ZYLIA - 3D AUDIO RECORDING & POST-PROCESSING
  • Solutions
    • Live rehearsal recording
    • 360 VR recording
    • Field recording
    • Audio recording for Dolby Atmos
    • Navigable Audio for VR
    • 3D audio streaming
  • Products
    • ZYLIA MUSIC
    • ZYLIA PRO
    • ZYLIA 6DOF
    • Software >
      • Applications >
        • ZYLIA Studio
        • ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter
        • ZYLIA Streaming Application
        • ZYLIA 6DoF Recording Application
      • Plugins >
        • ZYLIA Studio PRO
        • ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter Plugin
        • ZYLIA 6DoF HOA renderer
    • Hardware >
      • ZYLIA ZM-1 microphone
      • ZYLIA ZM-1S microphone
      • ZYLIA ZR-1 Portable Recorder
    • Technology Licensing
  • Support
    • Get Started
    • Register
    • Downloads
    • Tutorials
    • Help Center
    • Contact support
  • Community
    • Demo
    • Testimonials
    • Affiliate Program
  • Blog
  • Company
    • About
    • R&D
    • Jobs
    • Press
    • Distributors
    • Contact
  • Shop

How to save up CPU while rendering sound for games?

7/20/2021

0 Comments

 

Efficient Volumetric Scene-based audio with ZYLIA 6 Degrees of Freedom solution 


What is the difference between Object-based audio (OBA) and Volumetric Scene-based audio (VSBA)?

OBA
 
The most popular method of producing a soundtrack for games is known as Object-based audio. In this technique, the entire audio consists of individual sound assets with metadata describing their relationships and associations. Rendering these sound assets on the user's device means assembling these objects (sound + metadata) to create an overall user experience. The rendering of objects is flexible and responsive to the user, environmental, and platform-specific factors [ref.].​
Picture
​In practice, if an audio designer wants to create an ambient for an adventure in a jungle, he or she needs to use several individual sound objects, for example, the wind rustling through the trees, sounds of wild animals, the sound of a waterfall, the buzzing of mosquitoes, etc. The complexity associated with Object-based renderings increases with the number of sound objects. This means that the more individual objects there are (the more complex the audio scene is) the higher is the usage of the CPU (and hence power consumption) which can be problematic in the case of mobile devices or limitations of the bandwidth during data transmission.  
VSBA
 
A complementary approach for games is Volumetric Scene-based audio, especially if the goal is to achieve natural behavior of the sound (reflections, diffraction). VSBA is a set of 3D sound technologies based on Higher-Order Ambisonics (HOA), a format for the modeling of 3D audio fields defined on the surface of a sphere. It allows for accurate capturing, efficient delivery, and compelling reproduction of 3D sound fields on any device (headphones, loudspeakers, etc.). VSBA and HOA are deeply interrelated; therefore, these two terms are often used interchangeably. Higher-Order Ambisonics is an ideal format for productions that involve large numbers of audio sources, typically held in many stems. While transmitting all these sources plus meta-information may be prohibitive as OBA, the Volumetric Scene-based approach limits the number of PCM (Pulse-Code Modulation) channels transmitted to the end-user as compact HOA signals [ref.].
Picture
ZYLIAs interpolation algorithm for 6DoF 3D audio
Creating a sound ambience for an adventure in a jungle through Volumetric Scene-based audio, can be as simple as taking multiple HOA microphones to the natural environment that produces the desired soundscape and record an entire 360° audio-sphere around devices. The main advantage of this approach is that the complexity of the VSBA rendering will not increase with the number of objects. This is because the source signals are converted to a fixed number of HOA signals, uniquely dependent on the HOA order, and not on the number of objects present in the scene. This is in contrast with OBA, where rendering complexity increases as the number of objects increases. Note that Object-based audio scenes can profit from this advantage by converting them to HOA signals i.e., Volumetric Scene-based audio assets.
To summarizing, the advantages of the Volumetric Scene-based audio approach affecting the CPU and power consumption are:
 
  • Rendering complexity independent of the number of objects in the scene, decreasing the CPU usage from 100 to 10 000 times in comparison to OBA
The source signals are converted to a fixed number of HOA signals, uniquely dependent on the HOA order, and not on the number of objects present in the scene (even if the audio scene is created from thousands of audio signals).

