3D Visualizer

The 3D visualizer turns ADM automation into something you can see. While meters tell you about levels, the visualizer shows you where objects are positioned in space — and whether they're moving the way they should. It's one of Orbit's most useful tools for catching spatial issues quickly.

What you see

• A stylized room with a floor grid and gradient walls.
• Object positions shown as moving points with numbered labels.
• Motion that follows ADM automation in real time.
• Optional front indicator to show room orientation.
• Axis reference (gizmo) in the corner showing X (red), Y (green), and Z (blue) directions.
• Level-reactive object sizing: objects pulse larger when audio is active.

Selection and solo rings

Objects can display rings to indicate their state:

• White ring: The object is selected in the sidebar. Use this for visual tracking without affecting audio.
• Theme-colored ring: The object is soloed. Only soloed objects are audible.
• When an object is both selected and soloed, the solo ring is shown (solo takes precedence).
• Multiple objects can be selected at once (using Shift+Click or Command+Click in the sidebar), and all selected objects show white rings.

Room shape options

Orbit offers three room shapes:

• Cube (1:1:1): Equal dimensions on all axes. This is the default and provides the most accurate spatial reference since ADM positions are defined in a normalized cube.
• Room (2:3): More realistic room proportions that may feel more familiar. The spatial math remains accurate; only the visual aspect ratio changes.
• Sphere: A spherical view. Orbit switches to Sphere automatically when you load IAMF or Ambisonics content, and back to Cube for other ADM files.

Change the room shape from the room-shape menu in the Scene panel's header, or in Preferences → Appearance → Scene Visualization → Room Shape.

Why no head or room model?

Orbit intentionally doesn't display a fake head or room element in the visualizer. This preserves the ability to accurately see Cartesian coordinates at a glance. The bottom plane represents head/ear level with the main speakers.

Visual customization

Customize the visualizer appearance in Preferences → Appearance:

• Object Theme: Choose from five color themes (Pink, Blue, Green, Purple, Yellow) — the accent colour for objects in the 3D scene and timeline. (The spatial waveform's colours come from the separate Waveform Theme setting.)
• Under Scene Visualization:
  • Show Front Indicator: Toggle the "FRONT" label that shows room orientation.
  • Gradient Background: Toggle the scene's gradient background.
  • Show Speakers in 3D View: Toggle speaker markers in the scene.

Level-reactive objects

Objects respond to their audio level in real time:

• Active objects appear larger, more prominent, and change from grey to your theme color
• Inactive or silent objects shrink, fade, and appear grey
• This helps you quickly identify which objects are contributing audio at any moment

How to read the space

Orbit follows ADM Cartesian coordinates (ITU-R BS.2076). For reference:

• X: left (-1) to right (+1)
• Y: back (-1) to front (+1)
• Z: bottom (-1) to top (+1)

See: https://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-BS.2076

Common visual red flags

• Objects locked to a single point when they should move.
• Sudden jumps that do not align with the timeline.
• Height moves that never cross the top layer.

INFO

The visualizer is a QC aid. Always confirm critical decisions with monitoring and meters.