central hub for mixing sources, applying effects, and mastering output

Sounds originate from AudioSources attached to objects and are picked up by the AudioListener. Unity calculates a source's distance and position from the listener to determine volume, panning, and 3D effects. The system also models the Doppler Effect using the relative speed of the source and listener objects.

Supported Audio Formats