Immersive Mixing in Your Cans

Originally launched in May of 2023, APL Virtuoso is a culmination of over 10 years of research into binaural audio and spatial sound, offering users the ability to mix and monitor immersive audio without the need for complex loudspeaker setups. Now, APL introduces Virtuoso v2 which includes three newly developed features that further revolutionises what is possible from binaural rendering technology. Powered by ASPEN technology, APL Virtuoso brings immersive audio mixing and listening to headphones, offering customisable virtual listening rooms that mimic real environments. Virtuoso delivers accurate externalisation and localisation of sound, ensuring mix decisions translate well to loudspeakers. The software also provides superb tonal naturalness, simulating the experience of listening to premium loudspeakers in a perfectly tuned room, while reducing headphone fatigue.

Key features include support for 53 speaker configurations (from mono to Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D), seven virtual room presets, fully customisable acoustic settings, and built-in HRTF and head tracking. The software currently provides EQ compensation for 100 headphone models, ensuring a personalised, high-fidelity listening experience across any setup. The Virtuoso v2 plug-in is available as AAX, VST3 and AU. Virtuoso v2 is also available as standalone software, opening up the potential uses and providing a level of flexibility not yet seen in this area.

Virtuoso v2 adds three new features to its already feature-rich platform. A 10-band parametric EQ for headphone equalisation takes the previous compensation tool to a new level. Users now have the ability to load built-in or custom EQ profiles and tweak the 10-band EQ for a more accurate representation of their desired headphones.

The standalone version of Virtuoso v2 now has a built-in WAV/ADM player so users can cue up their favourite music in stereo or multichannel format, or Dolby Atmos ADM master files for easy listening. Making the most of audio customisation will transport music lovers into their perfect listening room, equip with an array of loudspeaker options for the ultimate real-life headphone experience.

With a newly developed 3D interactive GUI, users can better visualise each speaker arrangement and customise their settings more intuitively. This improvement allows for more control over the mix and brings more enjoyment to the experience.

Bob Katz, a world-renowned mastering and mixing engineer, highlights Virtuoso’s power in professional use, stating, “I thought I was listening to my speakers! Virtuoso fooled me. Amazing creation. We finally have a translation tool that allows mixing with headphones”. He also says “Using Virtuoso, I got a sense of height and rear localization which is far better than other binaural systems I have tried”.

This demonstrates the software’s capacity to deliver precise audio spatialisation, ensuring that mixes made on headphones translate seamlessly to loudspeakers – crucial for professionals delivering high-quality audio across platforms.
Hans-Martin Buff, a long time engineer for iconic artists like Prince and Peter Gabriel, called Virtuoso “a game-changer for my binaural adventures”. Emphasising its reliability and portability whether in a studio or on the road.
With the release of APL Virtuoso v2 on October 8th, 2024, audio professionals and enthusiasts alike can look forward to an enhanced, immersive listening experience. Whether used for critical mixing decisions or simply enjoying music, Virtuoso’s cutting-edge technology continues to redefine how we interact with sound. This latest version reinforces APL’s commitment to innovation in audio, making high-quality sound accessible to everyone, from top-tier professionals to passionate music lovers.