Acousmodules

SpatStruments

Regular

Advanced

Utilities

MIDI/Controllers

Win32/Linux

Resources

SpatStruments brings through a few plugins the essentials of what is offered by all Acousmodules: advanced integration of space with sound generation and processing in a lightweight format, compatible with most multichannel hosts.
Through their internal Nodal-24 format, they are optimized for common "immersive" formats, which includes a good number of domes and acousmoniums, and covers all the multichannel formats associated with cinemas like 7.1.4 up to 22.2. If needed, conversions to ambisonic or binaural are easily achieved with high-performance, free plugins such as those from IEM and SPARTA, or even to Atmos objects Fiedler Audio Dolby Atmos Composer Essential. Of course, they can also be used in stereo...

SpatStruments are ideal for creators who do not whish to get lost in the modular aspect and diversity of other Acousmodules, but who still want to explore every aspect of spatial sound with maximum freedom. And since each of them combine several tools inside a unified UI, with an important part dedicated to gestures, they can be particularly effective for live instrumental playing. 

Requirements
- Windows: all versions, but prefer 10 or 11
- macOS: minimum 10.15 (see the note below), Intel CPU (must work with Rosetta), some VST3 versions are or will be native for ARM CPU. Be aware that graphics and performances can be VERY variable according to the OS, the plugin format and the host. Mostly: the UI can be (very) jerky, and/or some graphic elements can be missing or frozen...
- screen resolution minimum 1080p
- VST3 (Win and Mac): hosts with multichannel busses or that support multichannel routing (Ardour, Reaper, Bidule, Cantabile, Carla, DaVinci Resolve*, Element, Gig Performer, Max/Msp, MuLab, Nuendo*, Pyramix, Studio One*, Usine Hollyhock, VSTHost, Tracktion Waveform), or also for SM24, PL32, GR24 and A24, that can distribute the plugin's outputs on several stereo busses (Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, Cakewalk, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Samplitude, may need a special VSTI version).
- VST2 (Win): for hosts which have problems with Acousmodules' multichannel VST3 implementation (Sequoia...) or don't support VST3 at all (Podium...). Sometimes performances can also be slightly better.
- Audio Unit (Mac): depending on hosts and OS version these plugins may show a slightly different behaviour than VST3, choose what suits you the best. Note that Logic Pro does not support the SpatStruments channels number.
- may possibly work in Protools Studio/Ultimate inside a AAX host wrapper like Element or Metaplugin (14/16 channels max, not tested)
- for SpatStrument SM24 a MPE controller that supports wide and sensitive three dimensional gestures ;-)
- SpatStruments SM24, GR24 and AL24 are available as standalone applications thanks to SAVIHost (Windows only)
* due to channels or formats limitations, truncated or limited versions are provided for these hosts.
 

Installation
There is no installer for the plugins and, if they are any, the presets, so you will have to put the files by hand in the correct destinations. The plugins are viewed as folders, either with only the plugin's name or with a vst3 or component "extension".
In both cases never change or extract their content, just put them as they are in the destination folder.
- Windows plugins: /Programs/Common Files/VST3/AcousModules/SpatStrumentXX.vst3
- VST2 plugins can be in your usual prefered folder
- Presets: User/Documents/VST3 Presets/AcousModules
- MacOS plugins: /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST3/SpatStrumentXX.vst3 or /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/SpatStrumentXX.component
- Presets: /Library/Audio/Presets/AcousModules (or /User/Library/Audio/Presets/AcousModules)

S p a t S t r u m e n t   S M 2 4
 

Synth & Sampler with MPE
 

Thanks to the expansion of MPE gesture controllers, the SpatStrument SM24 should make it possible to approach audio-spatial sculpting in a playful and creative way, whether it is done inside standardized broadcast formats or in the freedom of original open spaces creations.
Fortunately, it can also work in stereo with an ordinary keyboard with still enough features to play with sounds in innovative ways.
It associates sampling and synthesis with an original Spatial Shaper section where nearly all parameters can respond to multi-dimensional touch, of course if you have such device ... If it can work theoretically with every MPE controller, only a few of them have the needed sensitivity and space on the 3 axis to be really efficient :-(
Prefered controllers: Sensel Morph and Erae 2, also work with MusiKraken app on iOS and Android.

See also: MPESpat, MPESynth and MPESampler, all with 64 channels.

