Blackmagic Design has announced its first ambisonic microphone, and it takes a very different approach to spatial audio capture. Instead of a handful of capsules and a pile of software to decode them, the Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone puts 108 microphones and all of the encoding inside one compact unit that connects with a single USB-C cable.
For anyone working in immersive video, VR, 3D sound design or location recording, this is worth a close look.
What it is
The Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone is a 7th order ambisonic array. Most ambisonic mics on the market are first order, using four capsules. Higher orders mean finer spatial resolution, so sounds are placed more precisely in the sphere around the listener. Seventh order is well beyond what has typically been available in a portable, self-contained mic.
It gets there with 108 digital MEMS microphones mounted flush in a solid, faceted metal body. Despite the capsule count, it's small enough to hold in your palm or mount on top of a camera.
The encoding happens inside the mic
This is the part that changes the workflow. High-order arrays normally need a breakout box or dedicated software to turn the raw capsule signals into usable ambisonics. Here, an internal processor does that conversion in real time, using encoding filters licensed from Apple.
What comes out of the mic is ready-to-use 7th order ambisonics. No computer, no encoder plug-in, no extra hardware.
One cable, no drivers
A single USB-C connection carries both audio and power. The mic is USB class compliant, so there are no drivers or plug-ins to install.
Three ways to use it
- On camera. Mounted on the Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive, it records spatial audio straight into the camera's immersive files, in sync with picture. This is the workflow it was designed around, for Apple Immersive content.
- With a computer. Connect it to a Mac or PC and record and mix live in true 3D audio with Fairlight Live.
- With an iPhone. Record directly using the Blackmagic Camera app.
For broadcast facilities, Blackmagic says a USB to SMPTE-2110 converter will also be available.
Where it came from
The mic grew out of Blackmagic's work with Apple on the URSA Cine Immersive camera. Apple licensed its array geometry and encoding filters, and Blackmagic handled the engineering and design. CEO Grant Petty described his first listen to high resolution spatial capture as "like hearing an acoustic reality."
Key features
- 7th order ambisonic microphone for immersive spatial audio
- 108 digital MEMS microphones capturing the full sound field
- Flush-mounted capsules in a strong, faceted metal body
- Compact enough to mount on top of a camera
- Built-in real-time spatial encoder
- Single USB-C connection for audio and power
- USB class compliant, no drivers required
- Records into URSA Cine Immersive files
- Recording and live 3D mixing with Fairlight Live
- Optional USB to SMPTE-2110 converter for broadcast workflows
Who it's for
- Immersive and VR video producers who want spatial audio that matches the picture without a separate sound rig.
- Sound designers and post facilities building ambience libraries for Dolby Atmos and other 3D formats.
- Field recordists capturing environments in high spatial resolution with minimal kit.
- Education and research programs teaching or studying spatial audio.
Price and availability
The Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone will be offered in Australia in two versions:
- Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone (DVFL/ADFQIMM108): RRP AU$2,635 inc GST
- Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone Kit (DVFL/ADFQIMM108/KIT): RRP AU$3,355 inc GST
The Kit is the one to look at for location work. Alongside the microphone, it adds the Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone Mount, a windshield to cut wind noise outdoors, and a locking USB-C cable so the connection stays secure.
Blackmagic Design has announced December availability internationally, with Australian stock of both expected in Q1 2027.
Want to be first in line? Contact the Koala Audio team to register your interest and we'll let you know as soon as stock lands in Australia.
