How 3D surround audio works in Mobius

Greetings Traveler! If you’re reading this, you no doubt are curious about how Mobius is able to convert ordinary audio into an overwhelmingly enveloping sensory experience.

3D audio in Mobius is powered by Waves Nx technology. The "surround" aspect of Mobius is in three parts: head-tracking, speaker emulation, and 5.1/7.1 channel surround audio. The first two parts operate internally in each of the three connection modes, while the third part is dependent on the source, which must be able to provide 5.1 or 7.1 channels of audio over USB.

Even with sources that are limited to two channels, the speaker emulation and head-tracking make for a very compelling experience. If you turn 3D audio off in Mobius, you'll still hear any 5.1/7.1 content appropriately, but the head-tracking and speaker emulation will be turned off so the effect will be less pronounced.

There are three ways to connect to Mobius and each method has its own advantages and limitations as outlined below:

1. USB: requires a USB connection, but is capable of 5.1/7.1 surround sound, head-tracking and speaker emulation, plus microphone.
2. Bluetooth: can use AAC, SBC and LDAC protocols, but is limited to two channel audio. Still offers head-tracking and speaker emulation, plus microphone.
3. AUX/analog: can connect to most any analog device at line level (see below), but is limited to two channel audio. Still offers head-tracking and speaker emulation, plus microphone.

Since Mobius has an analog input port, it can technically be used with any source that provides an analog signal. However, use of an amp that provides greater than line level output (such as many headphone amps) can cause clipping, distortion, and possible damage, and is NOT recommended. Excessive power levels can damage Mobius. In AUX/analog mode, do not exceed standard line level voltage to minimize the risk of damage, which is not covered under warranty.

Our recommendation is to use Mobius' USB input direct from a digital device for the full effect and best sound when possible, but if you choose to experiment with an external amplifier at your own risk, we recommend exercising caution regarding amplifier volume settings to prevent sending too much power to Mobius' internal amplifier.

We hope this short but informative tutorial was as illuminating for you as it was for us to create. If you have any additional questions regarding Mobius, please peruse the other support articles located in our Help Center.  If you cannot find the answer you seek there, please feel free to contact us directly at support@audeze.com.