Characteristics:
- Spatial Modeling built around the spatial control possibilities offered by some MPE gesture controllers
- Spatial Shaper and Animator (Rings, Lines, Cube, Chaos) that can be combined and animated with different modulators and synchronized with sampling and synthesis parameters
- Input Live processing: play a hardware or software instrument through it to add spatialization and effects, together with additional filter and envelope; spatialize a track content with a MPE controller; use the audio input level to modulate sound and space parameters (Envelope Follower)
- Sampler: sample the Live Input or load a wav/aiff audio file; play it through a multimode filter with its ADSR and LFO; control the Start and Loop points of the 8 polyphony voices independantly with each finger...
- Synthesizer: 3 oscillators substractive principle with FM, Synchro and wide range modulations, multimode resonant filter, 4 envelopes, audio rate LFO (it may not be well suited to play scaled melodies!)
- Cross Modulation between sampling and synthesis sections
- Ring Modulation between the Live Input and the Sampler or the Synthesis
- Octo FX: 8 channels Delay/Resonator and Hall Reverberation (Windows)
- use MPE 5 dimension gestures (Attack and Release Velocity, X and Y position, Pressure) and the relative Center and Angle fingers position to modulate nearly every parameter
- ClockTrigger and VeloPad, for granular like effects (experimental...); they can send MIDI Notes to other devices if the host allows to
- integrated simple binauralizer for basic headphones monitoring (Windows) 

Known issues:
- although not designed for real-time loop point modulations, the sampling framework performs generally well... however clicks may appear
- the VeloPad cannot produce very fine grains
- Mac: graphic and operation are jerky; no reverb; no binauralizer
- Usine Hollyhock: the SpatStrument can be unreliable

S p a t S t r u m e n t   P L 3 2

Samples PLayer Polyphonic Layers
 

The SpatStrument PL32 can be considered as a sample player or a clip launcher.
It allows to play at a time up to 25 mono samples and 9 up to 18 channels ones. It is mainly designed for NOT being based on tempo or beat synchronization, and to give preferential treatment to sensible gestures, fluctuating and even random controls.
It doesn't have a spatialization section and effects, and it is intended to be used in tandem with the SpatStrument FX24/32.
Both sections, the Touch Player and the Mass Player, can be controlled by a regular MIDI keyboard, but they can benefit from more advanced control surfaces and 3D gesture controllers.

See also TouchPlayer 48, TouchSampler 60, RandomPlayer, and also ARQPlayer, BlockPlayer and StrisoSampler.

Characteristics:
Touch Player:
- 25 mono sample players, with direct output Wired patch to up to 32 outputs
- each player is polyphonic 5 voices allowing up to 125 sounds played simultaneously
- each mono file player can be triggered by a different MIDI note, with its amplitude controlled by Polyphonic Aftertouch, a selected CC or Velocity
- 10 octaves Pitch range
- Alternate Loop mode
- global control of Pitch and Loop points
- random variation of Pitch and Loop points
- VeloPad: trig the samples with mouse gestures or any XY pad
- Spatial Trigger: trig the samples and control their volume in a 3D gesture space, arbitrary or related to the sound's spatial position, works nicely with a Leap Motion or any other gesture controller and motion capture devices
Mass Player:
- 9 multichannel files players, with direct output connexions, or Linear spatialization spread up to 32 outputs (Windows)
- each file can have up to 18 channels, suitable for 3rd ambisonic encoded files...
- the 9 players can be organized as split and layers to be played polyphonically with a regular keyboard
- Random control of Loop and Pitch parameters
- automatic Layers mixing according to LFO, Random or MIDI controller
- Clock Trigger: pseudo-granular triggering
TouchPlayer and MassPlayer sections can be combined and played together.
Note: since more than 24 channels plugins is not supported in Nuendo and Studio One a special truncated version is provided.

Known issues:
- caution: RAM used can be very important with multichannel and long files and can result in instabilities!
- wired patch connections causes a little interruption in sound, don't change them during play
- Mac version: Spatial Trigger, VeloPad UI and sample triggering can be slow and jerky; MassPlayer works only in 18 channels direct output

SpatStrument PL32 - Part 1 : TouchPlayer (in French)
SpatStrument PL32 - Part 2 : MassPlayer

S p a t S t r u m e n t   G R 2 4

GRains and Gesture Recorder
 

SpatStrument GR24 is a versatile instrument dedicated to sample mangling and granular kind effects.
It can record or load a mono wav file and process it through two different but complementary tools: the Vaporizer and the Crumblizer.
The Crumblizer can produce extremely short shards to extremely dense textures through evolving rythmic cells, while the Vaporizer is more adapted to particle clouds and trajectories. All their multiple sounds are spatialized with the same powerfull 24 points Spatial Shaper and Animator as the other SpatStruments.
What distinguishes it more is its Gesturizer Pad and Gesture Sampler which gives a new level of spatial sound design.
The Gesturizer part is also available as a MIDI plugin in the MiniTools Collection.

