Blackmagic Design has announced a 7th order ambisonic microphone. The Blackmagic Design Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone captures true spatial audio for immersive video production. It is also small enough to mount on a camera.
7th order ambisonic
Seventh order ambisonics (7OA) is a high-resolution, full-sphere 3D audio format. It uses 64 audio channels to represent and reproduce a sound field.
108 microphones
The mic’s array holds 108 digital MEMS microphones that capture the entire sound field. A MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) microphone is a tiny acoustic sensor etched directly onto a silicon chip.
Blackmagic mounts them flush in a solid, faceted metal body built for professional use. It still fits in the palm of your hand or on top of a camera.
Internal processor
An internal processor runs Apple’s advanced encoding filters. They convert the audio from all 108 microphones to 7th order ambisonics in real time. All the processing happens inside the mic, so you do not need complex encoding software or a breakout box to capture professional spatial audio.
Single USB-C
One USB-C cable handles connection and power. The mic is class compliant, so you do not need to install drivers or plug-ins.
That also makes it a match for Blackmagic’s URSA Cine Immersive camera. Mount the mic on top, plug it in and you can capture spatial audio for Apple Immersive content. The audio records straight into the camera’s immersive files, in sync with the video.
Other uses
You can also connect the mic to a computer and record and mix in real time with Fairlight Live. Another option is recording directly to an iPhone with the Blackmagic Camera app. Blackmagic says a USB to SMPTE-2110 converter is coming too, aimed at advanced broadcast workflows.
What we think
Great video needs great audio. Some would argue audio matters even more than the picture. The URSA Cine Immersive camera records stunning immersive visuals, but its built-in mics capture only stereo audio. This mic lets you record sound that feels as immersive as your footage.
It works with a computer or an iPhone as well. It will be fun to see what video makers create with it. Blackmagic is once again shaking up the audio-visual market with a high-spec product at a fairly low price.
Pricing and availability
The Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone is scheduled for release in December. It costs $1,695.