  • Possibility of rendering HOA signals to any reproduction device
A single format of HOA signals (with the addition of a few audio objects, if needed) can be reproduced on any device including headphones, soundbars, mobile etc.

  • Lower number of PCM channels sent to the end user
HOA signals can be “spatially compressed” while maintaining high levels of spatial accuracy.

  • Personalized interaction with immersive audio
HOA can be reproduced through headphones via the HOA to Binaural rendering and paired to Head-mounted displays to allow real-time adaptation of the sound field to head rotations in VR productions. It also facilitates 360° video applications where the sound field rotation can typically be controlled by moving a finger on the touch screen of a mobile device.
​
  • Lower production costs for loudspeaker layout
The production (mixing and mastering) is performed in a single HOA format which can be rendered to any channel-based audio format for any loudspeaker layout (e.g., 2.0, 5.1, Dolby Atmos, …).  There is no need to produce separate mixes for each target loudspeaker layout which reduces production costs and efforts.

Zylia 6 Degrees of Freedom Navigable Audio

One of the most innovative and efficient tools for producing Volumetric Scene-based audio is ZYLIA 6 Degrees of Freedom Navigable Audio solution. It is based on several Higher Order Ambisonics microphones which capture large sound-scenes in high resolution, and a set of software for recording, synchronizing signals, converting audio to B-Format, and rendering HOA files. The Renderer can be also used independently from the 6DoF hardware – to create navigable 3D assets for audio game design.
Picture
ZYLIA 6 DoF HOA Renderer is a MAX/MSP plugin available for MAC OS and Windows. It allows processing and rendering ZYLIA Navigable 3D Audio content. With this plugin users can playback the synchronized Ambisonics files, change the listener’s position, and interpolate multiple Ambisonics spheres. The plugin is also available for Wwise, allowing developers to use ZYLIA Navigable Audio technology in various game engines.
Watch the comparison between Object-based audio and Volumetric Scene-based audio produced with Zylia 6 Degrees of Freedom Navigable Audio solution. Notice how the 6DoF approach reduces the CPU during sound rendering.
Volumetric Scene-based audio and Higher Order Ambisonics can be used for many different purposes, not only for creating soundtracks for games. This format is very efficient when producing audio for:
 
  • Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Realities
  • Facebook 360, YouTube Spatial Audio, Google Resonance
  • 360° videos
#zylia #gameaudio #6dof #objectbased #scenebased #audio #volumetric #gamedevelopment #GameDevelopersConference #GDC2021 #GDC
0 Comments

How to convert 360 to 2D video with linked Ambisonics rotation for binaural audio

8/11/2020

0 Comments

 
In this tutorial we describe the process of converting 360 video and 3rd order Ambisonics to 2D video with binaural audio with linked rotation parameters.
This allows us to prepare a standard 2D video while keeping the focus on the action from the video and audio perspective.
It also allows us to control the video and audio rotation in real time using a single controller.

Reaper DAW was used to create automated rotation of 360 audio and video.
Audio recorded with ZYLIA ZM-1 microphone array.

Below you will find our video and text tutorial which demonstrate the setup process.
Thank you Red Bull Media House for providing us with the Ambisonics audio and 360 video for this project.

Ambisonics audio and 360 video is Copyrighted by Red Bull Media House Chief Innovation Office and Projekt Spielberg, contact: cino (@) redbull.com
Created by Zylia Inc. / sp. z o.o. https://www.zylia.co
Requirements for this tutorial:
  •  Video and audio recorded with 360 video camera and ZM-1 microphone
  •  ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter plugin
  •  IEM Binaural Decoder
  •  Reaper

We will use Reaper as a DAW and video editor, as it supports video and multichannel audio from the ZM-1 microphone.