See also on the same principles: KaleidoSampler, MultiKaleidoPlayer, KaleidoSynth, KaleidoMass, KaleidoTone, VaporSampler and AleaSampler in 64/128 channels.

Characteristics:
- record and play one mono file (no theoretical time limit but be reasonable ...), it is possible to switch between the loaded file and the recorded one during play
- dual sampler players with up to 128 polyphony voices / grains each
- Spatial Shaper: 16 points basic 2D and 3D shapes (Sphere, Lines, Planes, Chaos) can be transformed, combined and animated
- Import/Export spatial configuration parameters values with other SpatStruments
- Spatial Animator: Yaw/Pitch/Roll and Agitation, can be controlled with the Gesture Pad movements and the Crumblizer modulator
- Direct Mode: bypass the Spatial Shaper and sends the sound to 32 output channels, for instance to be processed with the SpatStrument FX24/32
- Crumblizer: generate up to 128 voices/sounds, each with its own Sample position, Pitch, Filter and Envelope values
- +/- 5 octaves Pitch range, Multimode Filter, Short/Long Release multiplicator option
- Trigger interval between "notes" can be more than 10 seconds up to audio rate
- the Spatial Modulator distributes the voices among the 16 spatialized points
- Fixed and Sample modes to link manually the Sample and the Spatial positions
- TrigModulator: modulate the Trigger Rate and also the Pitch and the Sample position
- OneShot mode to trig individual grains with variable length
- Vaporizer: generate up to 128 voices/sounds triggered by the Gesturizer movements
- Multimode Filter, 2 Envelope generators and LFO
- Random Pitch, Filter Freq, Release and LFO Rate
- Gesturizer: XY surface to play with the mouse, can be controlled with an external controller with added pressure
- Vaporizer: can control the Pitch, the Sample Position, the Filter and the LFO Rate; Crumblizer: can control the Sample position, the Trigger Rate and the Pitch; Spatial Shaper: can control the XYZ position, the Shapes and the Animators parameters
- Gesture Sampler: records a short 2D gesture and replay it with Speed, Loop and Shape variations
- Auxiliary ADSR and LFO for more modulations
- integrated simple binauralizer for basic headphones monitoring (Windows)
Note: since more than 24 channels plugins is not supported in Nuendo and Studio One a special truncated version is provided. 

Known issues:
- Vaporizer Loop Length can be not accurate
- MacOS: UI can be jerky; no Binauralizer

SptStrument GR24 : présentation générale (in French)

S p a t S t r u m e n t   A L 2 4

 Automations and Animated Loops
 

SpatStrument AL24 is a kind of spatial sound machine, which uses samples and synthesis to create animated textures.
The Spatial Animation section is based on the same Spatial Shaper that other SpatStruments, but is more developped with the Path Animator. It can generate continuous 3D movements and combine them with a 16 nodes graphic path.
The Synthesizer section consists in 32 substractive synthesizers modules that can follow subtle variations or present totally different sounds thanks to its Deviation and Random parameters.
You can also use the Direct outputs mode to send the 32 Synthesis voices to be processed with the SpatStrument FX24/32 or dynamically mixed and binauralized in SpatStrument VB32.
The Sample section looks rather simple, but like the Synthesis, its main parameters can be modulated according to the 16 spatialized voices, which can make evolving or rythmic patterns.

See also the 64 channels AnimaSpat, AnimaSampler, AnimaSynth, MassSynth, MultiSynth, SpatPath.

