8ch Sound Installation - 2D Panning
Hi everyone, I'm new to Max MSP and I was interested in using Max for a sound experiment involving 8 speakers. I have an interface with 8ch's out and the speakers, and for an experiment I'd like to arrange them in a circle with the listener in the center and have multiple sounds play simultaneously in different spots in the circle. I'd like to also automate the panning the sounds as they're playing to move them around inside this circle.
What tools and concepts should I be ramping up on first? Any particular examples that I should be reading up on? Thanks!
Years ago I'd have recommended VBAP but nowadays I would say you should really try and use an ambisonic system if you can - the results are much more compelling.
In the case of your example, VBAP is better at making the sound sound like it's coming from a particular direction outside of the circle, whereas ambisonics can actually make sounds sound like they are somewhere inside the circle too (or far outside, etc.)
If you are new you probably don't want to dive deep into the gritty details.. do you by chance have Ableton Live? If you do, it could be an excellent control system for a Max-based ambisonics setup, in which case Envelop would suit your needs perfectly:
Much easier for someone new than fussing around with the HOA library it's based off of to get something going exclusively within Max, as long as you can get it all connected without too much trouble.
Easiest to use = el.npan~ , part of Lyon Porpourri
There were also quite few topics and solutions covering
multichannel panning using plain max objects in the forum.
Just search multichannel panning, circular pan etc