Blackmagic Design announced the Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone, the world’s first 7th-order ambisonic microphone, which incorporates 108 MEMS microphones and a spatial encoder. This professional-grade microphone, capable of recording spatial audio for immersive video production, is scheduled to be released in December at Blackmagic Design retailers.
The Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone is a 7th-order ambisonic microphone array composed of 108 digital MEMS microphones, capable of capturing the entire sound field. The MEMS microphones are flush-mounted in a robust, multifaceted metal housing, providing durability for professional use. It is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and can be mounted on top of a camera.
All processing functions are built into the unit. The internal processor runs Apple’s advanced encoding filters, converting the audio from 108 MEMS microphones into 7th-order ambisonics in real time and outputting it as 64-channel, 32-bit audio. Therefore, complex encoding software or breakout boxes are not required to record professional-grade spatial audio.
Connection and power supply are handled with a single USB-C cable. Because it’s USB class-compliant, there’s no need to install drivers or plugins. Simply attach it to the top of the Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive and connect it to record spatial audio for Apple Immersive content. The audio is recorded directly into the camera’s immersive file, ensuring high-precision synchronization with the video.
What is the Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone?
When connected to a computer, Fairlight Live allows for real-time recording and mixing. Direct recording to an iPhone is also possible using the Blackmagic Camera app. A USB to SMPTE-2110 converter allows for integration into advanced broadcast workflows.
Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, commented as follows:
“The development of this microphone began when we were collaborating with Apple on the Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive. When I first heard high-resolution spatial audio, I was completely overwhelmed; it felt like I was actually hearing the sound right there. Apple authorized us to use their array geometry and ambisonic encoding filter, and we handled the engineering and design. The result is an ambisonic microphone that can capture true spatial audio with just a single cable connection.”
Key Features of the Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone
- Professional 7th-order ambisonic microphone compatible with immersive spatial audio.
- The entire sound field records using 108 digital MEMS microphones.
- The microphones positioned flush with robust, multifaceted housing.
- Robust metal design built to withstand professional use.
- Small unit, easy to carry, and easily attaches to the top of a camera.
- The built-in spatial encoder converts audio from 108 microphones into 7th-order ambisonics in real time.
- No computer, breakout box, or software required for encoding.
- Supports audio transmission and power supply with a single USB-C cable.
- Because it is USB class-compliant, no driver or plugin installation required.
- Works with Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive and directly records into an immersive file.
- Fairlight Live now supports 3D audio recording and live mixing.
- Support advanced broadcast workflows with a USB-SMPTE-2110 converter.
