[maxmsp] Re: Re: ambisonics for non-standar speaker setup

check out vbap (vector based amplitude panning), it's a calulator for  
pairwise panning in 2D or triplewise panning 3D.
it does implement a spread factor, so a source can extend over more  
than just the immediate neighbouring speakers.

http://www.maxobjects.com/? 
v=objects&id_objet=1197&requested=vbap&operateur=AND&id_plateforme=0
http://www.acoustics.hut.fi/software/vbap/MAX_MSP/

> unfortunately dbap is for mac, i have pc...

vbap is fully crossplatform. it uses the now "standard distro"  
matrix~ object for DSP processing.

> anyway, can anyone tell me if simple stereo panning works in 3d  
> arrays of speakers?

hmm, no. since you have to take into account more than 2 speakers.  
vbap implements triangles, which is the minimum neighbourhood for a  
source in a sphere.

> Is it nessecery to work with ambisonics?

not at all. vbap is a very viable light-weight solution and gives  
very good pinpoint localisation if you have enough speakers.  
ambisonics is a more complex beast which works on the principle of  
generating a full spherical soundfield on all speakers at the same time.

for some theory on ambisonics go to:

http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/mustech/3d_audio/ambis2.htm

hth

/*j