Genelec have just released an update that brings some powerful new features to their HRTF-based binaural headphone monitoring application. Said to represent a new standard in uncompromised stereo and immersive headphone monitoring, Aural ID 2.1 promises to deliver truthful headphone mixes with accurate spatial positioning, depth and tonal balance.
First on the list is a clearer and more intuitive file-management structure: Aural ID profiles are now presented within a Profiles folder, while a Setups folder provides a home for user congfiguratiuons. The update also refreshes the GUI, with Output EQ and Envelopment controls now directly accessible from the main interface, and the settings pages have been enhanced with clear confirmations that ensure changes are intentional, and only take effect once approved by the user. Thanks to new bypass functions, it’s now possible to toggle the LF Envelopment and Output EQ sections on and off to instantly compare processed and unprocessed signals.
Support for Head Tracking and Virtual Monitor Channels setting pages has been significantly refined, and now offers a smoother, more intuitive configuration process. Aural ID 2.1 continues to include separate head-tracker software that uses the computer-connected camera for tracking, which has also gained some new tools. The tools for the personal calibration of virtual loudspeaker azimuth and elevation position — and the subjective sound ‘colour’ — have also been made simpler to use.
Other enhancements include more efficient HRTF profile loading and improved audio processing, while real-time system awareness has been strengthened thanks to the addition of an audio buffering status indicator on the main screen. Visual clarity and metering accuracy have also been enhanced with revised output level meter scaling and the introduction of signal level indicators directly within the virtual monitor icons.
“Aural ID is unique in enabling audio professionals to really trust every detail of their headphone mix – whether they’re working in stereo, or crafting complex immersive audio experiences. With the new 2.1 update, we’ve created an even more streamlined workflow, empowering engineers, producers and audio content creators to move seamlessly between studio and mobile production environments with total confidence.” - Siamäk Naghian, Managing Director, Genelec
More information can be found on the Genelec website
