THX Launches Upgraded THX Spatial Creator Plugin with Synchronized Immersive Audio Feature

June 28 2024, 00:35
THX and online marketplace Plugin Alliance launched version 1.1 of THX Spatial Creator, a digital audio workstation (DAW) plugin that is basically a positional audio rendering tool for immersive production. It enables headphone-optimized binaural spatial audio mixes, mono/stereo audio upmix conversion, and is compatible with most DAWs. THX Spatial Creator version 1.1 now automatically synchronizes any motion preset to match the tempo of a project or song’s beats per minute (BPM) - a quick and efficient way to add spatial detail to any audio mix, particularly when referenced to video.
 

According to the high-fidelity audio and video tuning, certification, and technology organization, THX Spatial Creator version 1.1 offers five new motion modes, and six new room presets, and even adds 4K resolution monitor support, giving creators more dynamic options and tools to build their content and help bring their concepts to reality to delight their audiences. When using the new tempo-based motion “Sync” feature, any preconfigured motion pattern will automatically synchronize to the project or song’s beats per minute. 

"It has long been THX’s mission to empower artists," says Mike Henein, director of product development, THX. "Mixing your music in immersive audio formats provides a plethora of benefits for you and your audiences. It enhances your creative expression, increases listener engagement and future-proofs your music."

To generate this synchronized spatial effects, the sound source sent to the THX Spatial Creator plugin will automatically follow preset patterns, like a circle or oval around the head, or left-to-right or front-to-back auto-panning. The Run control can operate in both "Free" motion which lets the creator manually start and stop the motion, and now also in "Sync" mode for auto-synchronizing to beats per minute. Users can have even more control by automating the Source Parameters to generate increasingly interesting and complex motion effects, which might include the sound source alternating between static and actively moving. 

The enhanced Acoustic Parameters now offers four sets of controls: Advanced HRTF (head related transfer function), Size, Room, and Filter to customize and fine-tuning the virtual room, gain controls, room presets, and tonal characteristics of the spatialized content. Also, an extensive new list of Acoustic Room presets has been added including Large Club, Concert Hall, Wine Cellar, Live Drum Room, and Podcast Speech to quickly get a desired effect.
 

THX Spatial Audio is output with a 7.1 channel format and object metadata and was originally developed for gaming applications (THX is owned by Razer). Launched in 2018, THX Spatial Audio supports stereo, multichannel, Ambisonics, and object-based content, and is based on MPEG-H open standards, while also adopting general HRTF profiles custom-designed by THX for binaural rendering to headphones. In 2022, THX added 3D audio, acoustic environment optimization technology, and personalization technologies from VisiSonics (CEVA) for headphones. When embedded in devices such as headphones or gaming headsets, laptops or soundbars, or processed through an app for Windows and Mac, THX Spatial Audio uses variants of acoustic crosstalk cancellation and a stereo widener to enhance the spatial perception.

The THX Spatial Creator plugin was introduced in 2023 to accelerate the creation of immersive narrative elements for both videos or movies and music. The THX plugin essentially is a creative tool that allows audio elements to be positioned more authentically in a virtual acoustic environment. Obviously, to help creators promote their spatial audio content using THX branding, users of the plugin have access and permission to use the official THX Spatial Creator logo. This can be used to promote their work on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and other sites ensuring listeners know they have mixed the content for the THX Spatial Audio immersive experience.

THX Spatial Creator is available at Plugin Alliance for an MSRP of $249 (check regularly for discounts). Users of THX Spatial Creator version 1.0 can download an updated version on the Plugin Alliance site for free.
www.plugin-alliance.com
www.THX.com
 
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About Joao Martins
Since 2013, Joao Martins leads audioXpress as editor-in-chief of the US-based magazine and website, the leading audio electronics, audio product development and design publication, working also as international editor for Voice Coil, the leading periodical for... Read more

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