Ambisonics

This section explains how to create and preview Cues with Ambisonics waveform files.

  1. Prerequisites to use waveform files for Ambisonics
    1. Settings for Channels config
    2. Creating or Assigning a Voice Pool
    3. Output Ports for Ambisonics
  2. Registering a waveform file for Ambisonics
  3. Registering a Material for Ambisonics in a Cue
  4. Ambisonics preview

Prerequisites to use waveform files for Ambisonics

Settings for Channels config

The two primary component ordering formats for Ambisonics are Furse-Malham (FuMa), and Ambisonic Channel Number (ACN). Both provide ordering for 4 channels (1st Order), 9 channels (2nd Order), and 16 channels (3rd Order).

Ambisonics wave files must use the correct "Ambisonics" Channels Config to be played back.

A Channels Config with the right Ambisonics order can be assigned via the Project Settings as follows:

Ambisonics Order Channels Config to set
Ambisonics 1st Order Assign Channels Config (4ch) to "Ambisonics 1st (FuMa maxN)" or "Ambisonics 1st (ACN SN3D)"
Ambisonics 2nd Order Assign Channels Config (9ch) to "Ambisonics 2nd (FuMa maxN)" or "Ambisonics 2nd (ACN SN3D)"
Ambisonics 3rd Order Assign Channels Config (16ch) to "Ambisonics 3rd (FuMa maxN)" or "Ambisonics 3rd (ACN SN3D)"
criatom_tools_atomcraft_spatializer_ambisonics_channelconfig.png

Creating or Assigning a Voice Pool

With the Channels Config of "Ambisonics" via Settings for Channels config , a dialog box is displayed for the automatic creation of the Voice Pool for Ambisonics.
Once the parameters of the Voice Pool are set, press OK, and a voice pool named "_ambisonics" will be created.

criatom_tools_atomcraft_spatializer_ambisonics_voice_pool.png
Note
  • The original ADX version does not have a Voice Pool to play more than 9 channels.
    Before playing back Ambisonics, you need to prepare a voice pool that fits the number of Ambisonics channels to play.
  • Ambisonics playback is only supported by the HCA codec.

Output Ports for Ambisonics

When the "Ambisonics" Channels Config is enabled with Settings for Channels config , it will automatically create the following "Ambisonics"-specific Output port .

Ambisonics-specific Output Port name
_ambisonics

Setting for Ambisonics output ports

The settings for output ports for Ambisonics are:

Setting Value Description
Use a dedicated mixer True (Locked) Assign whether to use a dedicated mixer.
Object-Based Audio playback always uses a dedicated mixer (different from the main mixer).
criatom_tools_atomcraft_spatializer_ambisonics_outputport.png

Registering a waveform file for Ambisonics

Register the waveform file (WAV/AIFF) for Ambisonics with the Materials.
If the project is set to "Channels Config 4 or 9, 12" and "Ambisonics" are specified, the channel config of the Material will be displayed as "Ambisonics".

criatom_tools_atomcraft_spatializer_ambisonics_reg_material.png

Registering a Material for Ambisonics in a Cue

Drag and drop the Material for Ambisonics onto the Cue Sheet or Cue to create a Cue that is compatible with Ambisonics playback.
An waveform region for Ambisonics will be added to the new Cue, and an output port for Ambisonics will be automatically assigned to the added track.

criatom_tools_atomcraft_spatializer_ambisonics_create_cue.png
Note
  • Automatic registration of the Output Port for Ambisonics for a track
    Once a Material for Ambisonics is added to a track, an Output Port for Ambisonics will be automatically added.
    However, if a waveform region for Ambisonics is moved to another track, the output port will have to be manually assigned to the new track, as it will not be automatically done.
  • About mixing with non-Ambisonics waveforms
    Waveforms for Ambisonics cannot be combined with other waveforms (such as 5.1 ch or 7.1 ch) on the same track.
    If you need to use waveforms for Ambisonics and for other channel configurations in the same Cue, be sure to place them on separate tracks.

Ambisonics preview

Ambisonics Level Meter display
Ambisonics are processed via a dedicated mixer and outputted via special level meters.

criatom_tools_atomcraft_spatializer_ambisonics_levelmeter.png

Preview via headphones
To preview Ambisonics via headphone, use Software Binauralizer .

Ambisonics playback preview on hardware (development device)
The "Prioritize playback via the platform hardware" option of Global Project Settings must be selected.

Original audio playback of Ambisonics This feature is not yet supported as of CRI Atom Craft 3.50.00.