FAQ

Common questions about Orbit Monitor.

Is Orbit Monitor out yet?

Not yet — Orbit Monitor is coming soon. It's currently in pre-release (version 0.2.0), so the details across these pages describe the product as planned and may change before launch. See the Overview for what's coming, and Requirements for platform and pricing.

How is it different from Orbit?

They solve different problems.

Orbit Monitor is a single-purpose monitoring tool: a plugin you insert in your DAW (plus a standalone app) whose job is to get an immersive mix onto headphones and let you A/B binaural engines while you work. Its differentiator is its own high-quality Orbit Binaural HRTF engine alongside live Apple Spatial Audio A/B, delivered right inside your session.

The flagship Orbit app is a full ADM / IAMF QC and authoring suite: ADM quality control, loudness metering, object inspection, head tracking, PDF reports, binaural export and IAMF / Eclipsa export with custom HRTFs.

In short: reach for Orbit Monitor to check a mix on headphones as you mix; reach for Orbit to QC, report on and export a deliverable.

What HRTFs does it include?

The Orbit Binaural engine ships with four switchable HRTF profiles:

• Orbit Studio — a full, room-like voicing.
• Orbit Reference — a flatter, neutral profile for critical listening.
• Neumann KU100 — the industry-standard reference dummy head.
• KEMAR — the classic measurement manikin.

Does it do Apple Spatial Audio?

Yes. One of the two engines is Apple's own renderer, so you can hear exactly what Apple Music listeners get. You can monitor with a standard or personalised profile, with head tracking, and switch between Apple Spatial and Orbit Binaural live without stopping playback.

Does it support head tracking?

Yes. Head tracking works with AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, or with any webcam using Apple Vision face tracking (with a live preview). You can tune the yaw, pitch and roll response. See Features.

Which DAWs, formats and platforms are supported?

Orbit Monitor is an AU / VST3 / CLAP plugin, so it works in any host that loads those formats — including Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Nuendo. There's also a standalone app that takes audio in via internal routing (for example, BlackHole).

It's macOS only, requiring macOS 14 or later on Apple Silicon. See Requirements for the full list.

How much is it?

Orbit Monitor is a one-time purchase:

• £79 (inc. VAT).
• Education £49 for verified students and teachers.
• 14-day free trial, and 2 machine activations per licence.

No subscription. See Requirements for details.