This article contains frequently asked questions and answers on Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder.
General Information
Immerse Profile and Setup
License and Software Information
Troubleshooting
General Information
Who is Embody?
Embody, the leader of Artificial Intelligence-driven immersive audio for music, gaming and pro-audio, is a team of engineers and sound designers who are driven to push the boundaries of immersive entertainment and make it accessible to billions of people worldwide. Combining Acoustic Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Sound Design Embody develops intelligent software tools and technologies that enable the most immersive new media experiences imaginable.
What is Immerse™?
Immerse™ is a revolutionary new audio technology developed by Embody for passionate music lovers, gamers, and audio professionals alike. Immerse™ is a personalized spatial audio technology that utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) to scan an image of your ear and creates a custom Head Related Transfer Function (HRTF) profile, optimizing sound just for you.
By utilizing AI algorithms, Immerse models how sound diffracts from all of the subtle folds in your ear shape. This incredible level of processing is calculated by employing cloud computing where thousands of completely unique identifiers are extracted from your ear shape - as equally unique as your fingerprints. No two ears look the same, so Immerse works with the unique features of your ear to create a sound that is specific to you and ultimately, how you hear the world around you.
What makes Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder special?
With Immerse™, you hear the precise placement of sound elements in 360 degrees around you customized to your ear shape. Immerse™ achieves this by harnessing the power of cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Through an intuitive process of capturing your ear image, Immerse™ creates your personalized spatial audio profile in under a minute and delivers the sound your ears are meant to hear.
How much does Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder cost?
We offer a lifetime purchase license for € 189. You may use it in both Cubase and Nuendo.
Cubase 10.5.20 or later or Nuendo 10.3 or later required.
Is there a free trial of Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder?
Yes, we offer a full-featured 14-day trial.
Who can I contact at Embody for support questions regarding Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder?
You can email Embodys support team directly to support@embodyvr.co, and they will be happy to assist you.
Immerse Profile and Setup
How do I create my Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder profile?
If you have not yet, please Sign Up on the Steinberg Store. Then download the “Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder” desktop application. Install and complete your profile in the desktop application before returning to Nuendo or Cubase. Load your AmbiDecoder VST, and click on the Immerse button in the HRTF Mode.
On how many computers can I use my Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder profile?
One license/account may access a single personalized HRTF on up to 5 machines. In order to use your profile on other computers, you will need to login with your license number to download your profile to that computer. On each machine you may use your profile with both Cubase and/or Nuendo.
This information is visible on the Home Page of the VST AmbiDecoder Desktop Application under “Devices left”.
Where is my HRTF Sofa file / AmbiDecoder profile stored?
The HRTF sofa files stored on the computer are encrypted so you won’t be able to access it directly or use it in another tool. Your data can be found in the user data folder:
Win: C:/Program Files/Embody/Steinberg
Mac: Library/Application Support/Embody/Steinberg
If your user data becomes corrupted, simply delete and restart the Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder application. You will be prompted to login once again with your License Code.
Is it necessary to be online and have an internet connection to use my Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder profile? How often does this connection need to happen?
You must be online if you are trying to create a profile. If you are looking to update your profile information, you must also be online.
After downloading your profile, you may use it offline in Nuendo or Cubase for a week or a month, depending on your license type. For a trial license you have 1 week of offline use, before you will be asked to return online so your license can be validated. For purchased license you have up to one month. If you have been continuously offline using Nuendo or Cubase for that duration, your HRTF is blocked and the message is displayed to please go online. Once you are online, your HRTF access will be reset.
License and Software Information
How do I get a free Trial of Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder?
Please go to the Steinberg website and click on “Download Trial Version”. You will then be directed to download the installer for the Steinberg Download Assistant.
How do I download Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder Software?
You can download the Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder software from the Steinberg Download Assistant under the 'Complementary Product' menu. The download link for the Steinberg Download Assistant will be sent to you with the confirmation email. Of course, it can be downloaded directly via this link as well.
How should I activate Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder?
To activate it, please enter the activation code in the Immerse software. Please note that Immerse is not licensed by Steinberg's eLicenser technology!
Where do I find my license/activation code?
Your activation code will be attached to your confirmation email.
I got a trial license of Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder, how do I upgrade to a purchased license?
First, please go to the Steinberg online shop to purchase your license code.
If you are a trial user who has already logged in on one computer, simply launch the Immerse application and click on the Upgrade License button. Now enter the purchased license code in your email from Steinberg. If you upgrade your license this way your profile information and HRTF will automatically be transferred, you need not submit a new image. Each machine that you have logged into, will now show your upgraded license info when you refresh the Immerse application or AmbiDecoder plugin.
What is the difference between the limit on licenses and image submissions for my Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder profile?
A user has access to one profile per license. You are allowed to update this profile up to five times by submitting up to five images. This is to allow in case you didn't like the quality of your previous one and want to try a new picture.
Whether you are using a valid Trial license or have upgraded to a Perpetual license - this limit of five applies for your profile combined.
Can I take my Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder Profile to different computers? Let’s say, I have a studio home and work for a commercial studio and I want to use my Immerse Profile on both systems. Do I need two licenses?
