Ambisonics 101: Ten Essential Questions Answered

In this video, I'm kicking off a new FAQ series where I revisit the most important topics in immersive audio, bringing them up to current production standards. Today, we're diving deep into Ambisonics—a full-sphere surround sound technology that's more relevant than ever with the rise of VR, AR, and 360-degree video. I answer the 10 essential questions that will give you a complete understanding of Ambisonics: what it is, how it differs from traditional surround sound, its fascinating history dating back to 1970s British universities, and the technical details of how it actually works. We'll explore the difference between A-format and B-format, understand Ambisonics orders and their impact on spatial resolution, and clarify the crucial distinction between AmbiX and FuMa standards that every producer needs to know.

The second half covers the practical side of working with Ambisonics today. I explain how it compares to object-based audio like Dolby Atmos (spoiler: they're complementary, not competitors), and provide a complete guide to getting started with Ambisonics production in your DAW—including hardware recommendations, software choices like Reaper, and essential plugins from IEM and Audio Brewers. Finally, I walk through monitoring options, from binaural decoding with headphones to speaker array setups, ensuring you can properly hear and work with your Ambisonics mixes. Whether you're interested in VR audio, immersive music production, or just want to understand this increasingly important technology, this video gives you everything you need to get started with Ambisonics.