Dear Reality, the makers of dearVR ambisonics and immersive audio software, have just released AMBI MICRO, a free plug-in which converts ambisonics A-format to B-format and binaural audio with the added twist of supporting head tracking with a VR headset. dearVR have produced this free plug-in in cooperation with Sennheiser meaning it has a A to B-format convertor optimised for their AMBEO VR microphone.
Head Tracking
As far as I am aware, this is a unique product because of these 2 features. It doesnโt offer the ability to upmix from 1st order ambisonics to 2nd or 3rd order, but it does offer these as input and output options, meaning you could use it to monitor a 3rd order mix with head tracking, or convert it to binaural.
Supports DearVR, Facebook360, YouTube360, and the Neumann KU100
When encoding to binaural, you can use one of 4 head-related transfer functions (HRTFs): DearVR, Facebook360, YouTube360, and the Neumann KU100. This means if you have a relatively simple job where youโre editing ambisonics recordings to go alongside a video, and youโre not adding additional sounds, you could use this whilst editing to get full head tracking as well as hearing what it will sound like on your intended delivery platform. It also integrates with other products from the dearVR line for a full ambisonics workflow from end-to-end.
Dear Reality AMBI MICRO Free Plug-in Features
Sennheiser AMBEO A-Format Input
B-format AmbiX up to 3rd order input
Adjust microphone position
Rotate soundfield using YAW - PITCH - ROLL
Head tracking for 360ยฐ Video Productions
Chose between multiple binaural renderings
Output FOA, SOA and TOA ambisonics
Create master for Facebook360 or YouTube VR
Review And Test To Follow
Weโll be doing a test soon to see how this compares to Sennheiserโs own A to B-format conversion for the AMBEO VR mic.
How Can I Get This Free Ambisonics Plug-in?
The plug-in is available for AAX, VST2, VST3, for Windows and adds AU support on macOS. You can get it for free after registering for an account at the dearVR website.