Characteristics:
Sampler:
- mono and octophonic files
- Split Record mode: use 8 frequency bands splitter to record an octophonic sample, can be saved as a 8 channels file to be opened later (Windows)
- 3 trigger modes: ClockTrigger (repeat), One Shot (constant), Keyboard (why not?)
- Multimode Filter with ADSR
- Amplitude ADSR
- LFO
- Spatial Modulations: use XYZ sound's positions to modulate separately the Pitch, the Filter Fequency and the Loop points
Synthesizer:
- 32 synthesizer modules with 2 Oscillators with FM, Multimode Filter with Resonance, ADSR, Trigger LFO (each parameter of the 32 synthesizers is independant)
- Deviation setting to distribute evenly all parameters values from channel 1 to 32
- Random generator, Separated parameters and Global
- Cross Modulation: the Sample outputs modulate the OSC2 frequencies!
- Spatial Modulations: use the X, Y, Z and Center sound's positions to modulate the main parameters
Spatial Shaper and Animator:
- 16 nodes Spatial Shaper
- basic shapes: Sphere and Ring, Lines, Grid and Chaos
- global control: XYZ Position and Yaw/Pitch/Roll orientation
- Trails:
- Path Animator: X, Y, Z independant or synchronized LFO's
- Path Editor: 16 nodes 3D path with variable exploration range and modes
- Agitation: variable rate random XYZ positions
- Pulsation: very low rate LFO
Direct mode:
- Synthesizer: the 32 lanes are sent to the 32 outputs 
- Sampler: use the 32 channels amplitudes modulations DynaMover

Known issues:
- MacOS: UI can be jerky;

SpatStrument AL24: An Animated Spatial Sound Textures Instrument

S p a t S t r u m e n t   F X 2 4 / 3 2

 Spatial MultiFX
 

Multichannel plugins are now rather common, and great series as MeldaProductions (64 channels) or highly specialized ones like SoundParticles or AudioBreewers can be very creative.
But the majority of them simply process the sound in parallel, with the same settings for the whole space. They are also logically focused on standard spatial formats, like spherical or cinema kinds, and are generally incapable to process more open ones.
On the other hand, since twenty years, the purpose of Acousmodules is to integrate sound and space design as tightly as possible and to allow to explore speaker spaces totally freely.
SpatStrument FX24 is based on Acousmodules's original Scatter series, which offers a simple way to handle hundreds of parameters values while modulating them intuitively and efficiently.
Its effects, connected in series, are rather classical - Pitch and Frequency Shifter, Delay, Multimode Filter, Reverberation - but their multichannels combinations brings new possibilities, even reduced in surround or stereo output ;-)
It can be used in Direct Channels Mode to process sounds coming from other plugins like the SpatStrument PL32 and A24, or, very interesting, to send to the SpatStrument VB24...
The Pitch section is available separated, in the same quality as the Mac version, as the MiniTools MiniPitch 32.
See also the 64 channels Scatterizer, ScatterPitch, ScatterVerb, ScatterGrain, Texturizer, ScatterSynth and ScattSampler.

Characteristics:
- 32 channels FFT Pitch/Frequency Shifter based on the beta framework from Elena Design, Pitch range up to +/- 2 octaves (simpler Pitch Shifter in Mac version)
- 32 channels Delay, up to 10" with Feedback
- 32 channels Multimode Filter (LowPass, HighPass, BandPass, Notch) with Resonance
- 32 channels Hall Reverberation from Time Domain modules (Freeverb in the Mac version)
- each 32 channels x 6 effects parameters (192!) can have different values but are easy and intuitive set thanks to the Global Matrix controllers
- can operate in 32 channels Direct Mode or in Spatialized Mode
- in Spatialized Mode the 32 channels effects chain is distributed on 16 points that can be arranged and animated in every space with up to 24 points
- multichannel soft limiter option when using feedback
- Periphonic Spatial Mode to simplify the use with common surround / immersive formats (Atmos, domes, acousmoniums...)
- Volumetric Spatial Mode for advanced spatial control and true 3D speakers arrangements
- Spatial Shaper: basic 2D and 3D shapes (Sphere, Lines, Planes, Chaos) can be transformed, combined and animated
- Import/Export spatial configuration parameters values with other SpatStruments
- each spatial points positions (X, Y, Z, Center) can be used to control the effects parameters!
- four global LFO Modulators and wired patch system to animate most effects and spatial parameters
Note: since more than 24 channels plugins are not supported in Nuendo and Studio One a special truncated version is provided. 

