Neumann RIME (Reference Immersive Monitoring Environment) brings a 7.1.4 immersive monitoring environment to headphones. Rather than creating an entirely algorithmic space, Neumann captured a real mixing room using the KU 100, together with a Neumann loudspeaker system and MA 1, then recreated the monitoring experience specifically for the NDH 20 and NDH 30.
RIME stands for Reference Immersive Monitoring Environment, a plug-in developed by Neumann to recreate an immersive monitoring environment through Neumann Headphones.
Rather than creating a completely virtual room through mathematical modelling, Neumann built a real immersive mixing room using its own loudspeaker system calibrated with MA 1.
The room's impulse responses were then captured at the listening position using the KU 100. This data forms the basis for RIME to recreate the listening experience of the room through headphones.
RIME Works with the NDH 20 and NDH 30
RIME is specifically designed to work with the NDH 20 and NDH 30. Limiting the system to these two models of Neumann Studio Headphones allows Neumann to maintain control over the entire playback chain.
The NDH 20 uses a closed-back design, while the NDH 30 is open-back. Both can be used with RIME to reproduce the monitoring environment captured by Neumann.
7.1.4 Monitoring Through Headphones
RIME operates as a plug-in on macOS and Windows, recreating a 7.1.4 loudspeaker system through Neumann Professional Studio Headphones.
The interface displays the positions of the loudspeakers within the space and allows individual speakers to be soloed or muted. RIME can also be used for stereo monitoring.
This allows users to work with stereo, surround and immersive formats within the same headphone monitoring environment.
Adjusting ITD for the Listener
One of the factors that influences sound localisation is Interaural Time Difference (ITD), which refers to the difference in the time it takes for sound to reach each ear.
RIME allows users to adjust ITD according to head size. This setting helps adapt the system to the individual listener and improves the localisation of sound sources within the simulated space.
Head Tracking in RIME
RIME also supports head tracking. When the user turns their head, the virtual loudspeaker system remains fixed in space rather than moving with the headphones.
This helps create the impression that sound sources exist outside the headphones, closer to the way a listener perceives a loudspeaker system in a physical room.
Can RIME Replace a Physical Immersive Room?
According to Sound On Sound's experience, RIME does not completely replace monitoring in a physical immersive room using a real loudspeaker system.
Differences between loudspeakers and headphones remain, particularly in the physical perception of sound and the way the listener interacts with a real acoustic space.
However, RIME provides a useful reference environment when users need to work away from the studio, make mix revisions or do not have regular access to a complete immersive monitoring room.
RIME Extends the Monitoring Capabilities of Neumann Headphones
RIME takes the NDH 20 and NDH 30 beyond conventional stereo monitoring by adding the ability to work with surround and immersive audio.
By using impulse responses captured from a real room together with ITD adjustment and head tracking, RIME provides a monitoring environment through Neumann Monitoring Headphones.
It provides an additional monitoring solution when users cannot work directly with a physical immersive loudspeaker system.
Experience the Neumann Ecosystem at Hoang Bao Khoa
In addition to exploring RIME and headphone-based monitoring solutions, users can discover Neumann Studio Equipment at hoang bao khoa.
Users can also explore Neumann Professional Recording Studio Equipment and understand how different Neumann products can be integrated into recording and monitoring workflows.
Source: Sound On Sound - Neumann RIME