MPEG-H VVPlayer

The MPEG-H VVPlayer (MHVP) lets you control various MPEG-H Audio features during the playback of MPEG-H Audio media files. Depending on the authoring and encoding, these can include interactivity (through presets or advanced customization), language selection, configuration of the rendered target layout, and persistency of the configurations that users made in a scene.

It facilitates access to important MPEG-H Audio parameters and can enable listeners to validate content features as they experience the rendered output of the MPEG-H Master on speakers or headphones. The MPEG-H VVPlayer also plays back video tracks in addition to MPEG-H Audio.

Highlights of the MPEG-H VVPlayer 1.6.3:

• Playback of MPEG-H Audio media files including support for H.264/AVC and H.256/HEVC video. Video decoding capability relies on OS-level decoder support
• Output of decoded audio to various sinks including binaural playback on headphones
• Supports personalization and interactivity features of the MPEG-H Audio system

MPEG-H Encoding and Muxing Tool

The MPEG-H Encoding and Muxing Tool (MHEX) supports content creators in the production and evaluation of the MPEG-H Audio system. Its purpose is to encode audio data using the Fraunhofer MPEG-H encoder and multiplex it into several output formats - optionally with a pre-encoded video track.

Highlights of the MPEG-H Encoding and Muxing Tool 3.0.3:

• Supports encoding of MPEG-H Master files and predefined configurations
• Enables audio-only encoding
• Supports various output formats (e.g., MP4, DASH, HLS and TS)

MPEG-H Info Tool

The MPEG-H Info Tool (MHIT) provides an overview of all information associated with content masters that are supported by the MPEG-H Audio system. These range from file-related information (e.g., date of creation, file size) to a representation of the metadata, which is carried in the file (e.g., labels, number of presets). The Scene Summary provides a well-structured list of information with several levels of detail. The unfolded tree view shows all metadata of an MPEG-H Scene that is relevant for experts who need a deeper insight into the details. In addition to providing information, the MHIT is also equipped with automated tests for ADM-based content.

Highlights of the MPEG-H Info Tool 1.5.0:

• Supports import of MPEG-H MXF/S-ADM
• Validation of ADM-based content against ADM profiles that can be ingested into the MPEG-H Audio system
• Scene Summary showing the metadata carried in an MPEG-H Master

More information

MPEG-H Authoring Plug-in

The MPEG-H Authoring Plug-in (MHAPi) takes you through all steps of creating object- or channel-based MPEG-H Audio productions with a VST3- or AAX-enabled Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). The resulting immersive and interactive MPEG-H Audio scenes can be exported to either MPEG-H Production Format (MPF), or MPEG-H BWF/ADM. They contain audio and metadata and are ready for distribution via MPEG-H enabled channels.

With the MHAPi 5.0 you can even import static and dynamic metadata from an existing MPF file back into your DAW. Please refer to the user manual for a step-by-step guide.

• Combination of channel-based components and dynamic audio objects
• 3D panning of dynamic objects for immersive content
• Dynamic Gain Sequences
• Interactive user experience through interactivity features for component gain and position
• Create labels in multiple languages for global audiences
• In-depth documentation and template sessions for Pro Tools, Nuendo, Reaper, and Sequoia
• Export to MPEG-H Production Format (MPF), MPEG-H BWF/ADM, and XML Template for AMAUs
• Now supports monitoring layouts up to 22.2
• Improved binaural monitoring for immersive audio reproduction over headphones
• Options for binaural authoring, including the option to bypass binauralization on a per-component-basis (“Direct to Headphones”)
• Improved routing capabilities
• Additional component layouts for better DAW integration (7.1+2, Quad Height etc.)
• Assisted authoring mode for faster MPEG-H authoring
• Improved object panner
• Improved user experience

MPEG-H Authoring Tool

The MPEG-H Authoring Tool (MHAT) is a software tool for macOS and Windows that makes it possible to create MPEG-H metadata for existing audio material. The MPEG-H Authoring Tool enables easy MPEG-H authoring without the need for a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). You can define specific MPEG-H parameters, instantly listen to your configurations, and export your authored mixes as MPEG-H Production Format (MPF), MPEG-H BWF/ADM, or as a template XML file.

