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Monitoring Modes

Orbit Lite supports four monitoring modes, letting you hear the same ADM content through different output formats. Switch modes using the monitoring picker in the footer.

Orbit Lite monitoring mode picker: Binaural, 7.1.4, Stereo, Apple Spatial

7.1.4 speaker monitoring

Best for validating channel mapping and room translation through a full immersive speaker array.

Use it to:

  • Confirm beds hit the right speakers.
  • Validate object localization across the room.

Binaural (headphones)

Best for headphone translation and spatial intent.

Use it to:

  • Check front-to-back separation.
  • Confirm height cues for objects.
  • Listen on any wired or wireless headphones.

A binaural limiter is applied by default to prevent clipping on headphone output.

Apple Spatial Audio

Best for checking how your mix sounds through Apple's spatial audio pipeline — the same renderer used by Logic Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Apple Music.

Use it to:

  • Hear your ADM content through Apple's HRTF rendering.
  • Compare Apple's spatial processing against the binaural engine.
  • Test with personalised HRTF profiles (via iPhone ear scan).

Four sub-modes are available, selected from the footer controls:

  • Static — Apple HRTF without head tracking (any headphones).
  • Static Personalised — Uses your personal ear scan profile (any headphones).
  • Head Tracking — Real-time head tracking via AirPods/Beats.
  • Head Tracking Personalised — Head tracking with personalised HRTF.

An independent volume control is also available for Apple Spatial Audio output.

Orbit Lite Apple Spatial Audio footer controls

96 kHz content over Bluetooth

When using Apple Spatial Audio with 96 kHz or higher sample rate content, wired headphones are recommended instead of Bluetooth for best results.

Stereo fold-down

Best for compatibility checks and quick balance decisions.

Use it to:

  • Confirm essential elements remain audible.
  • Catch phase and summing issues.

TIP

Switch modes at the same playback position to compare translation.

Orbit documentation by South Loop Studios