Sennheiser Ambeo soundbar adds Sony 360 Reality Audio

Sennheiser has updated its high-end Ambeo soundbar to support Sony’s 360 Reality Audio immersive music format.

The object-based 360 Spatial Sound technology can be used to place individual sounds, such as vocals, chorus, piano, guitar, bass, even the ambiance of a live audience, in a 360 spherical sound field.

Ambeo already supports 3D audio formats Dolby Atmos, MPEG-H and DTS:X. The premium soundbar offers a 5.1.4 listening experience, without the need for additional speakers or an external subwoofer.

Sony has been slowly expanding the 360 Reality Audio ecosystem, most recently adding two compatible standalone 3D audio sound systems. Previously, it was positioned as a headphone only experience.

Proprietary Upmix technology can be used with stereo and 5.1 content to give 3D audio. The soundbar features five different presets (movie, music, sports, news and neutral) tailored to a range of scenarios and content types, that adjust not only the frequencies but also the 3D sound characteristics. Control is via the brand’s Smart Control App.

With the latest firmware update, Ambeo soundbar owners can access 360 Reality Audio content via Google Chromecast, allowing them to stream music in 3D without any additional devices. live music streaming provider nugs.net offers 360 Reality Audio via Chromecast, with additional services and content expected to follow.

“We are delighted our AMBEO Soundbar, with its amazing 3D immersive sound, now supports Sony’s 360 Reality Audio,” says Maximilian Voigt, Product Manager at Sennheiser. “Our customers can now stream music and enjoy exceptional spatial audio by simply downloading the latest firmware update without the need to purchase any additional equipment, for even more convenience.”