Dirac introduces intelligent upmixing technology
January 5, 2022
Dirac introduces intelligent upmixing technology for transforming stereo content into immersive, multichannel audio
The new feature will debut as part of the Dirac Virtuo™ spatial audio solution for automotive applications, delivering immersive experiences to everyone, everywhere.
LAS VEGAS, Nevada, January 5, 2022 — Swedish digital audio pioneer Dirac today introduced the company’s content-based upmixing technology, a critical new feature of the company’s industry-leading Dirac Virtuo™ solution that enables true, immersive, multichannel audio from existing stereo content.
“With Dirac’s intelligent upmixing technology, creators no longer have to reengineer their content in immersive formats for consumers to enjoy an immersive experience,” said Mathias Johansson, Chief Product Officer at Dirac. “By leveraging Dirac’s expertise in signal processing, we are able to—in real time—create a new multichannel experience from existing stereo content while maintaining the high-fidelity sound of the original recording.”
The Dirac upmixing technology analyzes source content and splits into component parts with different spatial attributes. From this real-time decomposition, the upmixing technology intelligently generates a multichannel version of the same content and distributes it to multichannel-capable sound systems. No additional surround sound processor is required.
Unlike similar multichannel processing solutions, which create audible distortions and artifacts that were not part of the original stereo recording, Dirac’s upmixing technology employs new patent-pending algorithms to minimize such effects, so the results sound accurate, natural, and immersive.
“The ability to upmix stereo content so that it sounds like a true multichannel recording – while still staying faithful to the intent of recording artist – further strengthens the value of our automotive audio solution,” Johansson continued. “We are pleased to introduce this new capability and expect it to help create new immersive experiences that many more consumers can enjoy.”
Dirac’s upmixing technology will debut first for the automotive market as part of the Dirac Virtuo spatial audio solution. Dirac Virtuo is a key component of Dirac’s Intelligent Audio Platform, the company’s modular approach to perfecting automotive sound. In cars, Dirac Virtuo with upmixing technology can create a true surround-sound experience at every seat when listening to standard stereo content. The upmixing technology is customizable, so automotive sound engineers can tailor the immersive in-car experience.
Dirac’s upmixing technology will be available for licensing by automakers as an add-on to Dirac’s Premium and Professional Packages to create truly immersive experiences from legacy stereo content.
Dirac will be demonstrating its upmixing technology during CES 2022 in its private suite at the Venetian Hotel. It will launch in the automotive market in Q2 2022.
Click here for more information about Dirac Virtuo.
About Dirac:
Dirac is here to change the world of sound. We’re inventing the future of audio with superior experiences for any content, device, and space. For the many, not the few. Based in Sweden, Dirac optimizes digital audio, perfecting sound for better listening in any environment. The patented sound solution technology spans across mobile, gaming, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, headphones, streaming, automotive, residential and commercial AV, boosting whatever sound you’re listening to, wherever you’re listening. For professionals, Dirac produces the industry’s most powerful suite of audio tools for signal processing. Some of the world’s most respected brands, including Rolls Royce, Volvo, Polestar, BMW, BYD, Harman, Datasat, NAD, ASUS, and OPPO bring the Dirac sound experience to their customers.
Dirac is a global company with headquarters in Uppsala, Sweden and R&D facilities in Copenhagen, Denmark and Bangalore, India, with representation in China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and USA.