Waves B360 Ambisonics Encoder

Waves B360 Ambisonics Encoder | Immersive Audio Encoder for VR & 360 Videos

With the growing demand for 360-degree audio in fields like YouTube 360, Facebook 360, virtual reality (VR), immersive gaming, and sound effect libraries, professional Ambisonics production tools have become indispensable for modern audio engineers. The Waves B360 Ambisonics Encoder was created for this very purpose, offering an extremely efficient and intuitive solution to easily convert traditional audio formats into the industry-standard Ambisonics B-format, delivering a fully immersive spherical soundfield experience to the listener.

Unlike traditional mono, stereo, or surround sound, where signals correspond directly to specific speaker positions, Ambisonics B-format uses four channels to fully describe the entire spherical soundfield. When you need to integrate existing mono, stereo, or surround sound tracks into an Ambisonics mixing project, the first step is to convert them to the four-channel B-format. Waves B360 provides the fastest and simplest workflow for this task. Whether you need to apply an overall Ambisonics encoder to the final mix bus or precisely position sound sources on individual tracks, it performs flawlessly, making it a key tool for entering the world of 360 mixing and VR audio production.

Core Advantages & Use Cases

Intuitive B-format Encoding Workflow
B360 completely simplifies the complex Ambisonics encoding process. Simply insert the plugin on a track, select the input channel format (such as mono, stereo, or 5.1 surround), and B360 will automatically convert it to a standard 4-channel B-format output, without any cumbersome routing setups.

Precise Spherical Soundfield Positioning
When used on an individual track, B360's graphical interface allows you to accurately place sound objects within the 360-degree spherical space. With intuitive Yaw, Pitch, and Roll controls, you can freely rotate the soundfield to achieve unparalleled spatial immersion.

Broad Platform Compatibility
B-format audio encoded by B360 is fully compliant with the audio specifications of major video platforms like YouTube 360 and Facebook 360, as well as VR devices such as the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, ensuring your work delivers the best immersive effect across various playback environments.

Designed for Gaming & Sound Design
For game developers and sound designers, B360 is a powerful tool for creating dynamic, interactive environmental audio. It helps you quickly generate Ambisonics audio assets that meet the requirements of game engines, enhancing the player's gaming experience.

Flexible Workflow Integration
B360 can be used as a master encoder on the final mix bus to convert an entire multi-channel mix to B-format, or as an insert effect on individual tracks for precise spatial control of a single sound source, offering immense creative flexibility.

Technical Specifications (Tech Specs)

• Supported Format: Ambisonics B-format (AmbiX)
• Input Channel Configurations: Mono, Stereo, 5.0, 5.1, 7.0, 7.1
• Output Channel Configuration: 4-channel B-format
• Supported Sample Rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
• Latency: 0 ms
• Plugin Formats: VST, VST3, AU, AAX Native, AudioSuite
• System Requirements (Mac): macOS Catalina 10.15, Big Sur 11, Monterey 12, Ventura 13, Sonoma 14
• System Requirements (Windows): Windows 10 64-bit, Windows 11
• CPU (Intel): Intel Core i5 / i7 / i9 / Xeon
• CPU (Apple): Apple M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra, M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max, M2 Ultra (Native Support)
• Memory (RAM): 8 GB minimum, 16 GB or more recommended
• Screen Resolution: 1280x1024 minimum, 1600x1024 or higher recommended
• Authorization: Waves Central online license management (internet connection required for activation)