Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

Elastique Pitch Goes Immersive: Does It Actually Work on 16 Channels?

In this video, I'm testing the latest update to zplane's Elastique Pitch plugin, which now includes multi-channel support for immersive audio workflows including Dolby Atmos and Ambisonics. I demonstrate how well it works across 16 channels by pitch-shifting in the Ambisonics domain, and while it performs flawlessly, I discuss one small UI improvement that would make the multi-channel mode more obvious to users.

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

Blue Cat Patchwork 16-Channel Update: Revolutionary Feature, Frustrating Bug

In this video, I explore Blue Cat Audio's Patchwork plugin update that now supports 16-channel processing for immersive audio formats like 9.1.6 and third-order ambisonics, demonstrating how to integrate multi-channel beds into Dolby Atmos Composer sessions within stereo DAWs. While the feature works perfectly in the instrument version, I discovered a significant bug in the effects plugin that currently limits it to 8 channels, something I hope Blue Cat Audio will fix soon.

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

Dolby Atmos for Music 101: Everything You Need to Know in 10 Questions

In this video, I answer the ten most important questions about Dolby Atmos for music production, covering everything from how the format works and its journey from cinema to streaming, to the equipment you actually need and common mixing mistakes to avoid. Whether you're mixing on headphones or speakers, this guide will show you that getting started with Atmos is more accessible than you think—and you might already have what you need to begin.

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

Fiedler Audio Mastering Console Q&A: Your Questions Answered

In this Q&A video, I'm answering your most interesting questions about the Fiedler Audio Mastering Console for Dolby Atmos, covering topics like OBAM-compatible plugins, album assembly for Windows users, plugin scanning issues, and how to use processors on individual objects. I also dive into why head tracking matters for immersive audio production, especially for VR/AR applications and as a practical solution for traveling professionals who can't take their Atmos studios on the road.

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

Is Eclipsa Audio Worth It? Answering Your Biggest Questions

In this Q&A video, I'm answering your questions about Eclipsa Audio—covering what it actually is, how it differs from Dolby Atmos, practical concerns about platform support, and why it's currently Mac-only despite being a Google/Samsung technology. I also share my honest concerns about why releasing this technology as open source so early in development might signal a lack of long-term commitment from the companies behind it.

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

This Blew Me Away: Near Zero Latency Dolby Atmos Head Tracking

In this follow-up to my Dolby Atmos Mastering Console review, I explore the software's incredible head tracking implementation, which supports both Apple AirPods and the Supperware head tracker with unique features like non-recentering spatial audio and direct MIDI communication that achieves the lowest latency I've ever experienced. This is hands-down the best solution currently available for monitoring Dolby Atmos through headphones, whether you're on the road or working without access to a full Atmos studio.

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

Finally! The Complete Dolby Atmos Mastering Solution - Fiedler Audio Mastering Console 2.0

Today I'm exploring Fiedler Audio's revolutionary Mastering Console 2 for Dolby Atmos - a comprehensive mastering solution that combines multiple workflows into one powerful application, featuring game-changing tools like a true peak limiter that measures post-render while limiting pre-render, Apple Spatial Audio monitoring for Windows users, and the innovative OBAM plugin format for direct metadata manipulation. This bird's-eye overview showcases how the Mastering Console extends far beyond Dolby's own software capabilities, seamlessly integrating into any Atmos workflow while remaining accessible to both professionals and serious hobbyists - with detailed deep-dives on specific features coming in future videos.

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

Getting Started with Eclipsa Audio (IAMF) in Reaper

In this tutorial, I walk you through the complete workflow of setting up Eclipsa Audio plugins in Reaper to create immersive audio in the IAMF format, covering everything from configuring the renderer and creating audio elements to routing tracks using both built-in and third-party Ambisonics panners. I'll demonstrate the practical process using a four-track session, showing how to work with YouTube's Base profile to create a 16-channel third-order Ambisonics environment with an additional stereo element, and finally export your project as an IAMF file ready for upload.

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

Dolby Atmos Renderer Update: Use Your AirPods for Head Tracking

Dolby quietly added Apple AirPods head tracking support to the Atmos Renderer, burying this game-changing feature in a support article without any proper announcement—and it works with virtually any Apple or Beats headphones containing the H1 or H2 chip. In this video, I'll show you how to set it up, demonstrate its impressive spatial monitoring capabilities in a real mixing session, and even reveal how to use your AirPods as a head tracker for your professional studio headphones.

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

From Beamforming to ASAF: The Spatial Audio Tools of the Summer of 2025

I'm breaking down four game-changing developments in immersive audio that have been happening behind the scenes: NovoNotes' new format support for 9.1.6 and 7.1.6 configurations, Audio Brewers' revolutionary beamforming decoder, Eclipsa Audio's open-source spatial audio plugins that finally make 3D sound accessible to everyone, and Apple's Spatial Audio Format that transforms static mixes into responsive sound environments. Each of these deserves its own deep dive tutorial which I'll be releasing over the coming weeks, plus there's another massive announcement on the horizon that could revolutionize immersive music production—but I'll have to save that for another day.

