Bringing 6DoF to Live Recorded Audio and Video

In this article for audioXpress, Piotr Szczechowiak and Tomasz Zernicki, the two founders of Zylia, explore the fascinating world of true 6DoF (six degrees of freedom) audio experiences in 3D spaces. With 6DoF technology in VR/AR, users can experience 3D audio content from an unlimited number of listening points, wearing an appropriate headset and headphones to plug into an immersive experience that allows them to move freely through the entire audio soundscape. This article was originally published in audioXpress, October 2019.

Responding to a growing interest in all types of applications for its Zylia ZM-1 spherical mic array - originally promoted as a portable recording studio able to capture a live performance and output the result to multitrack - the Poland-based manufacturer now announced a series of software releases that significantly expand its potential uses. First of all, Zylia introduced an Ambisonics Converter that simplifies output for 360 platforms, while its Zylia Studio PRO software adds source localization with the ZM-1.

Røde Microphones is now shipping its SoundField by Røde NT-SF1 360° Surround Ambisonic Microphone – first announced at NAB 2018. Now available internationally, the first product manufactured in Australia by Røde since the acquisition of SoundField by the Freedman Electronics Group in November of 2016 is not only technically improved but it is also much more affordable than any other professional Ambisonics capture solution available until now.

Waves Audio is now shipping two new tools and a combo for audio engineers mixing 360-degree and VR projects: the Waves B360 Ambisonics Encoder, a new plugin for converting mono, stereo or surround audio into 360-degree Ambisonics B-format; Waves Nx Ambisonics, a new component of the Waves Nx Virtual Mix Room over Headphones plugin, designed for monitoring 360-degree Ambisonics B-format audio on regular stereo headphones; and Waves 360° Ambisonics Tools, a combo of both plugins.

At IBC 2017, Sennheiser has officially announced its “AMBEO for VR” Partnership Program, which has been created to ensure seamless interoperable production workflows for VR and AR productions. The program encompasses collaborations with manufacturers of field recorders, VR live cameras and live streaming software, mixing plug-ins and VR platforms. The first participants in the program were revealed at the Amsterdam show.

Pro Sound Effects has announced the release of NYC Ambisonics, its first sound effects library containing files captured with SoundField microphones and delivered in Ambisonics B-format bundled with SurroundZone2 software, allowing to point “virtual microphones” in any direction for greater control and creativity.