Before recording the 360 video with the ZM-1 microphone make sure to have the front of the camera pointing the same direction as the front of the ZM-1 (red dot on the equator represents the front of the ZM-1 microphone) , this is to prevent future problems and to know in which direction to rotate the audio and video.

​Step 1 - Add your 360 video to a Reaper session. 

The video file format may be .mov .mp4 .avi or other.
From our experience we recommend to work on a compressed version of the video and replace this media file later for rendering (step 14).

To open the Video window click on View – VIDEO  or press Control + Shift + V to show the video.
Picture
Step 2 - Add the multichannel track recorded with the ZM-1 and sync the Video with the ZM-1 Audio track.

Import the 19 channel file from your ZM-1 and sync it with the video file.
Picture
​Step 3 – Disable or lower the volume of the Audio track from the video file.

Since we will not use the audio from the video track, we require to remove or put the volume from the audio track at minimum value. 
To do so, right click on the Video track – Item properties – move the volume slider to the minimum.
Picture
Picture
​Step 4 – Merge video and audio on the same track.

Select both the video and audio track and right click – Take – implode items across tracks into takes
This will merge video and audio to the same track but as different takes.
Picture
​Step 5 – Show both takes.
​
To show both takes, click on Options – Show all takes in lanes (when room) or press Ctrl + L
Picture
Step 6 – Change the number of channels to 20.

Click on the Route button and change the number of track channels from 2 to 20, this is required to utilize the 19 multichannel of the ZM-1.
Picture
​Step 7 - Play both takes simultaneously.

If we press play right now, it will only play the selected take, therefore we need to be able to play both takes simultaneously, therefore:

Right click on the track – Item settings – Play all takes.
Picture
Step 8 – Change 360 video to standard video.

Next we will need to convert the 360 video to equirectangular video to visualize and control the rotation of the camera.

To do so, open the FX window on our main track and search for Video processor.

Picture
​On the preset selection, choose Equirectangular/spherical 360 panner, this will flatten your 360 video allowing you to control the camera parameters such as field of view, yaw, pitch and roll.
Picture
Step 9 – As FX, add ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter plugin and IEM binaural Converter.

 On the FX window add as well:
  • ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter plugin and set it to 3rd Ambisonics Order. Make sure to set the microphone orientation how you recorded it in the first place.
  • IEM Binaural Decoder. Here you can choose headphone equalization at your liking.
Picture
Picture
You should now have the binaural audio which you can test by changing the rotation and elevation parameters in ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter plugin.
​Step 10 – Link the rotation of both audio and video.

The next steps will be dedicated to linking the Rotation of the ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter and the YAW parameter from the Video Processor.

On the main track, click on the Track Envelopes/Automation button and enable the UI for the YAW (in Equirectangular/spherical 360 panner) and Rotation (in ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter plugin).
Picture
​Step 11 – Control Video yaw with the ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter plugin.

On the same window, on the YAW parameters click on Mod…  (Parameter Modulation/Link for YAW) and check the box Link from MIDI or FX parameter.
Select ZYLIA Ambisonics plugin: Rotation
Picture
Step 12 – Align the position of the audio and video using the Offset control.

On the Parameter Modulation window you are able to fine-tune the rotation of the audio with the video.
Here we changed the ZYLIA Ambisonics plugin Rotation Offset to -50 % to allow the front of the video match the front of the ZM-1 microphone.
Picture
Step 13 – Change the Envelope mode to Write.

To record the automation of this rotation effect, right-click on the Rotation parameter and select Envelope to make the envelope visible.
Picture
​After, on the Rotation Envelope Arm button (green button), right click and change the mode to write.
Picture
​By pressing play you will record the automation of video and audio rotation in real time.
Step 14 – Prepare for Rendering

After writing the automation, change the envelope to Read mode instead of Write mode.
Picture
​Disable the parameter modulation from the YAW control:
Right click on Yaw and uncheck “Link from MIDI or FX parameter”
Picture
​OPTIONAL: Replace your video file with the uncompressed version.

