SOFA File Support and Custom HRTFs

We’re introducing SOFA file support - a core part of Orbit’s binaural rendering system that lets you import personalized HRTFs for the most accurate headphone monitoring experience possible.

The built-in Orbit Studio HRTF remains the ideal choice for most people in everyday listening, while SOFA import is there if you have a custom HRTF you want to use.

What is SOFA?

SOFA (Spatially Oriented Format for Acoustics) is the AES69-2022 industry standard for storing head-related transfer functions (HRTFs). These files contain measured impulse responses that capture how sound reaches your ears from different directions - the key to making virtual speakers sound like they’re actually positioned around you.

Supported SOFA Databases

Orbit can import HRTF files from all major research databases:

SADIE II

20 subjects — University of York’s high-quality database with comprehensive head and ear measurements for each subject.

ARI HRTF Database

200+ subjects — Austrian Academy of Sciences’ extensive collection covering a wide range of head sizes and ear shapes.

HUTUBS

96 subjects — TU Berlin’s database with ITD-matched measurements, ideal for accurate spatial localization.

MIT KEMAR

Dummy head — The classic industry reference measurement used in countless spatial audio applications.

SONICOM HRTF Dataset

200+ subjects — The latest EU research project featuring high-resolution measurements with detailed anthropometric data.

The HRTF Grid

At the heart of Orbit’s binaural system is a 1,944-point spherical HRTF grid that enables accurate rendering for any speaker position - not just fixed layouts.

Why This Matters

Accurate binaural rendering depends on matching the HRTF to each speaker direction. A dense grid lets Orbit interpolate filters for custom placements, so non-standard layouts still sound consistent.

How SOFA Import Works

When you load a SOFA file, Orbit automatically processes it for use with binaural monitoring. The system handles coordinate conversion, sample rate matching, and ensures accurate spatial localization with your custom HRTF.

Personalization Benefits

Everyone’s ears are shaped differently, and these differences significantly affect how we perceive spatial audio. Using a generic HRTF can lead to:

• Poor front/back discrimination
• Sounds appearing inside your head rather than externalized
• Inaccurate height perception
• Listener fatigue during long sessions

By importing an HRTF that matches your own ear shape (or one measured from a similar subject), you’ll experience:

• Better Localization - Sounds appear where they should in 3D space
• Improved Externalization - Audio sounds “outside” rather than inside your head
• Accurate Height Perception - Height channels are clearly distinguished from the main layer
• Reduced Fatigue - More natural listening experience

Finding Your HRTF

If you don’t have access to a personalized HRTF measurement, we recommend:

1. Start with the Orbit Studio HRTF - Our built-in profile is ideal for most people for general listening

2. Try database subjects (optional) - Download a few SOFA files from public databases and A/B test them. Many users find a close match without needing custom measurements

3. Consider anthropometric matching - Some databases include head and ear measurements. If you know your approximate head width or pinna dimensions, you can narrow down compatible subjects

Supported Formats

Orbit supports the most common SOFA conventions, including SimpleFreeFieldHRIR and SimpleFreeFieldSOS. Files from all major research databases are compatible.

Available on Launch

SOFA file support and the HRTF Grid system are included in the launch version of Orbit in early February 2026. Register your interest on our homepage to be notified when it’s available.