NUGEN Audio Releases Halo Upmixer 9.1

NUGEN Audio will launch a new 9.1 option for the Halo Upmix plug-in at NAB 2016.

The update will include overhead positioning and generates a 7.1.2 (Dolby Atmos) bed track-compatible upmix.

With this extension, sound designers and post-production engineers can bring existing stereo content into a full Dolby Atmos mix. Dolby Atmos allows content creators to design mixes that will transport listeners with audio that moves all around them, including overhead. With an expanded and detailed visual interface, overhead positioning will be clear and intuitive.

This expansion to the capability of Halo Upmix is a timely introduction, as Dolby Atmos is now increasingly being integrated into cinemas, home theater systems, mobile devices, and UHD movie title releases. NUGEN Audio has worked with Dolby to ensure that the 9.1 upmix solution enhances surround post-production workflows.

The Halo Upmix 9.1 option builds on several NUGEN Audio technologies, which are based on frequency-domain and time-domain energy distribution and neural network artificial intelligence. Producers can target various upmix goals including full stable surrounds, exact downmix matching, or full dialog isolation. In addition to stem and group upmixing, producers can use Halo Upmix's center channel control and management to fine-tune a surround mix and to create intricate mixes when there is no access to the original stems. The solution's detailed center channel control includes NUGEN Audio's proprietary neural network-based dialog extraction, which can be applied in all upmix cases, from stereo to 5.1/7.1 and 9.1. The 9.1 extension adds an overhead positioning element using a visual interface.

"We have worked closely with the entertainment industry to develop an ecosystem of tools and workflows that meet the needs of sound mixers and editors, and we are delighted to see NUGEN Audio embrace Dolby Atmos in their award winning upmix plug-in," said Curt Behlmer, senior vice president, content solutions and industry relations, Dolby Laboratories. "This functionality showcases industry and consumer demand for next-generation audio experiences, and makes it easier for creative professionals to produce Dolby Atmos experiences for consumers around the world."

"NUGEN Audio is glad to be working alongside Dolby, Avid, and other contributors to provide cutting-edge solutions for naturally extracted and expanded soundscapes or a full cinematic Dolby Atmos compatible upmix," said Jon Schorah, creative director, NUGEN Audio. "We're helping producers to tackle a wide range of upmixing tasks easily and intuitively without compromising quality."

Halo Upmix is immediately available at a list price of $499 for both OS X and Windows, with support for Avid AAX, AudioSuite, VST2, VST3, and AU formats. The 9.1 upmix extension can be purchased for $199. It is also available as a separate upgrade for existing Halo Upmix customers.

Image: NUGEN Audio Halo Upmix 9.1 Extension for Dolby Atmos.

www.nugenaudio.com

(JP/LM)