You may use the same Immerse Profile on multiple computers. In order to use your profile on other computers, you will need to login with your license code to download your profile to that computer. Each license allows you to use your Immerse profile on up to 5 different computers.
How do I receive my refund when I cancel my order for Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder?
For a refund or cancellation of your Immerse profile, please contact the Steinberg support team with your license number.
What are software updates and profile updates in Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder?
Software updates are sent when we release a new version of the Immerse application. There may be new features and bug fixes in the upgraded software.
A profile update can happen in two cases 1) when you submit a new image and generate a new personalized HRTF or 2) when Embody improves algorithms and offers you a new version of personalization based on your current ear image.
Where do I find out when my Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder trial license expires?
Your profile registered on a trial license is available and valid for the duration of the trial which defaults to 14 days. This is given under the “License Expiration” row on the HomePage of the Desktop Application.
Expired profiles will be visible but not selectable inside VST AmbiDecoder as well. It will show an error that your license has expired and not allow you to hear your profile.
Where do I purchase Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder after my trial license expires?
On the top right corner of the Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder app, you will see a “Buy Now” button, which will take you to the Steinberg Store to purchase a lifetime license.
Troubleshooting
Where can I find the AmbiDecoder VST in Nuendo and Cubase? I got a 'Channel configuration not compatible with VST AmbiDecoder' error when I load it on the effect channel.
You won't need to load Immerse on the effect channel. It will automatically show up on your CR channel once you finish setting up 1st, 2nd, or 3rd order Ambisonics audio configuration, and then you can select Immerse as your main HRTF mode in the Ambidecoder. Please feel free to check out our Ambisonics Quick Setup Guide here.
Where to find my profile if adding one does not show up in the Immerse HRTF Tab inside the AmbiDecoder plugin?
After following the above steps, if you still do not find your profile in your VST AmbiDecoder instance you can either
- go back to the Immerse with VST AmbiDecoder Desktop Application and check if you have added the profile
- navigate to your Nuendo/Cubase session, reopen VST AmbiDecoder and check for the profile under the Immerse Tab.
Is Immerse compatible with Sonarworks Reference 4 system?
Yes, Immerse is absolutely compatible with Sonarworks. In fact, they are a great match! Immerse's personalized spatial audio will provide you with more precise active monitoring in ear while Sonarworks help you to determine a proper studio reference sound for headphone and speakers. Here is a workflow recommended: After you finish setting up your Ambisonics or surround session, you will be able to see VST AmbiDecoder on the CR channel, and select Immerse to start from there. Please also feel free to check out our Ambisonic Quick Setup Guide video here. The best place to load Sonarworks Reference 4 is on the CR channel under the "Inserts" tab. That way you don't have to go back and force switching among different listening devices.
How can I take the best image of my ear?
For best image quality, ensure that your head fills the screen before taking your picture, and that you don’t move the camera at all when you turn your head. Don’t tilt your head to one side or another. Ensure that you have good lighting, and that the folds of your ear are clearly visible.
If you’re not sure that your image was the best, you may click on the “Submit New Image” button and try to take another picture of your right ear for up to 5 image submissions total per license.
How to setup VST AmbiDecoder in my project?
Please follow these steps below to verify your setup:
- Ensure you have an ambisonic bus set as your Main Mix.
- Open your Studio ▸ Audio Connections and on the Outputs tab, create a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd order Ambisonics bus.
- Right-click to set it as “Main Mix”.
- Disconnect your audio device from this bus.
- Click on the “Control Room” tab.
- Make sure you select your headphone audio devices in the “Phones” Audio Device and Port.
- Create a new audio track, and select 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Order Ambisonics Out as your Audio Output.
- Go to Nuendo ▸ Preferences ▸ VST ▸ Control Room and enable “Use Phone Channel as Preview Channel”.
- Click on “Apply” and then “OK”.
Why can’t I hear the difference between HRTF’s “Standard”, “Youtube”, and “Immerse” in VST AmbiDecoder?
Please ensure you have followed steps in the setup instructions above. Now, you should be able to hear the difference among “Standard”, “Youtube”, and “Immerse”.
Can you transmit this over FM radio/spotify for people to listen on their headphones?
The answer is yes, you can absolutely implement Immerse in FM radio. Once you export the binaural stereo audio from Nuendo or Cubase, you can play it on any media player, streaming service, and even FM radio, where your audience can wear headphones and hear music in 360 degree.
How to Export a Binaural Stereo Audio Mixdown from Nuendo/Cubase?
Please follow these steps and follow our tutorial here:
Step 1: In Studio->Audio connections->set your Stere Out as your main mix.
Step 2: Add an Ambisonics audio track and set the output to be Stereo Out.
Step 3: On your Effect Channel, change the input source to Ambisonics Output.
Step 4: Enable “Monitor” by clicking on the monitor icon.
Step 5: Open the AmbiDecoder in the Effect channel and ensure your Immerse profile is selected. Then, check your audio levels
Step 6: Go to File-> Export-> Audio Mixdown, then select Stereo Out as your Output Channel.
Click on "Export Audio" and you are all set! Enjoy your 360 binaural stereo mix!