If you have been working with a compressed video file, this is the time to replace it with the original media file. To do this, right click on the video track and select item properties.
Picture
Scroll to the next page and click Choose new file.
Then select your original uncompressed video file.
Picture
​Step 15 – Render!

You should now have your project ready for Rendering.
Click on File – Render and set Channels to Stereo.
On the Output format choose your preferred Video format.
We exported our clip in .mov file with video codec H.264 and 24bit PCM for the Audio Codec.
Picture

Thank you for reading and don’t hesitate to contact us with any feedback, questions or your results from following this guide.
0 Comments

How to stream Binaural format with ZYLIA ZM-1 and ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter in Windows

4/23/2020

0 Comments

 
by Pedro Firmino
In continuation to our previous blog post “How to stream 3D audio in Binaural format with ZYLIA ZM-1 and ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter plugin” ... Here is how you are able to accomplish the same effect in a Windows system using a DAW with ReaStream and ZYLIA Ambisonics converter plugin.

What you require:
- ZYLIA ZM-1 microphone array
- ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter plugin
- BinauralDecoder plugin by IEM ( https://plugins.iem.at/ )
- ReaStream plugin (https://www.reaper.fm/reaplugs/ )
- DAW of your choice.
- OBS (as a streaming application)
Step 1: Receive input of the ZM1 into your DAW

As the first step we need to receive the input from the 19 channels of the ZM-1 to a track in the DAW, therefore connect the ZM-1 microphone, open your DAW and select the ZM-1 as your Audio device.
Picture
​Afterwards, create a track, change the number of channels from 2 to 20 and add the ZM-1 as a 20 channel input source.
Picture
Picture
By arming the track to record, you should now be receiving the 19 multichannel signal from the ZM-1 into your DAW.
Step 2: Achieving Binaural sound using ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter plugin and IEM Binaural Decoder

On the FX chain of the ZM-1 input track you will have to add the following plugins in this specific order:
  • ZYLIA Ambisonics  Plugin – BinauralDecoder  - ReaStream​
  • For better effect, select 3rd Order Ambisonics in the ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter​​
Picture
​On the BinauralDecoder, you may choose to add some headphone equalization if you believe it’s necessary for the streamed audio.
Picture
For last, in the ReaStream plugin, remember to have your track armed and enable live monitoring.
To send the output for your streaming application, enable “send audio/MIDI” in the ReaStream plugin and select “local broadcast” from the dropdown list.
Picture

​Step 3: Receive the signal in OBS


On the right side of OBS, open the Settings and click the Audio settings.
In the Desktop Audio choose your output device. In this case Speakers. Confirm with OK.

 
With the Desktop Audio added, click on the cog Icon and select Filters.
Picture
In the + Icon add a new VST 2x Plug-in: Choose ReaJs (it is included in the ReaPlugs vst pack).
 
Click the Open plugin interface, click Load – Utility – Volume.   Set the volume to the lowest.
Picture
On the Filters window, also add ReaStream-standalone plugin. Open the Plug-in Interface and select to receive. Make sure the identifier is the same as in the Reaper session.
 
You will now be using the ZM-1 as an input audio device and are ready to start streaming!
0 Comments

How to make a music demo with ZYLIA MUSIC

3/2/2020

1 Comment

 
by Eduardo Patricio
Let’s talk about recording music!
This tutorial will address key points to help you improve your sound and get to a great demo with your ZYLIA MUSIC set. All you need is the ZM-1 mic, ZYLIA Studio application and your music.

 
Before going any further, the general tips / rules apply:

  • Choose your song / piece of music well, based on your goals, target audience, and with awareness of the market you’re going in;
  • Have it arranged and well rehearsed before recording;
  • Choose a comfortable and quiet space for recording. 

