The best binaural plugins: my top 5
When it comes to creating immersive soundscapes, a binaural plugin, or spatial audio plugin is often the first tool audio professionals think of.
I’ve experimented with countless binaural plugins and other spatial audio tools in my time as an immersive audio engineer, and I’ve discovered what works well, and what to avoid.
While plugins like DearVR Pro or binaural panning tools in DAWs such as Pro Tools offer some impressive capabilities, they can’t match the flexibility and depth of a standalone platform like Audiocube.
In this article, we’ll explore how binaural plugins work, their limitations, and why Audiocube stands out as a superior solution for creating binaural and immersive audio.
What you’ll learn
What a binaural plugin is and how it works.
The limitations of binaural plugins compared to a standalone DAW like Audiocube.
Why Audiocube is a complete solution for binaural and immersive audio creation.
How Audiocube offers unique features that go beyond traditional plugin capabilities.
Audiocube: Binaural Power Beyond A Plugin
While Binaural plugins are useful in many situations, they’re also very limited due to their integration with DAWs.
When I was working as an immersive audio engineer, I would often need to use binaural plugins to work on projects. However, I was often disapointed with how restrictive plugins could be.
This inspired me to create Audiocube, a completely standalone 3D DAW - with powerful HRTF binauralization.
This gives you precise control over the placement of sounds, and a freely movable virtual listening postion. I’ll explain this in more detail later in this article!
What Is a Binaural Plugin?
A binaural plugin is a tool used in digital audio workstations (DAWs) to create binaural audio—sound designed to mimic how the human ears perceive 3D space. By using binaural panning and processing, these plugins allow sound sources to be positioned in a virtual environment, creating the illusion of depth and direction when listened to on headphones.
Popular examples include DearVR Pro and Dolby Atmos-compatible tools, which are commonly used for multichannel audio projects or creating immersive audio for formats like MPEG-H. These plugins are essential for tasks such as binaural output for film, VR, or music production.
Learn Everything You Need To Know About Binaural Audio in my deep dive into this audio tech topic!
How Do Binaural Plugins Work?
Binaural plugins simulate how sound interacts with the human head and ears. Key features include:
Binaural Panning: Positioning sound sources in a 3D space.
Room Reflections: Adding reverberation to simulate the acoustics of a specific environment.
Head Tracking: Adjusting sound positioning based on the listener’s head movements for more realistic spatialization.
While these tools are powerful, they operate within the limitations of a host DAW, which can restrict their potential.
The Best Binaural Plugins: My Top 5
Binaural plugins are essential tools for creating immersive audio experiences.
They work within digital audio workstations (DAWs) to simulate 3D spatial sound, often providing features like binaural panning, head tracking, and room reflections. Here are some of the most popular binaural plugins used by professionals. I’ve tried all of these (and more) and they’re the strongest in terms of the plugin format.
1. DearVR Pro - ÂŁ199
DearVR Pro is a highly regarded plugin for binaural and spatial audio design. It offers a wide range of virtual acoustic environments and precise 3D positioning, making it a go-to tool for sound designers and audio engineers. This was my go-to spatializer plugin for a long time, and was one of the main inspirations behind making Audiocube, an advanced standalone 3D DAW.
Key Features:
Over 45 virtual environments to simulate realistic spaces.
Full 3D spatial positioning with binaural output.
Ambisonics and multi-channel support for VR and AR applications.
Pros:
Intuitive interface for precise sound placement.
Realistic environmental modeling.
Versatile for various spatial audio formats.
Cons:
Requires a host DAW to function.
Limited customization for room reflections.
2. Waves B360 Ambisonics Encoder - ÂŁ299
Waves B360 is designed for encoding Ambisonics audio into binaural formats, making it a great option for creating 3D soundscapes for VR and immersive content. I like the ambisonic capabilities too.
Key Features:
Ambisonics-to-binaural encoding for headphones.
Control over spatial positioning and panning.
Integration with Waves Nx for head tracking.
Pros:
Strong focus on Ambisonics workflows.
