\"binaural\" is a speaker configuration, like stereo-(phonic), 5.1 surround sound, or
mono-(phonic).
like stereo, it consists of two sound sources: left and right. however, stereo sound comes from speakers while binaural sound typically comes from headphones.
in a stereo configuration most of the left channel sound goes to the left ear and most of the right channel sound goes to the right ear. however, in stereo some of the right channel sound reaches the left ear and vice-versa. (this is because sound in open air bounces around a lot and spreads as it travels.)
binaural is fundamentally different from stereo in that 100% of the sound from the left channel reaches the left ear, and 0% of the left channel sound reaches the right ear. (this is true for the other side too., and makes sense, because headphones don\'t project sound into open air, they project sound directly into the respective ears.)
the distinction between stereo and binaural is important because the \"imaging\" is slightly different in binaural. thus, mixing on headphones (even very good ones) could lead to a different sound than the producer was expecting.
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