The HEar v3 from IRCAM Tools is a plug-in designed to deliver a faithful reproduction of a stereo or surround mix using a pair of conventional stereo headphones. The software was developed using a dummy head and torso simulation that provides an approximation of how a human perceives sound. The plug-in is accessible via any host software that supports the AAX Native, Audio Units or VST (2.4) formats, on both Mac and Windows based systems.
The plug-in features virtual speakers where the audio input is routed internally through a matrix. The results represent the emulated loudspeaker setup configurations. It allows for monitoring a full surround mix in situations where a surround-capable environment is not available or practical. Another use of the plug-in is precise checking of a mix with headphones as they provide a "surgical" and detailed, microscope-like rendering of the audio.