Simple setup for binaural rendering.
Cons:
Limited to Ambisonics; lacks broader spatial audio features.
3. Ircam HEar - ÂŁ249
Ircam HEar is a specialized plugin for binaural rendering, offering tools for precise spatial audio mixing and monitoring.
Key Features:
High-quality binaural rendering for headphone playback.
Adjustable HRTF profiles for accurate spatialization.
Ideal for monitoring immersive audio projects.
Pros:
Exceptional spatial accuracy.
Compatible with various DAWs.
Cons:
Focused on monitoring rather than creative sound design.
4. Dolby Atmos Renderer - ÂŁ249
Dolby Atmos Renderer enables binaural audio output as part of its larger multi-channel and object-based audio workflow. It’s widely used in film, music, and VR production.
Key Features:
Binaural rendering for Dolby Atmos mixes.
Integration with DAWs like Pro Tools.
Object-based mixing for precise spatial placement.
Pros:
Industry-standard for immersive audio.
Excellent for multi-channel and object-based workflows.
Cons:
Limited to Dolby Atmos environments.
5. Nugen Audio Halo Upmix - ÂŁ418
Halo Upmix allows users to create immersive mixes by converting stereo or 5.1 audio into binaural or surround formats. Yikes, the prices is pretty eyewatering on this one.
Key Features:
Stereo-to-binaural conversion.
Support for surround and Ambisonics formats.
Precise control over spatial placement.
Pros:
Useful for enhancing existing audio.
Compatible with multiple spatial formats.
Cons:
Limited creative sound design tools compared to standalone solutions.
Comparing Audiocube to Popular Binaural Plugins
While many of these plugins are great at what they do, they can still be very limited. I set out to create a comprehensive 3D DAW, that allows you to binauralize audio, while also having complete control over a virtual acoustic space.
Audiocube offers a totally new workflow when it comes to working with spatial audio, giving you a lot more to experiment with.
Let’s compare Audiocube to some of these more traditional binaural plugin solutions.
Audiocube vs. DearVR Pro
While DearVR Pro offers exceptional spatial positioning and pre-made environments, its functionality is restricted to a plugin format within a host DAW. Audiocube, as a standalone DAW, eliminates the dependency on external software and provides a fully immersive 3D environment.
Audiocube Advantages:
Complete sound design freedom without DAW constraints.
Greater control over room reflections and acoustic modeling.
Real-time motion controls and dynamic soundscapes.
Audiocube vs. Waves B360 Ambisonics Encoder
Waves B360 excels at Ambisonics-to-binaural workflows but is limited to that niche. Audiocube supports Ambisonics while offering broader spatial audio features, including interactive sound design and advanced binaural simulation.
Audiocube Advantages:
Versatility across binaural control and simulation acoustic environments.
Comprehensive tools for spatial audio creation, not just conversion.
Audiocube vs. Ircam HEar
Ircam HEar focuses on high-quality binaural monitoring but lacks creative sound design features. Audiocube combines monitoring capabilities with powerful design tools, allowing creators to craft and refine immersive audio within the same platform.
Audiocube Advantages:
Full integration of monitoring and design tools.
Enhanced creative flexibility with dynamic sound placement.
Audiocube vs. Dolby Atmos Renderer
While Dolby Atmos Renderer is essential for Atmos workflows, it is tightly linked to that specific format. Audiocube supports Atmos output but also excels in creating binaural and other spatial formats, making it a more versatile tool for non-Atmos projects.
Audiocube Advantages:
Broader level of creative control, and movable listening position.
Streamlined workflow without requiring DAW integration.
Audiocube vs. Nugen Audio Halo Upmix
Nugen Audio Halo Upmix is excellent for enhancing existing audio but lacks the tools for in-depth spatial sound design. Audiocube enables creators to craft immersive soundscapes from scratch or refine pre-existing audio with greater control.
Audiocube Advantages:
Full creative suite for building immersive soundscapes.
Interactive sound placement and acoustic simulation.
