Blackmagic Design has just announced the Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone, a new professional microphone that captures true spatial audio for immersive video production. And at over $2.5K I doubt there will be review units (not that I have an environment that would it justice anyway).
The Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone is a 7th order ambisonic microphone array featuring 108 digital MEMS microphones that capture the entire sound field. The MEMS microphones are mounted flush in a solid, faceted metal body, making the design extremely strong for professional use while remaining small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and be mounted on top of a camera.
All the processing is built into the Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone. An internal processor running Apple’s advanced encoding filters, converts the audio from all 108 MEMS microphones to 7th order ambisonics in real-time. That means customers don’t need complex encoding software or a breakout box to capture professional spatial audio.
The microphone connects and is powered using a single USB-C cable, and because it’s class compliant there are no drivers or plug-ins to install. Customers can simply mount it on top of Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive, plug it in, and begin capturing spatial audio for Apple Immersive content. The spatial audio records directly into the camera’s immersive files, all in perfect sync.
Customers can also connect the Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone to a computer and record and mix in real-time with Fairlight Live, or record directly to iPhone using the Blackmagic Camera app. There will also be a USB to SMPTE-2110 converter available for advanced broadcast workflows.
“This microphone started when we were collaborating with Apple on the Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive camera. I heard a high resolution spatial audio capture for the first time and it was like hearing an acoustic reality, I was totally blown away,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “Apple licensed their array geometry and the ambisonic encoding filters, we did the engineering and design, and the result is an ambisonic microphone where you just plug in one cable and capture true spatial audio.”
Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone Features
- Professional 7th order ambisonic microphone for immersive spatial audio.
- Includes 108 digital MEMS microphones that capture the entire sound field.
- Microphones mounted flush in a solid, faceted body.
- Extremely strong metal design for professional use.
- Compact and portable size allows easy mounting on top of a camera.
- Built-in spatial encoder converts all 108 microphones to live 7th order ambisonics.
- No computer, breakout box or encoding software required.
- Connects using a single USB-C connection for both audio and power.
- USB class compliant, so requires no drivers or plug-ins to install.
- Mounts on Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive and records into immersive files.
- Supports recording and live mixing in true 3D audio with Fairlight Live.
- USB to SMPTE-2110 converter available for advanced broadcast workflows.
Availability and Price
The Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone will be available in December from AU$2,635 / NZ$3,169.