Panning types

• VBAP 2D/3D (Vector Base Amplitude Panning)

http://lib.tkk.fi/Diss/2001/isbn9512255324/article1.pdf

 

"[...]Using the method, vector base amplitude panning (VBAP), it is possible to create two- or three-dimensional sound fields where any number of loudspeakers can be placed arbitrarily. The method produces virtual sound sources that are as sharp as is possible with current loudspeaker configuration and amplitude panning methods."

 

"[...]the approach enables the use of an unlimited number of loudspeakers in an arbitrary two- or three-dimensional placement around the listener. The loudspeakers are required to be nearly equidistant from the listener, and the listening room is assumed to be not very reverberant. Multiple moving or stationary sounds can be positionned in any direction in the sound field spanned by the loudspeaker."

 

The VBAP technology utilizes the data for each specific speaker position. It uses the three speakers closest to the desired position of the source. This approach is based on the directional component of the vectors corresponding to the two or three speakers placed closest to the sound source.

 

 

 

• VBIP (Vector-based intensity panning)

VBAP like, but intensity panning instead of amplitude panning

• DBAP (Distance-Based Amplitude Panning)

Does not rely on any assumptions regarding speaker array or listener position, which is good for avoiding sweet spots. Perfect if using irregular loudspeaker layouts.

 

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/8fed/f0c12b58d4af2a94af6a817021ee812bf6a8.pdf

 

"[...]Most common techniques for spatialization require the lis-

tener to be positioned at a “sweet spot” surrounded by loud-

speakers. For practical concert, stage, and installation appli-

cations such layouts may not be desirable.  Distance-based

amplitude  panning  (DBAP)  offers  an  alternative  panning-

based spatialization method where no assumptions are made

concerning the layout of the speaker array nor the position

of the listener."

 

"[...]Distance-based amplitude panning (DBAP) is a matrix-

based  spatialization  technique  that  takes  the  actual  posi-

tions  of  the  speakers  in  space  as  the  point  of  departure,

while  making  no  assumptions  as  to  where  the  listeners

are  situated.   This  makes  DBAP  useful  for  a  number  of

real-world  situations  such  as  concerts,  stage  productions,

installations,  and  museum  sound  design  where  prede-

fined geometric speaker layouts may not apply"

 

The DBAP technology is based on amplitude panning, applied to a series of speakers. The gain applied to each speaker is calculated according to an attenuation model based on the distance between the sound source and each speaker.

• KNN (amplitude panning over the K-nearest speakers)

This technic is pretty close to DBAP. It's an amplitude panning based on the distance between the virtual source and the K-nearest speakers.

 

• AEP (ambisonic equivalent panning in 2D/3D)

Can simulate any ambisonic order panning.

 

http://write.flossmanuals.net/csound/b-panning-and-spatialization/

 

"[...] its implementation is straightforward and the computation time is short and independent of the Ambisonics order simulated. Hence it is particularly useful for real-time applications, for panning in connection with sequencer programs and for experimentation with high and non-integral Ambisonic orders."

 

 

http://decoy.iki.fi/dsound/ambisonic/motherlode/source/ICMC08_AEP_paper.pdf

 

"[...] A  further advantage of AEP is the possibility to use an arbitrary order of directivity for each individual sound source. It becomes possible to mix pre-recorded low order ambisonic B-format, medium order ambient sounds, high order precise localisable sound and sounds with changing localizability. How the

individual sounds are perceived if different orders are used at the same time is an open question that  can be answered only by experience."

 

 

 

• PANR (traditionnal spat~ pair-wise panning over a regular arrangement of loudspeakers on a plane)

Legacy IRCAM panning, it's advised not to use it anymore in new projects.