​Ok, have said that, as usual, let’s break it down into steps: 
Picture

A - Rehearsal room / Setup

You can record in rooms with great or not-so-great acoustics.
Key things are:
 
A1 - Place the ZM-1 mic in a central position in the room;
A2 - Avoid standing near walls. This will help specially if your room doesn’t have great acoustics. 
Picture
Picture

B - Recording

Picture

C – Mix and export​

​Once you have your recording you can adjust the volume of each instrument to get a better balance. You can also apply equalization to enhance desired or hide unwanted characteristics of each instrument.
EQ example
​If you record 2 guitars, say, with different functions (one focused on doing chords and the other more high-pitched patterns or solos), you can enhance the low end of the 1st and the high end of the 2nd one.

When you’re done with your mix, just export your demo and that’s it!
Picture
​To illustrate, here are 2 ZM-1 examples of ZM-1 recordings in completely different spaces, a martial arts practice room and in a church. Have a listen!
Recording done in a room with, err…, not-so-great acoustics
Picture
Recording done in a room with beautiful and style-matching acoustics
Picture
If you’d like to go further with mixing, you can either:
 
  • Export the individual tracks of each instrument to bring them into a DAW
  • Export the raw 19-channel file to import and mix them in a DAW, using ZYLIA Studio PRO plugin. 
Here are some related useful resources for you:
 
Tutorial: Recording an acoustic guitar with the ZM-1 mic
Tutorial: How to record classical music
ZYLIA Studio PRO DAW session templates
ZYLIA Studio PRO basics  
 
1 Comment

How to record / mix with ZYLIA Studio and master with LANDR

2/12/2020

1 Comment

 
Let’s have a look at an easy way to get a music track done, from recording to mastering.  It’s quick tutorial time!
Before going any further, here’s a track we’ve produced using this tutorial procedure. It’s a quick recording done in our office with 2 guitars and percussion: 
Alright, the main steps to take are: (A) recording, (B) mixing and (C) mastering. 
Picture
​Let’s breakdown main steps A and B in ZYLIA Studio (5 sub-steps): 
Picture
Note
In step 4 (Mix), for each instrument, you can define:
  • Volume
  • Panning
  • Equalization
 
Once you’re happy with you mix, it’s time to export the resulting stereo file:
Picture
The 6th sub-step (the last one!) is submitting your track to be mastered by the folks at LANDR.com
Picture
After uploading the stereo track, wait a few minutes and your master will be ready to be downloaded.
​
And you can easily compare the original uploaded file and the mastered one.
1 Comment

How to prepare a 360 video with spatial audio

1/21/2020

0 Comments

 
by Eduardo Patricio
In general VR related workflows can be complex and everyone seems to be looking for standard solutions. Here, we will show you, step by step, how to prepare a 360 video with spatial audio in, possibly, the shortest way! 
Required gear:
  • ZYLIA ZM-1 microphone array;
  • A 360 camera (e.g. Insta 360 One X);
  • A computer.

​After following steps A, B and C, you’ll have a video file with 1st order Ambisonics spatial audio that can be played on your computer with compatible video players (e.g. VLC) or uploaded to YouTube.

Picture
OK, let’s have a close look at each step. 
Picture
Put your ZM-1 mic and a 360 camera (we’ve been using an Insta360 One X here). Ideally, you’d keep the camera on the top and mic on the bottom and they’d be aligned to a single vertical axis.

Picture
There are many ways to achieve this. It depends on available gear. A simple, flexible and sturdy way to do it is to use a standard microphone stand and 2 articulated “magic arms” like this one: ​
​Amazon.com 
Picture
​Having said that, a small horizontal offset is not the end of the world 
see this arrangement here:
Picture
and the final result: ​
With the gear in place, start recording both audio and video and clap in between the mic and the camera. The clap sound spike can be used to sync the footage later.
Picture
Here’s a pic of one of our recording setups:
ZYLIA ZM-1, ZYLIA ZR-1, Kodak Pixpro SP360 and mic stand with ‘magic arms’

​

If you’re new to recording with a ZM-1, here’s a useful link:​
Picture
​After recording, it’s time to put sound and image together, do a simple edit and render the file. Make sure you have all the software tools (download links below*).
  • Bring your files (the 19-channel audio from the ZM-1 and the video one from your camera) onto the DAW;
  • Lower the video volume;
  • Align the clap position;
  • Trim the ends;
  • Adjust the volume of the audio file;
  • Add ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter Plugin to the audio track and adjust the settings;
  • Change the master output to 4 channels;
  • Render!