Known issues:
- wired patch connections causes a little interruption in sound
- the Pitch processor can be quite demanding on CPU during animations!
- MacOS: lower quality Pitch processor and Reverberation; no Frequency Shifting

General presentation (in French)

S p a t S t r u m e n t   V B 3 2

Virtual Reality and Binaural
 

The SpatStrument VB32 is by some aspect simpler to use than other SpatStruments since its input and output spaces are fixed: a one or two layers 32 channels grid for the inputs, and 8 points arranged in circle or cube for the outputs.
It is because its spatialization mode is quite "inverted". Instead of moving sources between output points, it is the output group which is moved inside the inputs space, like we will do in a 6DOF VR game... or in real spaces.
It can work very well for an octophonic production, but it is mainly intended to be used in binaural, either with the internal convolution module or an external processor.
The Cube output brings support for 360° immersion, but to be honest binaural is generally not so good with elevation and the 2D/Circle mode seems to be better most of the time...
It can be simply played with the mouse for the horizontal plane, or better with a 3D gesture controller.
Exemples of use:
- binaural mix with movements (or octophonic spatialization) of 32 mono tracks
- replacements of the spatialization section of the SpatStrument FX24/32
- interactive sound design with SpatStrument AL32 
See also SpaceXplorer plugins.

Characteristics:
- 32 inputs arranged in two spatial configurations: a 2D grid with 32 points, and a two layers 16 points grid
- input channels can be freeley connected to the grid's points
- two fixed layouts 8 channels outputs (Circle and Cube)
- Scale: change the output size from a point (mono) to the more distant points
- X/Y Move, with inertia setting for very smooth
- Yaw (2D and 3D) + Pitch and Roll (3D)
- variable size and shape Area
- in 3D mode Elevation Balance and distance
- Rotation, Agitation and Orientation animators
- octophonic reverberation, with variable sends levels according to X/Y/Center points' spatial position
- integrated convolution HRTF processor, can load custom HRTF files (given Kemar, KU100 and four Rooms)
Note: since more than 24 channels plugins are not supported in Nuendo and Studio One a special truncated version is provided. 

Known issues:
- MacOS: no HRTF convolution; no Reverberation

SpatStrument VB32 (general presentation in French)

S p a t S t r u m e n t   C 2 4

 Creative Converter
 

SpatStrument C24 can be used to spatialize/transform the spatial mass of a 24 points sound produced by other SpatStruments.
In both cases Input and Output are represented on a plane for 2D and most Periphonic spaces, or in 3D for Volumetric sounds and formats.
The transformation of spatial masses is carried out globally with a few simple controls: their position in three dimensions, their orientation (Yaw, Pitch, Roll, Fold) and their 3D Scale ratio, allowing them to be reduced to a line or even a point. If automated, these shapes movements can follow non linear organic animations thaks to the Delay and Glue parameters.
For difficult cases or to obtain more free spatial effects, the Fader Mode provides up to 64 outputs to connect to each 24 inputs, and adjust up to 4 output levels for each one.
Examples of uses:
- place individual sounds/channels coming from SpatStrument PL32 or mono tracks
- animate the internal space of a multichannel sounds and fields...
See also the 64 channels SpaceConverters and ScaleMass plugins.

Characteristics:
- 24 Inputs and Outputs, Periphonic and Volumetric
- 6DOF transformations: 3D shifting and orientation of the whole multichannel sound space
- Yaw/Pitch/Roll by object + global space Yaw
- object and space Folding
- multichannel Pitch and Amplitude follower to modulate separately the 24 inputs positions (X, Y, Z, Scale, Yaw) from the input signal (Windows only)
- Fader Mode: send and adjust the levels of 24 Inputs to up to 64 Outputs, can be combined with the Spatial Shaper view
- Mover: animate the space inside the sound by cycling its channels

Known issues:

S p a t S t r u m e n t   T 2 4

Tools and uTilities
 

Whatever the space is, however abstract it can be like with ambisonics coding and OBA, there is always one moment where arises the question "what channel goes to what speaker?", or simply when having a visual confirmation of what you hear can help to make good choices.
There is also the need for calibration and all these little level adjustments, and also, particularly important, the Bass Management, which can not only produce a good sound but also can help unify the entire space of a speaker system. Last but not least, some hosts actually cannot record the multichannel sound that you produce...
The SpatStrument T24 is an All-In-One tool to put at the end of the production path, generaly on the Master track, eventually after the decoding or rendering stage, just before the soundcard and the speakers.
At the difference of the other SpatStruments, it does not create sounds and spaces, but it can be used in a wide range of production and show situations. You will also find a downscaled version of the Peaks, Test and Router section as separated MiniTools.
If 24 channels is not enough and if you prefer modularity, see also the 64 channels SpacedTest, SpacedView, SpacedRoute-S, MultiLevel, SimpleBass and SimpleAnalyzer.

