Next stage : allow Ambisonics B-format to map directly to an Atmos objet.
Actually it’s necessary to decode B-format to a discrete format (for example speakerdome) before to enter the Atmos RMU to to allow height information to be preserved.
So it’s using 8 mono channels objects, does not preserve the B-format integrity, and ask for two conversions. One using a B-format to discrete decoder plugin, and another inside the Dolby RME to convert from 8 channels discrete to the final theater speaker configuration.
This is non sense and unnecessary complication.
B-format should be directly supported by Dolby Atmos, with panning through the Nuendo panner.
Since Atmos is object-based and Ambisonics is scene-based, I don’t see another way of doing it. At least now, there’s a good, free, decoder plug-in (IEM AllRADecoder) that will give you a tailored decode for going from scene-based to object-based.
I would do a decode that correspond to 7.1.4 and then feed that stream to the RMU.
Microphone Stereo sources are scene based too, and they are supported by the Nuendo panner and Dolby Atmos RMU.
An Ambisonics source is scene based too, it is just 3D instead of 2D. So i do not see why Dolby RMU could not process it in the futur, if they implement the Ambisonics to theater discrete conversion engine, like they did for mono, stereo or multichannel sources.
Implicitly, this means that the spherical harmonics have to be decoded by the RMU. So, it’s either before the RMU (we can do that right now) or inside the RMU (maybe in the future).
I notice that FB specifies using 3rd order whereas steinberg says 2nd order in their documentation about using FB Spatial Workstation.
Also, in the sample project, the FB Spatializer can be selected as a panner (rather than an insert).
Harpex (version 1.5 build 160) is now compatible with Nuendo 8.2 ambisonic tracks and busses. If no audio is going through Harpex, re-select the default routing (upper right corner of the plug-in).
Are you trying it on a 3rd Order Ambisonics track? The track configuration needs to be 3rd Order Ambisonics, only then will the panner show up as an option. Works for me on Mac, not sure about Windows though.