Arturia’s AudioFuse 16Rig 2.0: Immersive Monitoring Reimagined

Arturia’s AudioFuse 16Rig Update 2.0 is all about immersive audio—think Dolby Atmos, Apple Spatial Audio, Sony 360, and beyond. The update brings a next-generation monitoring system directly into the interface, eliminating the need for expensive outboard gear or monitor controllers. This is a significant architectural shift, as immersive formats have traditionally been locked behind high-cost solutions, making them inaccessible for many studios.

With this firmware release, Arturia’s engineers have embedded a full-featured immersive monitor management system into the 16Rig, available as a free update. The video emphasizes that this isn’t just a surface-level tweak: users gain access to a complete system supporting up to 16 speakers, making the 16Rig a central hub for any modern surround or spatial audio workflow. The update is positioned as a transformative tool for anyone looking to expand their monitoring capabilities without overhauling their hardware ecosystem.

One of the headline features is support for up to 16 speakers, accommodating layouts from classic 5.1 to ambitious 9.1.6 setups. The immersive monitoring system leverages all analog and ADAT outputs, allowing flexible combinations to suit a wide range of studio configurations. Each speaker channel is managed via dedicated strips in the AudioFuse Control Center, where users can assign speaker types, physical outputs, and audio sources from their DAW or operating system.

Level matching is handled with per-speaker trim controls, offering ±6dB adjustment in 0.1dB increments—crucial for precise imaging in immersive environments. Time alignment is equally robust, with up to 20ms of delay per channel and fine resolution down to 0.01ms. The interface allows delay values to be entered in either milliseconds or meters, catering to both technical and practical workflows.

Bass management is comprehensive, with individual crossover settings per speaker. Users can bypass bass management, select between 12dB or 24dB/octave filters, and set crossover frequencies as needed. The system even allows the front panel monitor button to toggle bass management, a thoughtful touch for mixers who need quick access during sessions. LFE management includes a +10dB boost and dedicated filtering, ensuring that both cinematic and music production needs are covered.

Beyond the headline features, Update 2.0 brings a host of usability improvements to the AudioFuse Control Center. The user interface now includes a dedicated immersive monitoring icon, granting direct access to all new features. Global controls like master volume, bass management, and LFE are grouped at the top, while individual channel strips are organized below for granular control.

Other enhancements include multi-channel VU meters, individual mute and solo buttons for speaker groups, and a reference level reset for quick calibration. The AV sync feature introduces up to 20ms of global delay for aligning audio with video, essential for post-production workflows. The interface remembers your last-used settings, reducing setup time when switching between music and video projects. These refinements collectively make the 16Rig’s software environment more intuitive and performance-ready.