ICST Encoders

Institute for Computer Music and Sound Technology (ICST) · Zurich University of the Arts

ICST AmbiEncoders

The ICST AmbiEncoders position and move sound sources within the Ambisonics B-format field. Two encoder variants are available:

  • Mono-Encoder (A) – Positions or moves a single mono source in 3D space.
  • Multi-Encoder (B) – Positions or moves up to 64 sources per audio track, organized into up to 8 groups. Each group can be manipulated relative to its group center, enabling complex spatial choreographies.

A key distinction of the ICST encoders is their built-in distance simulation: a distance scaler applies lowpass filtering and a basic Doppler effect to model depth and proximity perception.

Incoming and outgoing parameters can be sent and received via OSC.

ℹ️ Info

Wiki: ICST AmbiEncoder · GitHub

💬 Example

Video: ICST Ambisonics Plugins – 02 – Encoder and Routing https://youtu.be/-U0t8sjeTsw?si=zJh9QpgOKeFe2BL0

Overview

![[Overview AmbiEncoder.png]]

LabelDescription
AMono-Encoder – positions/moves a single mono source
BMulti-Encoder – positions/moves up to 64 sources per track

User Interface

Main Controls

  1. Settings – Opens the Encoder Settings window
  2. Help – Opens the Help window

![[CleanShot 2026-03-04 at 15.04.30@2x.png]]

Source Window (3)

![[CleanShot 2026-03-04 at 15.02.00@2x.png]]

Displays and controls individual sources. Each source can be positioned by azimuth, elevation, and distance.

Encoding Settings (4)

![[CleanShot 2026-03-04 at 15.02.47@2x.png]]

Configures the Ambisonics encoding parameters such as order and channel format.

![[CleanShot 2026-03-04 at 18.09.16.png]]

Radar (5)

Visual top-down display of the sound field showing the current positions of all sources.

Example

![[CleanShot 2026-03-04 at 18.03.59.png]]

OSC Integration (6 & 7)

  1. OSC Inputs & JavaScript – Receives OSC messages and allows custom JavaScript for parameter control
  2. OSC Output – Sends encoder state as OSC messages to external applications
💬 Example

Video: ICST Ambisonics Plugins – 03 – OSC Part 1 https://youtu.be/7_s-jaUQa14?si=NM8TPRrigY_egDfC

Additional Controls

  1. Distance Scaler – Simulates distance perception via lowpass filtering and Doppler effect
  2. Infiniti – Enables infinite distance mode, placing sources at the far field boundary
  3. Gain / Volume – Adjusts the input or output gain of the encoder
  4. Import & Export – Imports or exports source configurations as files
  5. Groups Editor – Manages source groups; each group can be repositioned relative to its group center

Example: Create Groups

![[create groups.png]]

Example: Group Manipulation & Animation

![[2c34531a-ff69-490d-c9d0-e3ea82eb29b0.gif]]

  1. Save & Load Presets – Stores and recalls complete encoder configurations

Summary

The ICST AmbiEncoders offer:

  • Mono and multi-source encoding (up to 64 sources per track)
  • Group-based spatial choreography with up to 8 groups
  • Distance simulation with lowpass filtering and Doppler effect
  • Full OSC integration (input, output, and JavaScript scripting)
  • Preset management for reproducible sessions

©2026 ICST

Animator ICST MultiDecoder