IRCAM HEar V3 by Flux is a binaural encoding tool that lets you monitor stereo or multichannel mixes on headphones, using HRTF processing to simulate a loudspeaker setup. It supports Dolby Atmos configurations and offers controls for adjusting the virtual speaker array.
Purpose
IRCAM HEar V3 is designed to provide a faithful reproduction of a stereo or surround mix over a pair of conventional stereo headphones. It emulates the experience of listening through a loudspeaker system, making it useful for checking mixes when monitors are unavailable or for ensuring headphone translation.
The tool is based on binaural synthesis, which preserves tridimensional localization properties. It processes a mono signal with left and right HRTF filters to simulate the directional cues of sound arriving from specific angles. This technology relies on measurements from a KEMAR dummy head and torso, providing a realistic spatial impression.
Key Capabilities
HEar V3 supports up to ten channels of input and output, including configurations used in Dolby Atmos, such as Pro Tools HD 7.1.2 and 7.0.2. This allows engineers to monitor immersive mixes accurately on headphones without needing a full speaker array.
The plugin includes a routing matrix that maps inputs from the DAW track to internal virtual speaker outputs. A Speaker Mode lets you choose which virtual speaker configuration to emulate, while Speaker Width adjusts the angle between virtual speakers, and Angle Shift changes the listener’s orientation relative to the speaker array.
Workflow
In a typical session, you insert HEar V3 on a master or monitoring bus. After selecting the appropriate speaker configuration for your mix, you can use the routing matrix to verify how channels are assigned to virtual speakers. The space presets offer varying room colourations to suit different material.
The plugin is intended for headphone listening only; it is not designed for playback through stereo loudspeakers. When mixing, you can adjust the speaker width to narrow or broaden the stereo image, and use the angle shift to simulate different listening positions. This helps in making panning and balance decisions that translate well to physical speaker setups.
Practical Applications
This tool is valuable for mixing and mastering engineers who need to check surround or Atmos mixes in environments without a multichannel monitoring system. It also aids in quality control for music and film post-production, ensuring that spatial elements are correctly positioned.
Additionally, HEar V3 can be used for binaural rendering of existing multichannel material, creating headphone-compatible versions for personal listening or preview. Its routing flexibility supports various speaker arrangements, making it a versatile addition to any mixing suite that requires accurate headphone monitoring.
Key features
- Binaural encoding for stereo and multichannel mixes up to ten channels
- Dolby Atmos support including Pro Tools HD 7.1.2 and 7.0.2 bus formats
- HRTF-based processing using KEMAR dummy head measurements
- Routing matrix for mapping DAW inputs to virtual speaker outputs
- Speaker Mode to select emulated virtual speaker configurations
- Speaker Width and Angle Shift controls for adjusting the virtual array
- Space presets providing different room colourations
Best for
Ideal for audio engineers and post-production professionals working with surround or Dolby Atmos mixes who need accurate headphone monitoring. It is also useful for creating binaural renders of multichannel content for headphone listening, especially in environments where full speaker setups are impractical.