Here’s a video showing all the sub-steps in Reaper:
​Note
If you need to check how the recording sounds, add a binaural decoder plugin (e.g. IEM Binaural decoder) to the audio track, after ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter.
 
Picture
​This is the last step. Just load the file rendered / exported from Reaper onto Google’s Spatial Media metadata injector, check the appropriate box for your kind of 360 video and check the bottom option: “My video has spatial audio”. 

Click on “Inject metadata” and save the new injected file.
That’s it!
Now you can enjoy the spatial audio
  • By playing it on your computer, using VLC player, for example (very few players will handle 360 video + Ambisonics correctly); or…
  • By uploading it to YouTube. 
*Software tools used
​
Picture
ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter plugin

Picture
Google’s Spatial media metadata injector
Picture
​Reaper Digital workstation
Picture
IEM Binaural decoder – part of a suite of Ambisonics
​plugins
Mounting:
https://www.amazon.com/Stage-MY550-Microphone-Extension-Attachment/dp/B0002ZO3LK/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?keywords=microphone+clamp+arm&pd_rd_i=B0002ZO3LK&pd_rd_r=6860690f-2adc-4b00-a80e-de436939ed2b&pd_rd_w=GlE2J&pd_rd_wg=qrTTx&pf_rd_p=a6d018ad-f20b-46c9-8920-433972c7d9b7&pf_rd_r=GGS60M0DGQ5DQF44594V&qid=1575529629
 
https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-Microphone-Swivel-Camera-Monitor/dp/B07Q2V6CBC/ref=sr_1_186?keywords=microphone+boom+clamp&qid=1575529342&sr=8-186

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Adjustable-Articulating-Mirrorless-Camcorders/dp/B07SV6NVDS/ref=sr_1_205?keywords=microphone+clamp+arm&qid=1575531393&sr=8-205
Allegro generic alternative for us to test: https://allegro.pl/oferta/ramie-przegubowe-11-magic-arm-do-kamery-8505530470
 
0 Comments

How to easily record classical music

11/27/2019

1 Comment

 
by Eduardo Patricio
Earlier this year (2019), during Easter, we recorded a string quintet concert* with 2 ZM-1 microphones. One in front of the ensemble and 1 behind it. Very simple and portable setup with powerful postproduction possibilities!
Picture
* Recordings done on Friday, April 5, 2019. Passion concert "Way of the Cross" (“Droga krzyżowa”) by Artur Banaszkiewicz, a Poznań violinist and composer. The concert consists of 14 miniatures performed by Artu's string quartet (+bass) and Via Crucis readings by Maciej Pacholski.
Picture
Here’s a quick example of the multi-track possibilities we have from the recordings:​

Equipment used

  • 2 mics (ZYLIA ZM-1)
  • 2 USB cables
  • 2 mic stands
  • 2 laptops
Picture

How we did it

​Using ZM-1 microphones basically allows you to have multi-track recordings from single mics.
Here’s what we did for this project in 5 steps. 
1. We recorded the 19 channels from each ZM-1 directly onto DAW tracks on each laptop. The result was 2 uncompressed, 24-bit, 48KHz wave files.
Picture
Resulting multi-channel audio file being played back in Reaper.
2. After the recording, we loaded both multi-channel files onto a single DAW session, onto separate tracks. We synchronized the files manually using a clear transient sound (the classic "clap to sync").
Picture
Two 19-channel audio files on 2 DAW tracks.
3. We added ZYLIA Studio PRO plugin to the tracks containing the multi-channel files (one instance of the plugin for each). The plugin converts the recorded information into perfect sound spheres, from which you can extract sounds from any direction. 
Picture
ZYLIA Studio PRO plugin interface before adding any virtual microphones.
4. We added virtual microphones, by clicking on the plus sign in the middle of the circle and defined their direction (in the horizontal and vertical planes) and polar patterns (width). Obs.: That means we basically set up a complex microphone arrangement after the recording, and one that can be tweaked or changed at any moment (!). 
NOTE: If you don’t know yet how to work with virtual microphones and ZYLIA Studio PRO, you can check the following additional resources:

