Blackmagic Design introduced the Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone on Thursday launching a 7th order ambisonic recording system built with 108 digital MEMS microphones and Apple-licensed spatial technology.
Blackmagic Designed the Metal Sphere with Apple Licensed Geometry
The device grew out of the URSA Cine Immersive camera collaboration. Blackmagic used Apple-licensed array geometry and ambisonic encoding filters while handling the physical engineering and product design, as reported by CineD.
Housed in a faceted metal sphere small enough to mount on top of a camera, the unit holds its 108 digital MEMS elements mounted flush within the metal body, according to audioXpress.
The metal casing is built to withstand professional field use while maintaining a portable footprint that can also be operated handheld.
Licensing Apple’s microphone geometry and encoding filters gives Blackmagic access to technology associated with Apple’s immersive media initiatives.
“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, according to TV News Check.
“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,” Petty said, as detailed by Mixonline.
Internal Processors Convert Signals to 64 Channels of Audio
An internal processor runs Apple’s filters to convert all 108 capsule signals into 64 channels of 32-bit audio in real time, removing the need for a separate breakout box or host-side encoder, PetaPixel reported.
The microphone is USB class compliant and requires no drivers or plug-ins, carrying both audio and power over a single USB-C cable, as noted by TV Tech.
Users can mount the array directly to the URSA Cine Immersive to record into immersive files in sync with the picture. Users can connect to a computer for real-time mixing with Fairlight Live, or record straight to an iPhone using the Blackmagic Camera app.
The company said a USB to SMPTE-2110 converter will also be available for advanced broadcast workflows.
Microphone Prices Range from $1,695 to $2,405
Its product page displays $1,909 for the microphone with its mount ($1,695 excluding local duties and taxes) and $2,405 for a kit that adds a magnetic windshield and a locking USB-C cable.
In Europe, Blackmagic lists €1,475, and in the UK £1,305, both before VAT.