Audiomovers’ Binaural Renderer for Apple Music is a monitoring tool that allows audio engineers to hear exactly how their Dolby 7.1.4 Atmos tracks (7.1.4 is the standard for Apple Music) will sound on headphones when re-rendered and binauralized into Apple Spatial for Apple Music, Apple TV, and so on.
This is undeniably a crucial innovation in the immersive audio production landscape. It allows audio engineers to hear exactly how their audio will sound when published, complete with Apple Spatial headtracking and HRTF. Previously, engineers had to employ complicated workarounds to hear their audio exactly as it would sound published on Apple Music.
This is because there is a significant audible difference between what is heard when selecting ‘Binaural’ on the Dolby Renderer and the binaural audio rerendered in Apple Spatial.
Binaural Renderer for Apple Music utilizes the built-in Spatial Audio processing on Apple devices and, therefore, guarantees 100% accuracy when referencing immersive audio content for Apple Music.
Overview of the Product
Audiomovers’ Binaural Renderer for Apple Music is crafted to enable audio professionals to optimize their 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos Mix for Apple Music’s spatial audio platform. This is an invaluable tool for Mixing, Mastering, and Post-Production Engineers working with Dolby Atmos material.
Key features:
- Dual Functionality as App and Plugin: Provides flexibility to fit into various audio production workflows.
- High-Fidelity Spatial Audio Rendering: Ensures 100% accurate rendering with Apple’s binauralization technology.
- Compatibility with Multiple DAWs and Audio Formats: Works seamlessly with popular DAWs and supports immersive audio formats (7.1.4 Dolby Atmos required).
- Advanced User Controls for Precise Audio Optimization: Offers granular control over audio inputs and rendering modes for Apple Music optimization.
- Headtracking and Personalized HRTF Profiles: Delivers a dynamic and realistic immersive audio experience with compatible headphones.
In this review, we’ll explore Binaural Renderer for Apple Music’s comprehensive features. We will focus on how it enhances engineers’ and producers’ workflows and the ability to reference Apple Music’s spatial audio rendering during production. We’ll also explore its functionality, user benefits, and the impact it has made on immersive audio production.
Binaural Renderer for Apple Music Review
Binaural Renderer for Apple Music integrates several advanced features and technologies designed to enhance spatial audio production specifically for Apple Music.
Dual Functionality as App and Plugin
The Binaural Renderer for Apple Music functions as a standalone application and an integrated plugin within DAWs that support immersive audio. This dual functionality makes it a versatile choice for audio engineers, depending on the stage of the process they are at and the routing they have in place.
The plugin integrates directly into DAWs that support immersive audio, allowing engineers to apply its features in real time to their projects.
As an application, it enhances control over audio settings, particularly through the use of auxiliary inputs. These inputs enable engineers to reference and adjust audio outputs by comparing them against two separate two-channel sources configured for Apple Spatial Audio. This adaptability is especially beneficial for projects that require detailed attention to how audio is rendered in spatial formats.
High Fidelity Spatial Audio Rendering
Binaural Renderer for Apple Music utilizes Apple’s advanced binauralization technology to ensure 100% accurate spatial audio rendering. This feature allows users to hear exactly how their audio will sound on Apple Music. It is crucial for mixing and mastering tracks intended for an immersive listening experience when using headphones.
By offering this accurate preview of the final product, Binaural Renderer improves workflow by allowing engineers to easily switch between Apple Spatial Rendering and two 2-channel audio sources for comparison within the production environment through the use of auxiliary input selectors.
This ensures engineers can identify and address any potential issues before finalizing their mixes, ultimately helping them create immersive experiences that resonate well with Apple Music listeners.
Compatibility with Multiple DAWs and Audio Formats
Binaural Renderer for Apple Music is specifically engineered to operate with digital audio workstations (DAWs) that support immersive audio formats. These include Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Reaper, Nuendo, Studio One, and Cubase.
In addition, it accepts audio through various routing methods, such as Dolby Audio Bridge, Aux I/O (for Pro Tools users), and Audiomovers’ OMNIBUS routing software. For projects exceeding 7.1.4 channels, users will need to create a 7.1.4 rerender to route to Binaural Renderer.
Advanced User Controls for Precise Audio Manipulation
Binaural Renderer for Apple Music offers advanced user controls, such as plugin input gain, channel remapping, and a rendering mode selector. These controls allow audio engineers to manipulate audio inputs, adapting the output to fit Apple Music’s Spatial Audio criteria.
It has three modes that provide targeted rendering options that replicate how mixes will sound across different listening scenarios.
These modes include:
- Speaker Music: Implements Apple Music profile for 7.1.4 input. This simulates the speaker playback for Dolby Atmos music on compatible devices like MacBook Pro.
- Headphones Music: Utilizes Apple Music profile for 7.1.4 input, mimicking headphone playback for Dolby Atmos music.
- Headphones Movie: Adapts Apple TV profile for 7.1.4 input, reproducing the rendering of content available on Apple TV.
Headtracking and Personalized HRTF Profiles
The Renderer supports headtracking and personalized head-related transfer function (HRTF) profiles for those using compatible Apple and Beats headphones.
This technology adjusts the audio based on the listener’s head movements as well as the listener’s own audio profile (in the case of HRTF). It offers a more immersive audio experience.
It is important to note that personalized and headtracking options will only be available with supported headphones, which include:
- AirPods Pro (1st & 2nd Gen)
- AirPods Max
- AirPods (3rd Generation)
- Beats Fit Pro
- Beats Studio Pro Static
Binaural rendering will be the only option that appears available for unsupported headphones.
How Much Does Audiomovers Binaural Renderer for Apple Music Cost?
Audiomovers’ Binaural Renderer for Apple Music is priced at $79.99. It offers a free 7-day demo, allowing users to experience its features before committing to a purchase.
Additionally, it is available through various software bundles on the Audiomovers site, providing flexibility and additional value for different types of users and needs.
Binaural Renderer for Apple Music: A Must-Have for Immersive Audio Production?
Audiomovers’ Binaural Renderer for Apple Music plugin seamlessly integrates with DAWs for real-time processing or offers a standalone application for meticulous control. Its 100% accurate binaural rendering ensures mixes translate flawlessly to Apple Music’s Spatial Audio. Headtracking support with compatible headphones unlocks dynamic, immersive experiences.
With its reasonable price and free 7-day demo, Binaural Renderer for Apple Music empowers creators to redefine how listeners experience their work. Is it a must-have? For those serious about immersive audio on Apple Music, we sure think so!
