Sennheiser AMBEO VR 3D Microphone - 507195

Product Overview

The Sennheiser AMBEO VR Mic (SKU 507195) is a single-point ambisonic microphone purpose-built for 360° video, virtual reality audio capture, and immersive content production. Four matched KE 14 cardioid capsules are arranged in a tetrahedral configuration to capture a complete spherical sound field from a single recording position. A-format output is delivered via a balanced split cable to four discrete XLR channels, providing full flexibility in post-production. The included AMBEO A-B converter plugin—available in VST, AAX, and AU formats for Mac and Windows—handles A-format to B-format conversion for use in any Ambisonics-capable DAW or delivery pipeline.

Product Description

Ambisonic microphones capture audio as a full spherical sound field rather than as discrete directional channels, making the AMBEO VR Mic the foundational tool for any team producing 360° video or spatial audio content. Where conventional stereo or surround microphone arrays require precise multi-point placement, the AMBEO VR Mic records from a single coincident point, ensuring phase-coherent capture of the entire acoustic environment with no comb-filtering artifacts between capsules.

The four KE 14 pre-polarized condenser capsules are matched for sensitivity and frequency response, a critical requirement for accurate spatial imaging and convincing Ambisonics decoding. Capsule sensitivity is rated at 31 mV/Pa (-30 dBV) with a self-noise floor of 18 dB(A) and a maximum SPL of 130 dB(A), making the microphone suitable for both quiet environments such as nature recordings and louder event spaces. The frequency response spans 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ensuring full-range spatial capture without high-pass filtering artifacts.

A-format output—four raw capsule signals—is routed through a single DIN12 connector to a balanced split cable terminating in four XLR-3 connectors, one per capsule. This design allows the microphone to connect to any four-channel audio interface or recorder without proprietary hardware. The included 1.5m DIN12 extension cable accommodates boom arm or rig placement at a distance from the recording device. The proprietary AMBEO A-B converter processes A-format captures into B-format (W, X, Y, Z) for use in Ambisonics workflows, and supports output standards including YouTube 360, binaural rendering, and higher-order Ambisonics (HOA) via compatible downstream plugins such as AMBEO ORBIT.

The microphone body measures 215 x 49/25 mm and weighs 1.06 kg, reflecting a solid build appropriate for field production. The included Rycote suspension mount isolates the capsule array from handling noise and stand vibration. A foam windshield provides basic wind protection for outdoor shoots. The rugged construction and sealed capsule housing make the AMBEO VR Mic appropriate for both controlled studio environments and demanding outdoor field recording scenarios.

Key Features

• 4 x KE 14 Matched Cardioid Capsules — Pre-polarized condenser capsules in tetrahedral arrangement for accurate spherical sound field capture.
• True Single-Point Ambisonics Recording — All four capsules at a single acoustic point, ensuring phase coherence and eliminating inter-channel comb filtering.
• A-Format Output via 4 x XLR — Raw capsule outputs via balanced split cable for maximum post-production flexibility with any 4-channel interface.
• 18 dB(A) Self-Noise — Low-noise floor suitable for quiet environments including nature, interior, and studio recording.
• 130 dB(A) Maximum SPL — Handles high-energy acoustic environments without capsule overload.
• 20 Hz–20 kHz Frequency Response — Full-range capture with no roll-off within the audible spectrum.
• Included AMBEO A-B Converter Plugin — VST, AAX, and AU formats for Mac and Windows; converts A-format to B-format for Ambisonics delivery pipelines.
• Plugin Supports Multiple Output Standards — Includes YouTube 360, binaural, and positional correction tools within the converter plugin.
• Rycote Suspension Mount Included — Decouples the capsule array from mechanical vibration and handling noise.
• Foam Windshield Included — Basic wind protection for exterior recording locations.
• DIN12 Connector with Extension Cable — 1.5m extension cable included for flexible positioning on rigs and boom arms.
• Rugged Field-Ready Construction — Sealed body withstands operating temperatures from -10°C to 55°C and humidity up to 90% at 40°C.

Typical Applications

• 360° video production and VR content creation
• Ambisonic field recording for spatial audio post-production
• Broadcast and documentary production requiring immersive audio
• Film and television productions with spatial audio deliverables
• Music recording in ambisonic format for streaming and headphone playback
• Game audio and interactive media sound design
• Nature and environmental audio documentation
• Academic and research applications in spatial audio

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is A-format output and do I need special software to use it?

A-format is the raw output of the four individual capsules before spatial encoding. To use it in a standard Ambisonics workflow, you must convert it to B-format (the standard W, X, Y, Z representation) using the included AMBEO A-B Converter plugin. The plugin is available in VST, AAX, and AU formats for Mac and Windows and can also run as a standalone application.

Q: What audio interface do I need to record the AMBEO VR Mic?

You need an audio interface or portable recorder with at least four discrete microphone preamp inputs with phantom power. The microphone connects via four XLR-3 connectors (one per capsule) from the included balanced split cable.

Q: Does the AMBEO VR Mic require phantom power?

Yes. The KE 14 capsules are pre-polarized condenser elements and require 48V phantom power on all four input channels of your audio interface or recorder.

Q: Can I use the AMBEO VR Mic with AMBEO ORBIT for higher-order Ambisonics output?

The AMBEO VR Mic outputs first-order Ambisonics (FOA) B-format after conversion. AMBEO ORBIT and compatible third-party tools can use this B-format signal for binaural rendering, headphone mix creation, and integration into spatial audio delivery pipelines including Apple Spatial Audio and YouTube 360.

Q: Is the AMBEO VR Mic suitable for outdoor field recording?

Yes, with appropriate wind protection. The included foam windshield provides basic wind protection for light outdoor conditions. For more demanding exterior shoots, a custom blimp or zeppelin enclosure designed for the microphone's dimensions is recommended.

Q: What output standards does the included A-B converter plugin support?

The AMBEO A-B Converter plugin supports B-format Ambisonics output including configurations for YouTube 360 video, and provides tools for correcting the microphone's physical orientation and rotating the captured sound field in post-production.

Q: How does the tetrahedral capsule arrangement benefit spatial audio recordings?

The tetrahedral arrangement places all four capsules at a single acoustic point, ensuring that all captured audio arrives at each capsule with equal and predictable phase relationships. This produces accurate spatial encoding with no comb filtering artifacts that would otherwise result from a multi-point microphone array.

Q: What is included in the box with the AMBEO VR Mic?

The package includes the AMBEO VR Mic, a balanced split cable (4 x XLR-3), a 1.5m DIN12 extension cable, a Rycote suspension mount, a foam windshield, and the AMBEO A-B Converter plugin (VST, AAX, and AU for Mac and Windows).