• Now supports monitoring layouts up to 22.2
• MPEG-H metadata authoring with previously produced wave-files
• Combination of channel-based components and dynamic audio objects
• Interactive user experience through interactivity features for component gain and position
• Create labels in multiple languages for global audiences
• Binaural monitoring for immersive audio reproduction over headphones
• Options for binaural authoring include the option to bypass binauralization on a per-component-basis (mono/stereo)
• Import and export of MPF and MPEG-H BWF/ADM
• Export session templates for use in broadcast devices
• Streamlined export and loudness measurement process for even faster results

MPEG-H Conversion Tool

The MPEG-H Conversion Tool (MCO) is a software tool for macOS and Windows that converts MPEG-H compliant content masters between different file formats. The MCO serves as an interface to the MPEG-H Audio ecosystem and supports the import and export of MPEG-H Master files. Thanks to the option to import BWF/ADM files that were created by other tools, it is now possible for users to use their preferred toolkit for production. After conversion in the MCO, the resulting files can even be edited and enhanced using the other MAS tools’ advanced feature set. That way, MPEG-H authoring integrates easily into most existing workflows.

Highlights of the MPEG-H Conversion Tool 1.5.0

• Now supports import and export of MPEG-H MXF/S-ADM
• Supports import of IMF/MXF/IAB and DCP/MXF/IAB
• Allows direct conversion of object-only content for music productions
• Support for MPEG-H Masters with up to 32 channels
• Improved user experience

MPEG-H Production Format Player

The MPEG-H Production Format Player (MPF Player) is a software player for the quality control of A/V productions containing MPEG-H Audio before encoding. The MPF Player supports MPEG-H Audio masters in MPF or BWF/ADM formats as well as a variety of video formats, such as ProRes422 in a MOV or H264/H265 in an mp4 container. Since the latest update, it also supports video in MXF containers (Audio needs to be loaded separately in that case, please refer to the User Manual for details). With the MPF Player, you can check for A/V sync, review the scene authoring, preview interactivity, and monitor files in a variety of different render layouts before delivering or encoding your production.

• Supported operating systems
  • macOS 10.14 or later
  • Windows 10 and 11
• Intel-compatible CPU (minimum 2GHz recommended)
• Memory: 2GB RAM
• Supported sample rates: 48kHz and 96kHz

MPEG-H Authoring Plug-in:

• Supported audio plugin interfaces: AAX, VST3
• Supported operating systems: any AAX Pro Tools- or VST-compatible host

1. Description

The MPEG-H Authoring Suite is freely available software created by Fraunhofer IIS for authoring of MPEG-H audio scenes. It is intended for professional use. It creates MPEG-H audio metadata which can be used as input for a MPEG-H audio encoder and allows monitoring of the authored scenes on standard computer hardware. It is available for Windows and Mac operating systems.

2. User qualification

Fraunhofer reserves the right to deliver the software at its sole discretion to qualifying users only and to deny access to the software without further explication to users that are not deemed to be qualified. Qualification is dependent on professional use of the user and shall be in conformity with German, EU, US or other applicable export control laws and regulations. In order to be approved, users must submit the information requested below.

3. Software license type

• The software license is for permanent use as described in §3 Art. 2 of the general terms and conditions.
• The license is a multi-user license for 2-5 workplaces.
• Modifications, changes and reengineering of the software are forbidden.

4. Third-Party Software

The MPEG-H Authoring Suite includes Third-Party Software toolkits to enable compatible interfaces to audio production tools. These toolkits will be licensed by the respective copyright owners which define the rights of use. The Fraunhofer general terms and conditions do not apply for these software parts.

The MPEG-H Authoring Plug-in (MHAPi) is compatible to VST^®. VST is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH, registered in Europe and other countries.

5. Open Source Software

The MPEG-H Authoring Suite includes Open Source Software (OSS). These OSS will be licensed by the respective copyright owners which define the rights of use. The Fraunhofer general terms and conditions do not apply for these OSS. Details about the used OSS and its licensing conditions and copyright terms can be found here: