Technology

Unlocking a New Audio Frontier: Neumann's Revolutionary RIME Software for Headphones

2025-04-29

Author: John Tan

Neumann's Game-Changing Launch

In an electrifying announcement from Berlin, Neumann has unveiled an innovative software dubbed the Reference Immersive Monitoring Environment, or RIME, designed exclusively for its headphones. This cutting-edge solution sets the stage for a new era in immersive audio.

The Future of Sound is Here

According to Neumann's CEO, Yasmine Riechers, "Immersive audio is rapidly becoming the new standard." As major streaming platforms prioritize spatial audio, formats like Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio are becoming the gold standard. With Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) increasingly embracing these technologies, sound engineers, producers, and musicians are eager to dive into this evolving landscape. RIME aims to be their reliable ally in this journey.

A Cost-Effective Alternative

Riechers highlights that RIME provides an integrated solution that not only meets modern demands but also offers a more affordable and portable alternative to traditional loudspeaker setups. "Our NDH headphones deliver the same precise sound as our renowned KH studio monitors, facilitating effortless transitions between monitoring methods. With RIME, this exceptional feature now enhances the immersive audio experience too," she stated.

Unmatched Binaural Experience

Designed as a plug-in for all major DAWs on both Mac and PC (available in VST3/AU/AAX formats), RIME is typically integrated into the output or monitoring bus. It expertly converts multichannel formats into immersive binaural audio, preserving the essence of surround and height channel information. This allows users to monitor and mix content in high-definition formats like Dolby Atmos right through their headphones.

Crafted in Acoustic Perfection

RIME showcases Neumann's commitment to excellence by capturing the acoustics of a specially constructed studio space using top-tier Neumann equipment. Experts meticulously set up immersive configurations with KH Line loudspeakers and subwoofers, fine-tuned using the MA 1 automatic monitor alignment. The three-dimensional soundscape was created with the KU 100 binaural head microphone linked to Neumann’s MT 48 audio interface.

Tailored for Neumann Headphones

Jorma Marquardt, Product Manager, emphasizes that RIME is engineered solely for Neumann headphones, ensuring a flawless audio signal path to the listener. The NDH 20 and NDH 30 headphones are manufactured with precision, allowing full knowledge of their acoustic characteristics. Thanks to groundbreaking AMBEO algorithms, RIME delivers true immersive experiences with unparalleled sound consistency and extraordinary 3D localization.

The Dawn of Immersive Monitoring Awaits!

With RIME, Neumann not only steps into the future of monitoring but also redefines how we experience sound. Musicians and audio professionals alike can now embrace a revolutionary way to interact with immersive audio landscapes, making it a must-have tool for anyone serious about sound production.