Characteristics:
- View: organize the visual space freely or according to spatial formats for easy test and analyze ; view the channels peaks levels according to their spatial position ; Import/Export visual format compatible with Acousmodules's Spaced series (.am3d)
- Test: generate calibrated test signals (pink and white noise, sine, triangle, ramp, pulse, continuous or iterative, sweep) according to their spatial position ; play them sequentialy ; use an audio file as test signal
- Bass Management: 24 channels crossover filters (20 to 200 Hz) with two separated LFE sends ; Crossover and LowCut up to 16 order!
- Analyze: simple frequency analyzer, easy select the channels and combine them according to their spatial position ; can view the Inputs or the Outputs (can be useful for Bass Management setting)
- Levels: 24 channels gain settings (-40 to +12 dB)
- Route: 24 x 24 outputs patch with presets Import/Export
- Input Recorder: for hosts which don't have this possibility, record the audio input (preferably short...) as a multichannel wav file according to the format you have selected, up to 24 channels, in 16, 24 or 32 bits
- reminder: all of this does not work or has no meaning in stereo only hosts...

Known issues:
- changing the Bass Management filters order while playing can generate loud pops, so don't do it!
- Audio Recorder: selecting less channels than previously keeps the same number recorded

 SpatStrument T24: the Swiss knife of multichannel tools...

M i n i T o o l s   C o l l e c t i o n
 

Like in a hardware workshop, besides the big machines, we often need little tools that may come handy, one day or another, for a specific task or just to avoid to use the big one for such a thing ...
Nevertheless, this "MiniTools" collection can complete the SpatStruments series with interesting features that, for different reasons, has not been included in them. Some are adapted from regular Acousmodules (MiniDeco, MiniKeys, MiniPass...), others are just extracted from bigger ones, but a few are totally original (underlined). They constitute a modular multichannel ecosystem which can be useful for a large variety of creative or technical tasks.
They are suitable to sounds and spaces up to 24 channels (and sometimes more...). Note that Nuendo and Studio One are currently not compatible with plugins with more than 24 channels.
They are available for Windows as VST3 and for MacOS as Audio Units and VST3. Some of them are working well in Linux with Yabridge (separated download). Mac (MX = x86 and MA = Arm) and Linux (L) compatibilities are indicated below.
They can be downloaded only as a bundle which comprises always the latest available versions.

Known issues:

D o w n l o a d s

D O C S

User guides, writing in progress

SpatStrument SM24-EN (28/07/2023, still miss some parts)
SpatStrument PL32-FR (13/09/2023)
SpatStrument AL24
SpatStrument GR24-FR (22/09/2023)
SpatStrument FX24/32-FR (12/09/2023)
SpatStrument C24
SpatStrument VB32
SpatStrument T24-FR (13/09/2023)

MiniTools Collection - EN (11/11/2023)
MiniTools Collection - FR (11/11/2023)

W I N D O W S


all VST3 plugins in one archive, latest builds  

or separated:

Nuendo and Studio One (and possibly others) must use the 24 channels "truncated" versions (when they are available). 

M A C  O S
 

all VST3 and AU plugins in one archive, latest builds  

(please read the comments about missing features and OS efficiency)

or separated:

L I N U X

see the Win32 plugins and the Linux special page
 

Additional Resources

Spatial Configuration files for T24 (08/10/2023)

HRTF files

 

Configuration files for IEM MultiEncoder, SPARTA ambiENC and Binauralizer, GRM-Tools SpaceVR
to process and encode the files produced with the SpatStruments in binaural or ambisonics (01/07/2023)

H o s t s   s e t u p

SpatStrument SM24, PL32, GR24 and AL24 (generators):
Quick audio and MIDI setup in...

