DSpatial Reality 2.0 Software Suite Supports Full Object-Based Sound Production for Pro Tools

Immersive sound software company DSpatial announced availability of the all-new Reality 2.0 software suite — available in four versions, VR, ONE, Studio, and Builder. This object-based production suite was specifically developed for Avid’s Pro Tools audio production software, and is now shipping in AAX format and supporting direct integration with Avid’s S6 console for mixing Dolby Atmos. The software workflow allows one single creative mix process for all delivery formats without downmixing.

The Sennheiser AMBEO soundbar is a sophisticated multi-speaker integrated home cinema sound system, created in collaboration with Fraunhofer IIS to be one of the world’s best soundbars. It is a single all-in-one device that is able to generate a convincing immersive soundfield from home entertainment sources that are able to render object-based audio formats such as Dolby Atmos or MPEG-H, from movies, games, music, or TV content. And this is because the large size soundbar offers 13 high-end drivers, a frequency response down to 30 Hz, and even ships with a measurement microphone for room calibration. This article was originally published in audioXpress, June 2020.

Swedish digital audio pioneer Dirac and the team of self-proclaimed obsessed audio experts at AudioControl announced that the brand's latest line of receivers and processors will include Dirac Live Bass Control for a more immersive home theater experience in any space. The collaboration between the two companies has resulted in expanding the Dirac Live Bass Control software to the new Concert Series receivers and Maestro Series AV processors, part of AudioControl's high end home audio range.

Birgit Bartel-Kurz (Senior Engineer at Fraunhofer IIS) details the ongoing research at the Fraunhofer IIS institute on more immersive audio solutions for automotive applications. The article explores how to apply new audio processing algorithms in actual playback systems for cars, and how the Sonamic Panorama signal processing technology from Fraunhofer creates an immersive in-car sound experience from a simple stereo source. This article was originally published in audioXpress, June 2020.

One of the key technology demonstrations in automotive audio at CES 2020 was promoted by Continental and audio specialist Sennheiser. The two German companies presented a "speakerless" audio system for the vehicle interior, which Sennheiser claims is able to generate immersive audio by exciting surfaces inside the vehicle to produce sound. The Continental actuator solution - Ac2ated Sound - reduces weight and space by up to 90% in comparison to conventional systems.

The 2020 NAMM Show was the opportunity for DiGiCo to reveal the latest in its new generation of Quantum digital consoles, the expanded Quantum 5 and the all-new Quantum 338. Like the Quantum 7, the new consoles represent a dramatic leap forward in power and connectivity, with impressive new design features and enhancements. DiGiCo also announced the new DMI-KLANG at NAMM 2020, an immersive in-ear mixing expansion that can be mounted directly into DiGiCo consoles, equipped with DMI slots.

Danish manufacturer, DPA Microphones announced the new 4560 CORE Binaural Headset Microphone, combining two miniature microphones positioned at the opening of each ear with a flexible headset. A high-quality solution for YouTubers, sound designers, podcasters, vloggers and other content creators, including filmmakers who want to capture authentic immersive audio for their projects. The binaural setup allows to capture, in real time, exactly what each ear is hearing so that those listening on headphones can experience the full immersive sound.

During a special event promoted to announce a new generation of Amazon Alexa products, technologies and solutions, Amazon introduced an all-new line-up of Echo devices to expand its Alexa voice assistant ecosystem in the home and now also on-the-go. The all-new Echo Buds, using ANC technology licensed from Bose, join the Echo Auto as another option to take Alexa outside the home. The new Echo speakers also include the Echo Studio, engineered in collaboration with Dolby and supporting HRA and immersive audio reproduction.