Why Audiocube Is the Superior Choice
Audiocube transcends the capabilities of traditional binaural plugins by offering a standalone platform dedicated to immersive audio. Its intuitive 3D environment, advanced spatial controls, and robust output options make it an indispensable tool for sound designers, music producers, and content creators.
Dynamic Workflow: No host DAW required, simplifying the production process.
Advanced Features: Simulate binaural effects, motion, and room reflections with precision.
Versatility: Adapt to any project, from music to VR and film, with output options for binaural and a range of spatialization algorithms and options.
Audiocube not only replaces traditional binaural plugins but also elevates the creative potential of immersive audio production.
Why Audiocube Is Better Than a Binaural Plugin
1. Audiocube Is a Standalone DAW
Unlike a plugin version of binaural audio tools, Audiocube is a full-fledged DAW built from the ground up for immersive audio. This means you’re not limited by the constraints of a host application like Pro Tools or Logic Pro. Audiocube’s standalone nature allows it to handle complex tasks like multichannel audio routing, 3D sound placement, and advanced spatial effects with ease.
2. Unique Features Beyond Plugins
Audiocube goes beyond what a typical binaural plugin can do by offering features that wouldn’t be possible in a standard plugin environment:
Fully Simulated 3D Space: Instead of relying on a simple binaural panning system, Audiocube provides a virtual environment where any sound source can move freely, interact with objects, and create dynamic soundscapes.
Room Reflections and Acoustic Simulations: Audiocube allows for detailed room modeling, including reflections, occlusions, and reverberations tailored to your project.
Interactive Sound Design: Features like sound emitters, effect zones, and a routing matrix make it easy to create evolving, real-time soundscapes.
3. Dynamic Placement and Listening Postion
Binaural plugins let you place sounds and give some control over directionality, but no plugin can give you the ability to move the listening position around your environment, in real time. This is a unique benefit due to how Audiocube uses a full 3D engine to simulate the audio sources.
4. Diverse effects, devices, and workflows
No other plugin on this list gives you such a wide variety of devices and workflows. Audiocube comes with a bunch of devices, letting you interact with audio in the 3D space in a completely new way.
It comes with a wide range of effects and tools, like letting you control the distance and placement of each sound, and also mix and master your tracks in the spatial environment.
Why Audiocube Stands Out for Immersive Audio
Audiocube isn’t just an alternative to binaural plugins—it’s a complete solution for immersive audio creation. Here’s how Audiocube makes binaural audio production seamless:
Dynamic Object Placement : Audiocube ensures precise spatialization for real-time applications.
Modular Effects Processing: With Audiocube, you can easily manage complex signal chains and modular effects systems.
Scalable for Any Project: Whether you’re creating spatial audio for Apple Music or a VR experience, Audiocube adapts to your needs.
Applications of Audiocube for Binaural Audio
Music Production
Artists like Jason Mraz have explored binaural techniques in their work to create unique listening experiences. With Audiocube, you can take this further, crafting immersive mixes that incorporate binaural panning, room reflections, and dynamic movement.
Film and VR Sound Design
Audiocube’s ability to simulate realistic acoustic environments makes it a powerful tool for creating soundscapes in virtual reality, augmented reality, and film projects.
Game Audio
Binaural audio plays a critical role in gaming, helping players locate sound sources and creating a fully immersive environment. Audiocube’s standalone capabilities are perfect for this type of interactive sound design.
Start Creating with Audiocube: The Future of Binaural Audio
While binaural plugins like DearVR Pro or tools integrated into Pro Tools are useful, Audiocube redefines what’s possible in immersive audio production. As a standalone DAW, Audiocube offers unique features like a 3D spatial environment, advanced routing capabilities, and room reflections that go far beyond the limitations of a plugin version. Whether you’re crafting binaural mixes for headphones or creating Dolby Atmos content, Audiocube provides the ultimate platform for your sound design needs.
Take the next step in your audio journey. Try Audiocube today and discover why it’s the superior choice for binaural and immersive audio creation.