  • More detailed info on ZYLIA Studio PRO
  • ZYLIA Studio PRO manual
  • DAW templates for using ZYLIA Studio PRO
  • How to configure ZYLIA Studio PRO session in Reaper 
4A. From the main microphone recordings, 7 virtual microphones were used as seen in the following screen capture:
Picture
ZYLIA Studio PRO with 7 virtual microphones in place.
​The virtual microphones Z1 – Z5 were narrow (shotgun-like) ones, pointing at each instrument and using S2 separation mode.
 
Z6 and Z7 form a wide stereo pair, pointing 45˚ up, to capture some of the overall sound and a great deal of reverberant sound.
4B. From the rear microphone recordings, 5 virtual microphones were used as seen in the following screen capture:
Picture
ZYLIA Studio PRO with 5 virtual microphones in place.
​Detailed configuration of each virtual microphone:
Z1: 0˚ azimuth, 33˚ elevation, 60˚ width;
Z2 and Z5 form a stereo pair with a sum of 90˚ azimuth, pointing up (-45˚ elevation), and with 60˚ width;
Z3 and Z4 form a stereo pair with a sum of 80˚ azimuth, pointing down (-51˚ elevation), and with 60˚ width.
5. We directed each virtual microphone to individual tracks in our DAW and carried on with a regular basic mixing strategy (leveling, panning and EQing). 
Picture
Section of DAW showing the tracks receiving signals from virtual microphones Z1-Z5 (Main ZM-1 microphone).

​To sum up

  • We used 2 ZM-1 mics to record spatial sound from 2 separate spots during a string quintet concert.
  • We created 12 virtual microphones from the recordings, basically setting up a complex mic rig, after the fact (!)
  • And we did a great multi-track mix out of it!
1 Comment

Recording an acoustic guitar with the ZYLIA ZM-1 for mixing using ZYLIA Studio

11/13/2019

0 Comments

 
by Pedro Firmino
In this article, we will give you an alternative way of recording and coloring your guitar tone using the ZYLIA ZM-1 microphone by taking advantage of multiple channel recording.
Picture
Please, remember that these are suggestions based on our own experience and might not be suitable for your specific situation. While trying our methods, make sure to listen and adapt to your instrument, environment, and musician.

​When miking a guitar it’s important to understand that this instrument is not designed to be experienced at close distances making it more challenging to find a balanced positioning for recording, especially if you plan to use the ZM-1 to obtain several channels for posterior mixing. After all, it’s one of the ZM-1 strengths.
​

Here we will guide you to make the most out of the ZM-1 recording abilities.
Step 1
​
Position the ZM-1 between the neck and the sound-hole.
This is a great starting point, the distance from the ZM-1 and the guitar will depend on your goal with this recording. If you are looking for a more natural sound and to search for different tones coming from the room, we recommend you placing the ZM-1 further than 40 cm.
If you are looking for a more present sound with the possibility to control the different tones coming from the guitar, don’t be afraid to place the ZM-1 closer. 

Picture
At 25 cm distance, the results were quite flexible to work with, however, if you see clipping happening on the VU meter of ZYLIA Studio, reduce the gain on ZYLIA Control Panel or move the ZM-1 further from the sound source.
Step 2
​
Record and listen!
If you are using ZYLIA Studio we recommend the quintet preset.
If you will be using ZYLIA Studio PRO you can also import the configuration file to speed up the process of setting up the virtual microphones.
Picture
​Record your take and take some time to listen to the results. If you’re happy with the tone of the guitar you may proceed to mixing stage, if not here are some options for you:

- increasing distance of the ZM-1 and the guitar for more room tone and less presence.
- positioning ZM-1 closer to neck, giving you more treble and percussive sounds.
- positioning the ZM-1 closer to the soundhole, provides more lower end and less treble.
- using another channel of the ZM-1 recordings to add brighter tone to the mix.