(multichannel audio setup and speakers is assumed to be set and working)

Reaper

1. set the Master Track to 24 channels and its Hardware Outputs to Multichannel / 24 (or less)
2. drag the SpatStrument from the FX Browser on the tracks list, or create a track and insert the SpatStrument as an FX
3. set the Track's channels to 24 (or less)
4. choose the Track's MIDI Input(s), activate recording and monitoring
5. Live Input: play an Audio file inserted on the SpatStrument's Track, or insert a new Track below and set the SpatStrument's track as Folder (or use a send)
+
6. to record the SpatStruments' output as a multichannel audio file, simply set the Track record mode to "Record: output (multichannel)"
7. if binaural (or ambisonic) conversion is needed insert a Binauralizer (or Encoder) plugin in the Master Track FX

Ardour

1. Master Input: add one by one 22 Audio Port (or less if you don't need them...)
2. connect the Master Audio Input channels to the Soundcard output channels matrix
3. insert a MIDI Track, remove the default General MIDI Synth and insert in place the SpatStrument SM24
4. in the Mixer connect the MIDI Track Audio Outputs to the Master matrix
5. bypass Ardour's multichannel circle panner on the Track and on the Master (it is alas not possible to remove it)
6. MIDI Track: select the controller(s) MIDI Input(s)
7. Live Input: insert a new Audio Track, add a Side Chain in SpatStrument's Process and connect it to its audio input
+
8. to record a multichannel audio file: create a new Audio Track with 24 channels (or less) and connect the SpatStrument's outputs to the Audio Track inputs matrix
9. if binaural (or ambisonic) conversion is needed insert a Binauralizer (or Encoder) plugin on the Master Track

Nuendo

1. in the Studio Audio Connexion create a Bus according to the spatial format you need among those which are listed, plus a 22.2 one even if it is not the format you are using (see below)
2. insert an 22.2 Audio Track with the output bus you need if it is different and it matches one of Nuendo's formats list (for instance 9.1.6)
3. insert the SpatStrument as FX
4. bypass the track's MultiPanner
5. insert a MIDI Track and set its MIDI input to "Any"
6. on the MIDI Track, select as output the Audio Track with the SpatStrument
7. Live Input: sound coming from the Audio Track's Input or from a file inserted on this track will go the SpatStrument's Input
+
8. to record the SpatStrument's output as a multichannel audio file (up to 16 or 24): from the Audio Track insert a Group Track
9. insert a new Audio Track with the multichannel bus corresponding to the number of channels or the spatial format you have set in the SpatStrument
10. select the Group Track as its Audio Input
11. if binaural (or ambisonic) conversion is needed, insert a Binauralizer (or Encoder) plugin on the output Bus FX or on the Record Track
Notes: Nuendo does not provide spatial busses between 16 (9.1.6) and 24 (22.2) channels, so you will have to select "22.2" if you want to record or convert a format which has more than 16 channels. In all cases it may be best to use the 22.2 bus as output (bypass MultiPanner) even if your spatial format is less. But ATTENTION: the Studio outputs connexions are not based on the channels numbers but on internal Steinberg's channels name, which are also different from NHK 22.2. Be VERY cautious when setting the bus connexions for other formats than Steinberg's 22.2!

Tracktion Waveform

1. insert a Track and drag the SpatStrument SM24 from the plugins browser
2. in the dialog box select "Create multi-out wrapper"
3. on the original track select the MPE controller as MIDI Input
4. all 12 tracks Out: select successive stereo pairs (1+2, 3+4, 5+6 etc.)
5. Live Input: select "Number of input on this track: 2", select an audio input as 2nd Input, or add an Audio Track and select it as 2nd Input (or 3rd...)
+
6. binaural or ambisonic conversion: insert a Binauralizer or an Encoder plugin in the Rack, and connect its inputs/outputs to the relevant SpatStrument and Rack outputs
> multichannel audio recording is not possible 

Bitwig Studio

1.
> binaural or ambisonic conversion and multichannel audio recording are not possible

Live

(instruments only)

(needs the VSTi version) 
1. drag the SpatStrument from the plugin list to the Tracks space
2. verify that the MPE option for the MPE controller MIDI input is NOT checked
3. MIDI Track: select as MIDI From the MPE controller / All channels, and as MIDI To the SpatStrument channel 1
4. duplicate the MIDI Track 8 times
5. for each duplicated track MIDI From select a different channel (Ch. 1, Ch. 2, etc.)
6. for each duplicated track MIDI To select a different instrument  channel (2-SpatStrument, 3-SpatStrument etc.)
7. duplicate the SpatStrument Track
8. in the duplicated track, select as Audio From "SpatStrument / 3-SpatStrument"
9. duplicate this track 10 times
10. in each duplicated track select a different SpatStrument number (it is the stereo outputs: 5-SpatStrument, 7-SpatStrument etc...)
11. in each 12 SpatStrument track select a different Audio To / Ext. Out: 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 etc.
12. turn ON all the tracks monitoring
13. Live Input: on the original SpatStrument track select as Audio From an Ext input or an Audio track
> binaural or ambisonic conversion and multichannel audio recording are not possible without some kind of routing through Max4Live
read also: https://support.roli.com/support/solutions/articles/36000019096-ableton-using-the-seaboard-rise-grand-with-ableton-live 

