Facebook Unveils Technology Behind Audio 360 Virtual Reality Experience

First announced in Q4 2016, Facebook's 360 audio technology was discussed for the first time at Video@Scale, an invitation-only technical conference for engineers who work on large-scale video platforms and technologies. During the event, Facebook revealed more details of its new spatial audio encoding and rendering technology, using "hybrid higher-order ambisonics," and supporting head-locked audio for virtual reality applications.

Waves Consumer, the consumer division of Waves Audio, announced that it has started selling and shipping its first direct to consumer product. Waves Nx, is a completely new, user-centric listening experience that enables 3D audio on any headphone set with any content. The company also unveiled a website, www.waves.com/nx, where the general public is invited to learn more about 3D audio and purchase Waves Nx for $79.

Earlier in 2016, Waves Audio announced its Nx software technology that applies panoramic audio imaging to stereo headphones, opening the door to applications in virtual reality, augmented reality, 3D mixing and much more. Waves Nx lets users hear the same natural depth, natural reflections, and panoramic imaging heard from speakers in a physical room, but on headphones. Now Waves decided to launch a new Kickstarter campaign, allowing the audio community to get a stake in this innovative technology.

Digital signal processing solutions specialist Waves Audio, confirmed the availability of its new Waves Nx, Virtual Mix Room solution for mixing with headphones. This new acoustics emulation plugin simulates depth, natural reflections, and the stereo image of an actual, physical room, allowing for a “virtual speaker” experience on headphones, allowing mixing even for 5.1 surround on regular stereo headphones.