Nx Head Tracker is a small Bluetooth-connected device that latches onto your headphones to track head movement. Here’s our Nx Head Tracker review.
What Is The Nx Head Tracker?
The Nx Head Tracker, available online for $80, is a small device that aims to augment the 3D audio experience created by Nx technology.
You wear the tracker while playing Nx 3D audio apps. Then, every time you turn your head in the real world, you experience different sounds in the auditory world – just like if you were moving your head around in a real space.
In other words, the Nx Head Tracker can be tracked to any ordinary set of headphones to transform them into “3D audio headphones”. All you need to do is attach the Nx Head Tracker, use an Nx 3D audio app, and get started.
The Nx Head tracker pairs with other Waves immersive technologies like the Nx Virtual Mix Room plugin. You can use the Nx Virtual Mix Room with a webcam to track your movement, although it works better with the Nx Head Tracker.
You can buy both products in a bundle for $99.
Nx Head Tracker Features
The Nx Head Tracker comes with the following features:
- Tracks your head movements in 360 degrees (a full sphere)
- Improves the realism of Nx software for immersive 3D audio, letting you experience audio differently as you move your head
- Can be used with the Nx Virtual Mix Room plugin to mix and monitor on headphones
- Use it with the Nx 3D audio apps to experience 3D audio on any headphones
- Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy (LE)
- 30 day money back guarantee
How Does The Nx Head Tracker Work?
The Nx Head Tracker tracks the movement of your head in the real world in order to emulate that movement in the auditory world.
When you hear a noise in the real world, you turn your head towards that sound. Whether you have your eyes closed or not, your brain develops a 3D space using audio signals. Nx Head Tracker wants to help you immerse yourself in this 3D space.
As the makers of the Nx Head Tracker explain, “When you listen to sound on headphones, the audio scene constantly shifts with your head, and your experience of three-dimensional auditory space is gone.”
With that in mind, the Nx Head Tracker monitors the movement of your head, then transmits that data via Bluetooth to your device for the most accurate possible 3D audio experience.
Why Not Use A Camera?
Obviously, the idea of tracking your head to enhance VR isn’t new. All VR headsets do this. Video games have been doing this for decades.
So what makes the Nx Head Tracker superior to a conventional head tracking technology like your computer’s webcam or a third-party camera?
The makers of Nx Head Tracker specifically address that question, stating that with a webcam, you’re limited to using Nx (and other virtual reality systems) on a stationary device like your office chair.
When you wear the Nx Head Tracker, you can track head movements while moving around, say, if you’re using a smartphone or tablet.
Another advantage over webcams is the better degree of movement. Webcams can track your movements in 60 degrees, compared to the 360 degrees in the Nx Head Tracker.
Overall, the Nx Head Tracker promises to provide a faster and more accurate experience, leading to smoother audio experiences and a more immersive activity.
Nx Head Tracker Tech Specs
- 50 frames per second tracking speed (refresh rate)
- 360 degree tracking angle
- 3 degrees of freedom (yaw, pitch, and roll)
- Can be used approximately 10 to 20 feet from your device, depending on Bluetooth range
- Allows up to 6 users each
Who Makes The Nx Head Tracker?
The Nx Head Tracker is made by a company named Waves Audio Ltd. That company maintains offices in Knoxville, Tel Aviv, Kiev, Taiwan, and Ahmedabad, India.
You can get in touch with the company using the methods listed here.
Waves manufactures a wide variety of audio products, including plugins, mixers, racks, and other hardware for personal use and for studios.
In 2016, the company launched its Nx Head Tracker.
Nx Head Tracker Pricing
The Nx Head Tracker is priced at $79 USD.
You can also bundle it with the Nx Virtual Mix Room, in which case you get both products for a total of $99.
Should You Buy The Nx Head Tracker?
The Nx Head Tracker is a well-reviewed product launched in 2016. It pairs with the Nx Virtual Mix Room and apps to give you a powerful 3D audio experience. The Nx Virtual Mix Room works on its own using a webcam.
However, the Nx Head Tracker is superior because you can move around while wearing it and enjoy a greater range of motion (360 degrees compared to 60 degrees with a webcam).
The Nx Head Tracker has attracted strong reviews online over the past few months. Reviewers praise the device for creating an immersive 3D audio experience while also being available at a competitive price.
To learn more about the Nx Head Tracker visit Waves.com today.