This last option shows one of the great advantages of recording with the ZM-1, which it will be mentioned next.
Step 3
​
Separate the take and Mix your tone.
Using ZYLIA Studio or ZYLIA Studio PRO, you are able to get different tones from your instrument with a single recording due to the multiple channels. It can also be useful if you want to add some reflections from the environment.
After Separating the take, try using the Auto-mix feature. The tone resulting of this feature might surprise you, but if that’s not the case you are always able to mix the tone by controlling the different channel parameters in the MIXER window.
Picture
Are you looking for more low end in your tone? Simply adjust the level of the channel correspondent to the microphone closer to the sound-hole of the guitar (In this example Musician 2).

Or perhaps you want more room tone and a wider stereo image of your recording? Increase the levels of the back microphones and apply panning (Musician 4 and 5).

Positioning is a crucial part of recording an instrument, however, with multiple channel recording we have the possibility to adapt to the tone we are looking for after recording.
Not only it shows how important positioning is but also the versatility of using the ZM-1 in a way that didn’t exist before.
With this technique, you will be able to make your recording sound just like how you perceive it.

Using ZYLIA Studio PRO you have even more possibilities by using the elevation slider or the width slider. With these controls, you’re able to pinpoint different tonalities coming from your instrument and gently add them to your mix, you will be able to get an immense variety of results with a single instrument recording.
One last option is to use the Omnidirectional separation mode and using it as a support in your mix, it will sound more open and natural.
Picture
0 Comments
    Picture

    Categories

    All
    360 Recording
    6DOF
    Ambisonics
    Good Reading
    How To Posts
    Interviews
    Live Stream
    Product Review
    Recording
    Software Releases
    Tutorials

    Archives

    May 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    August 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016

    RSS Feed

    Authors

    Zylia Team

Picture
Picture

Company

About
R&D
News
Jobs
Press
​Contact

Products

ZYLIA ZM-1 microphone array
ZYLIA ZM-1S microphone array
ZYLIA ZR-1 portable recorder
ZYLIA Studio
ZYLIA Studio PRO plugin
ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter
ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter plugin
ZYLIA Streaming Application
ZYLIA 6DoF Navigable Audio

Shop

​Distributors

Downloads

Support

Blog

Community

Connect with us

Subscribe to ZYLIA Newsletter

I acknowledge that by clicking „Subscribe” I give my permission to receive Zylia Newsletter about Zylia’s products and promotions. By submitting the form I agree with Zylia’s Privacy Policy. ​You can unsubscribe at any time using the link provided in a Newsletter.
Our brands:
Picture
Picture
Get ZYLIA:
Picture
Picture
Terms & Conditions   |   Privacy Policy   |   Contact
© Zylia Sp. z o.o., copyright 2018. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 
  • Solutions
    • Live rehearsal recording
    • 360 VR recording
    • Field recording
    • Audio recording for Dolby Atmos
    • Navigable Audio for VR
    • 3D audio streaming
  • Products
    • ZYLIA MUSIC
    • ZYLIA PRO
    • ZYLIA 6DOF
    • Software >
      • Applications >
        • ZYLIA Studio
        • ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter
        • ZYLIA Streaming Application
        • ZYLIA 6DoF Recording Application
      • Plugins >
        • ZYLIA Studio PRO
        • ZYLIA Ambisonics Converter Plugin
        • ZYLIA 6DoF HOA renderer
    • Hardware >
      • ZYLIA ZM-1 microphone
      • ZYLIA ZM-1S microphone
      • ZYLIA ZR-1 Portable Recorder
    • Technology Licensing
  • Support
    • Get Started
    • Register
    • Downloads
    • Tutorials
    • Help Center
    • Contact support
  • Community
    • Demo
    • Testimonials
    • Affiliate Program
  • Blog
  • Company
    • About
    • R&D
    • Jobs
    • Press
    • Distributors
    • Contact
  • Shop