In regards to the B-format processing, if it’s got DSP it would not be hard to implement, it’s simple matrix math. I would be happy to give them the filter set for the AMBEO VR Mic.
But there are a range of mixers on the market, not as beautiful, from Zoom (F4 and F8) and SoundDevices (MixPre 6, 8, 10) that have integrated A to B format converters. With the SoundDevices also having a binaural renderer integrated into the headphone out.
The larger issue is the one you have already identified, the lack of pre-amps. IIRC the field mixer they sell does contain preamps and DSP, but unsure if it can provide 48v that most Ambisonics mics from any manufacturer will require.
EDIT: In looking at the site for the field mixer they make [0] it appears it doesn’t have pre-amp except for a headset input. I was confused because their large diaphragm condenser that they have coming out will absolutely require a pre and power to operate, but it looks like it has an 3mm out with integrated battery operated pre-amp in addition to XLR and 48v phantom. [1]
Yeah, dynamic mics are definitely still in use and very common on stages, for podcasting/radio (the classic voice of radio sound is a large diaphragm dynamic mic like the Shure SM7B), and many other professional applications. Though at the professional level there are many use cases where condenser-based microphones are preferred (i.e. low noise applications, shotgun mics, etc.)
However, looking at the transducer market overall, I would bet that condensers make up the large majority of global production. If only because of the growth of MEMS arrays in phones and computers and a growing number of cheap electret condensers used in other consumer and prosumer electronics.
Sorry to be the um actually guy, but every supported MacBook [0] (including some Intel ones at least on Monterey - like my 15” from 2019) will do a transaural rendering over the laptop speakers for Dolby Atmos content.
The tech needed to do that doesn’t require fancy silicon, though it does seem they restrict the headtracked binaural (over headphones like AirPods Pro).[0]
Though you can plug any headphones in and, at least in Apple Music, force it to do a binaural rendering (without headtracking) on any headphones.
Yes, it can be a tad clunky and the mobile app for a long time was just a catalog.
However, their new iOS app [1] is awesome. The ability to read and highlight right in the app is what I have been wanting for years.
I had previously been using the ZotFile [2] plugin to achieve something similar previously. ZotFile is also very powerful, I only used a subset of features.
Zotero can do this. It cannot always find the metadata but there are additional plugins available too. Additionally the browser plug-in allows you to easily find the item on a library’s site or Amazon and add the metadata and associate it with the pdf/other file.
But there are a range of mixers on the market, not as beautiful, from Zoom (F4 and F8) and SoundDevices (MixPre 6, 8, 10) that have integrated A to B format converters. With the SoundDevices also having a binaural renderer integrated into the headphone out.
The larger issue is the one you have already identified, the lack of pre-amps. IIRC the field mixer they sell does contain preamps and DSP, but unsure if it can provide 48v that most Ambisonics mics from any manufacturer will require.
EDIT: In looking at the site for the field mixer they make [0] it appears it doesn’t have pre-amp except for a headset input. I was confused because their large diaphragm condenser that they have coming out will absolutely require a pre and power to operate, but it looks like it has an 3mm out with integrated battery operated pre-amp in addition to XLR and 48v phantom. [1]
[0]https://teenage.engineering/store/tx-6/
[1]https://teenage.engineering/store/cm-15/