NAMM 2020 — Audeze/Embody Reveal+ Plug-in | SM Mastering

The landscape of headphone monitoring changed forever with the announcement of the namm 2020 — audeze/embody reveal+ plug-in. As mastering engineers, we are constantly searching for ways to ensure our masters translate perfectly across all playback systems. Traditionally, headphone mixing presented a challenge due to the lack of room acoustics and natural acoustic crossfeed. However, this collaboration between high-end planar magnetic headphone manufacturer Audeze and software developer Embody introduced a personalized spatial audio technology that models how sound interacts with your unique ear anatomy.

Breaking Down the namm 2020 — audeze/embody reveal+ plug-in

By utilizing artificial intelligence to analyze a photograph of your outer ear, the plugin calculates your personalized Head-Related Transfer Function (HRTF). This personalized HRTF is then applied to emulate the acoustics of world-class mixing and mastering studios directly inside your headphones. For engineers seeking detailed tutorials on room correction, headphone calibration, and advanced spatial audio techniques, check out our collection of SM Mastering Audio Articles. By personalizing the listening profile, the namm 2020 — audeze/embody reveal+ plug-in bridges the gap between traditional control room monitoring and mobile production.

Unlike generic crossfeed plugins, this system recreates the actual impulse responses of iconic mixing rooms, such as those loaded with high-end Universal Audio hardware and custom monitor arrays. Through this bespoke virtualization, you can confidently make crucial decisions regarding stereo imaging, depth, and low-end balance even when mixing on a laptop in an untreated hotel room.

Technical Specifications

Practical Studio Workflow Tips

Integrating the namm 2020 — audeze/embody reveal+ plug-in into your daily studio workflow requires a few best practices to ensure optimal results:

• Insert Location: Always place the plugin at the absolute end of your master monitoring chain (utility/monitor path only). Never export or render your final mix with this plugin active!
• Headphone Matching: Pair the software with compatible planar magnetic headphones like the Audeze LCD-X or LCD-MX4 to leverage the precise factory EQ profiles built directly into the software.
• Profile Capture: Set aside 10 minutes of quiet time to properly capture your HRTF ear profile via the companion mobile web app before your first critical session. Accurate camera positioning is crucial for the AI analysis.

In summary, the namm 2020 — audeze/embody reveal+ plug-in represents a massive leap forward for virtualization technology. It empowers bedroom producers and jet-setting professionals alike to mix with a reliable, world-class acoustic reference anywhere in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HRTF and why does it matter for headphone mixing?

HRTF stands for Head-Related Transfer Function. It represents how your unique head shape, shoulders, and outer ears alter incoming sounds. Applying a personalized HRTF allows headphone virtualization software to recreate realistic external speaker imaging and soundstage depth rather than an unnatural “inside-the-head” stereo field.

Can I use Reveal+ with non-Audeze headphones?

Yes. While optimized specifically for Audeze’s legendary planar magnetic headphone line with built-in custom tuning curves, the spatial mapping and HRTF features can still enhance your spatial awareness on other high-quality monitoring headphones.

Where should the plugin be inserted in my DAW?

It must be inserted on your dedicated monitor bus or at the very end of your master fader. Remember to bypass it when bouncing your final master, as it is strictly meant for monitoring correction and should not be printed onto the audio file.

Written by SM Mastering

Official content on sound engineering, mixing, mastering, and advanced electronic production by SM Mastering.