Logic Pro

needs the experimental Audio Unit version
1. insert an Instrument Track and choose the SpatStrument SM24 plugin
2. in the Mixer view click on the SpatStrument slot and at the right choose "multi outputs (12x2)"
3. add 11 Aux Tracks by clicking on the "+" button at the bottom
4. select the correct stereo outputs for each Aux Track (3-4, 5-6, 7-8...)
5. in the MIDI Environment change the SpatStrument's track MIDI channel to "All"
6. Live Input ?
> with this method binaural processing, ambisonic encoding and multichannel audio recording are not possible, but it may be perhaps feasible by routing each Aux Track with several stereo Sends busses to a multichannel Track? (maximum 12 channels, not tested and no idea how to do it...)

Samplitude

(instruments only)

(needs the VSTi version) 
1. insert a MIDI Track and insert the SpatStrument as Instrument
2. in the Routing dialog box, select Extended option, select "Multi-Channel" / "All Stereo", and uncheck "Audio/MIDI combined"
3. in the SpatStrument's Track Inspector choose the MPE controller and check the MPE option
4. all 12 tracks Out: select successive stereo pairs (1+2, 3+4, 5+6 etc.)
 > Live Input, binaural or ambisonic conversion and multichannel audio recording are not possible

Studio One 6

(instruments only)

(needs the VSTi version)
1. insert the SpatStrument on an Instrument track
2. in the mixer, select Instrument/Expand/activate each output
3. connect each output to the left or right side of successive stereo pairs (12 x 2 tracks)
> Live Input, binaural or ambisonic conversion and multichannel audio recording are not possible

 Studio One 6.5

(NOT VSTi)
two parts video which shows how to configure and use special versions of the SpatStruments:
general configuration in surround mode
conversion in Dolby Atmos
 

Bidule

1. insert the SpatStrument SM24
2. connect all the SpatStrument's outputs to the Audio Out (Ctrl/Cmd + drag)
3. insert one or several MIDI input(s) and connect it/them to the SpatStrument's MIDI Input
4. Live Input: insert and connect an Audio File Player to the SpatStrument's input, or connect it from the Soundcard Inputs
+
5. to record a multichannel audio file insert a multichannel Audio File Recorder between the SpatStrument and the Audio Out
6. to convert to binaural (or ambisonic) insert a Binauralizer (or an Encoder) plugin between the SpatStrument and the Audio Out

Cantabile, Carla, Element, GigPerformer, Max/MSP, VSTHost...

SpatStruments audio/MIDI setup follows the same principle as in Bidule, but these hosts may not support multichannel audio files recording.

Usine Hollyhock

1. create an empty Workspace
2. drag the SpatStrument SM24 from the Plugins Library pannel on an empty Rack
3. choose
4. open the Patch and add one by one 22 more Audio Outputs connexions from the SpatStrument
5. build a 24 channels Multichannel Output Device by adding one by one several Audio In and drag it to the end of the Rack
6. drag the MIDI Input(s) on top of the Rack
7. Live Input: add an Audio Input Device on top of the Rack
+
8. binaural conversion can be done by chaining a Binauralizer in the same Rack or by sending the Rack's multichannel Output to another one, additional connexions may be required
9. multichannel recording is possible via the Record Output
(imortant note: operation with the SpatStrument may not be reliable...)

For DAWs which don't have multichannel busses or which cannot use them with the SpatStrument:
- it may be possible to record or to render multi-stereo tracks
- if multichannel connexions are allowed use the SpatStrument T24 audio recorder!
- for RME users, multichannel recording of the DAWs output is always possible with TotalMix
- binaural conversion and monitoring may be possible with a standalone application linked by an audio router (like SpatGris or Flux SpatRevolution)

Hosts habilities summary

* Dolby Atmos conversion must be possible with Fiedler Audio Dolby Atmos Composer plugin (free!)
- in italics = not tested

SpatStruments output and other spatial formats