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

Ambisonics 101: Ten Essential Questions Answered

In this video, I'm kicking off a new FAQ series by answering the 10 essential questions about Ambisonics—the full-sphere surround sound technology that's become the backbone of VR, AR, and 360-degree video. From understanding the B-format and the difference between AmbiX and FuMa standards, to practical guidance on getting started with Ambisonics in your DAW and monitoring your mixes, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about this increasingly important immersive audio format.

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

3D Audio Meets Reddit: Is Dolby Atmos The Same as 8D Music?

In this video, I dive into some of the most fascinating (and frustrating) Dolby Atmos takes I've found on Reddit, tackling everything from claims that it's just a marketing gimmick to confusion about 8D music and whether you need 16 subwoofers to create an earthquake simulator. I separate fact from fiction in the world of spatial audio, explaining why immersive audio is here to stay while addressing the legitimate criticisms and misconceptions that dominate online discussions about Atmos and surround sound.

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

Why Did WWI Soldiers Use Giant Mechanical Ears? (10 Surprising Immersive Audio Facts)

After covering the 10 most important immersive audio formats, I realized there are so many more wild and surprising stories from spatial audio's history that deserve to be told – from World War I giant mechanical ears and Disney's 1940s surround sound revolution to Pink Floyd's holophonic experiments and Lou Reed's 3D rock albums. What fascinates me most is how these pioneers were solving the same immersive audio challenges we face today, proving that humanity's obsession with realistic 3D sound has been driving innovation for over a century.

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

Ranking the 10 Most Important Immersive Audio Technologies

In this video, I'm counting down the 10 most influential immersive audio formats that have transformed how we experience sound in three dimensions, based on my personal experience in spatial audio production. From pioneering 1970s surround sound to today's cutting-edge object-based standards, I'll break down the technical innovations, practical applications for producers, and accessibility of each format that has shaped the immersive audio landscape.

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

Nomono Sound Capsule Q&A: Addressing Your Comments & Concerns

In this follow-up video, I dive into viewer comments from my Nomono Sound Capsule review, addressing concerns about this $2,500 spatial audio podcast recording device that converts recordings to Dolby Atmos through cloud processing. While the technology is genuinely impressive—especially how it reconstructs speaker positions from audio alone—the device struggles to find its target market, sitting uncomfortably between average podcasters (too expensive) and professional users (not quite high-end enough).

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

Best Immersive Audio Metering Tools: My Top 10 Plugins for Spatial Mixing

When SSL released their new immersive metering plugin, I realized it was the perfect opportunity to create something more valuable: a comprehensive countdown of the top 10 metering tools for spatial audio mixing, from basic surround to full Dolby Atmos productions. This completely subjective ranking covers everything from free open-source solutions to industry-standard references, focusing on the tools that provide the best visual feedback for making informed decisions in immersive audio.

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

From Kraftwerk to the Sphere: Inside Professional Immersive Audio with Tom Ammermann

In this episode, I sat down with Tom Ammermann, founder of New Audio Technology and two-time Grammy-nominated immersive audio engineer, to explore his journey from early surround mixing to developing the Spatial Audio Designer plugin suite used on projects like Kraftwerk's Grammy-nominated album. Tom shared invaluable insights on getting started with immersive audio, explaining how his tools enable seamless workflow from laptop creation to full dome installations, and why he believes mixing in 3D formats can actually be faster and more emotional than traditional stereo production.

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

The Biggest Innovation in Dolby Atmos Since Dolby Atmos

In this video, I explore Fiedler Audio's revolutionary new OBAM (Object Based Audio Module) standard — the first plugin format designed specifically for object-based audio that finally brings true mastering capabilities to Dolby Atmos production. I'll demonstrate how this technology works in practice using the updated Dolby Atmos Composer with OBAM-compatible plugins from Fiedler Audio and Toneboosters, showing why this could be the biggest leap forward in immersive audio production yet.

Read More
Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner Immersive Audio Michael G Wagner

Top 10 Immersive Audio Plugins for Professional Spatial Mixing

In this video, I count down my top 10 immersive audio effects plugins that will transform your Atmos and Spatial Audio mixes from flat to fully three-dimensional, showcasing tools that create genuinely convincing spatial effects with intuitive controls for professional workflows. From realistic room acoustics to revolutionary spatial workstations, I explore how these cutting-edge processors give you unprecedented control over dimension, movement, and space in your immersive productions, whether you're working in film, music, or game audio.

Read More