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An introduction to FLUX:: Ircam HEar, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
Faithful binaural reproduction of a stereo mix or a full surround mix with up to 16 channels
— FLUX:: official site
What is Ircam HEar?
Ircam HEar is a binaural encoding plugin that lets you listen to stereo or surround mixes on ordinary stereo headphones. Based on technology from IRCAM, the French acoustic research institute, it is published by FLUX::. It models the phenomena that occur when sound is played through loudspeakers and reproduces them on headphones.
It supports up to 16 channels with Dolby Atmos support, and the Japanese distributor says immersive tracks up to 7.1.2 can be reproduced. It may be a way to check a surround mix when you do not have a surround speaker setup.
The filters rely on HRTF measurements made with a KEMAR dummy head. Filtering a mono signal with left and right HRTFs creates the impression of direction, which is the basis of binaural synthesis.
The resulting signal is meant for headphones and is not designed for stereo loudspeakers. The price is 99 USD.
Up to 16 channels with Dolby Atmos
Inputs from stereo up to 16-channel surround can be sent to virtual speakers, with support for Pro Tools HD 7.1.2 and 7.0.2 Dolby Atmos buses.
Space presets
A range of spaces with subtly different colorations is provided so you can compare and pick one.
Routing matrix
The mapping between DAW track inputs and the virtual speaker outputs is shown and set in a matrix.
Speaker mode
Choose the virtual speaker layout to emulate, from stereo to multichannel, to suit the material.
Speaker width
The angle between virtual speakers can be adjusted; the Japanese distributor lists 60 degrees as the default, and the image can be narrowed or widened.
Angle shift
Changes the angle between the listener and the center of the virtual speakers to adjust the left-right balance impression; default is 0 degrees.
KEMAR-based HRTF
Filters are based on dummy-head measurements. How it sounds may differ from person to person depending on individual ears.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit), macOS 10.14.6 or later (Apple Silicon supported) |
| License | iLok.com account required (iLok USB key not needed) |
| Graphics | Windows needs a graphics card supporting OpenGL 2.0 |
| Type | Binaural encoding (virtual speakers) |
| Channels | Up to 16 (Dolby Atmos supported) |
| Layouts | Up to 7.1.2 (Japanese distributor page) |
| Speaker width default | 60 degrees |
| Angle shift default | 0 degrees |
| AAX DSP | Not supported (Ircam series) |
What is included and system requirements
- Windows 10 / 11 (64-bit), macOS 10.14.6 or later
- Licensing via an iLok.com account
- Space presets and routing matrix
How to use it
- Install the trial from the official shop and authorize with iLok.
- Put on headphones and insert Ircam HEar on your monitoring bus or master.
- Choose the Speaker Mode that matches your mix's channel layout.
- Check in the routing matrix that inputs are assigned to the virtual speakers correctly.
- Switch Space presets and pick the one you prefer.
- Adjust Speaker Width and Angle Shift to refine image width and direction.
- Use it only for monitoring and keep it off the bounced master.
Checking surround on headphones
When you have no surround speaker setup, it may help check the placement of a mix on headphones.
Comparing stereo mixes
You could try judging a stereo mix with an impression closer to listening on speakers.
Immersive production checks
In Dolby Atmos work, it may be worth trying for headphone checks.
Working at night or in shared housing
It could supplement headphone checking where speakers cannot be played loudly.
Who it may suit
- People without a surround speaker setup
- People who check mixes on headphones often
- People looking for a headphone monitoring tool for Dolby Atmos work
- People who want to check a stereo mix from a different perspective
Good to know before you buy
- The processed signal is for headphones only and not designed for stereo speakers.
- It is intended for monitoring and should not be left on the bounced audio.
- The Ircam series does not support AAX DSP.
- An iLok.com account is required for licensing (the iLok USB key is not needed).
- USB displays are not supported. On Windows, a graphics card supporting OpenGL 2.0 and current drivers are needed.
- The official shop mentions a free 30-day trial.
- A 50% academic discount applies for students, teachers and schools.
- Subscriptions are also offered: All Plugins Pack at 14.95 USD per month and Complete Pack at 79.95 USD per month.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
Pure ExpanderFLUX::
Ircam HEar is a monitoring tool that reproduces speaker playback on headphones (99 USD), while Pure Expander is an expander that processes sound (79 USD). Their uses are entirely different.
Price
$99 (FLUX:: official site, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See Ircam HEar on the product page
Sources: flux.audio shop.flux.audio minet.jp (checked 2026-10-27)
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