MPEG-H Audio enables content creators to produce immersive and personalized audio. Sound sources such as vocals, chorus, and instruments can be positioned in a three-dimensional space to perfectly match the creative and artistic intent. The object-based system even makes it possible to define personalization options during production that can then be delivered to the audience. These can range from accessibility features such as dialogue enhancement in TV broadcast to sophisticated interactive music productions. For broadcast applications, these new features are designated as Next Generation Audio, because they are intended to supplement what is currently possible in standard HDTV broadcasts.
Going beyond simply providing immersive audio, MPEG-H Audio unlocks the option to create fully adjustable dialogue levels and customizable audio descriptions. It also enables the integration of multiple languages and even interactive object positioning. As a result, creators can allow their audience to choose their preferred audio experience in TV broadcast, film, streaming, and advanced music experiences — and all of this in addition to enjoying immersive sound.
In future releases, both the popular Nuendo and Pro Tools DAW solution will enable creators to make use of advanced features of the MPEG-H Audio System to create unique soundscapes and explore new creative options.
Steinberg Nuendo
Nuendo's new range of rendering and authoring functionalities for MPEG-H Audio enables producers to create a unique sound experience without having to deviate from their customary workflows. It also means that the design, editing, and mixing of immersive sound will now include personalization options. The new MPEG-H features will be offered with tools that will be familiar to users already working with external immersive audio and MPEG-H plug-ins, except that now, the MPEG-H Audio tools will load as standard when the next software update boots. Thanks to the export and import of MPEG-H BWF/ADM files, users will be able to produce new or adapt existing mixes, and to define sound sources that can move through a three-dimensional space, all seamlessly, in the same production environment they are already familiar with.
"Partnering with one of the global leaders in audio post-production was a great experience for us and we are convinced that Nuendo users will appreciate the opportunities of the native MPEG-H Audio integration," says Harald Fuchs, MPEG-H Audio Product Manager and Head of the Media Systems and Applications Department at Fraunhofer IIS. "No matter if they are experienced users of Fraunhofer’s MPEG-H Audio tools, they will easily be able to use the new options to their fullest extent."
"We are excited to provide our users with the next global standard in audio personalization systems. MPEG-H Audio takes the listening experience to a whole new level and will be seamlessly integrated with the next major release of Nuendo," says Timo Wildenhain, Head of Professional Audio at Steinberg. "Our users are proud to be among the most innovative of their industries, and we want to enable them to effortlessly create immersive, personalized sound with their trusted DAW."
MPEG-H Audio in Pro Tools
In a separate announcement, Fraunhofer IIS, also announced a strategic partnership with Avid to support future MPEG-H Audio in Pro Tools, the world’s most used audio production software for making music, movies, and TV shows, offering integrated software, hardware, control surfaces, and storage. This tighter integration of the MPEG-H Audio tools will reduce production complexity and establish a flexible workflow for music, film, and broadcast production.
"We are delighted to partner with Avid to provide producers with a powerful toolset that combines the advantages of global technology leadership in post-production software with the latest Next Generation Audio technology," says Marc Gayer, Head of Business Department and Deputy Division Director of Audio and Media Technologies at Fraunhofer IIS. "Next Generation Audio changes the way we enjoy sound, and we are excited to enable Pro Tools users to create the new experiences their audiences are looking for."
"We are excited to be working closely with the Fraunhofer IIS team in 2023 to develop a frictionless experience when producing MPEG-H Audio content in Pro Tools," adds Francois Quereuil, Vice President, Product Management for Audio and Music Solutions, Avid. "Developing tighter support for MPEG-H Audio will expand creative options for Pro Tools users to produce compelling immersive audio experiences for diverse audiences around the globe."
www.avid.com | www.steinberg.net
www.iis.fraunhofer.de
