Get Started

What would you like to explore? Choose a starting point below.

🎛️ Plugins for REAPER Encode, decode, spatialise. Free VST3/AU/LV2 suite — encoder, decoder, monitor, animator. 🧊 Max Externals Live spatialisation and algorithmic sound in Max/MSP. Runs natively in Max 8.
🎼 Studio Practice Composing in 3D space — spatial parameters, room capture, binaural delivery, notation. (Guide coming soon)
🎧 Concerts & ASCOLTA Acousmatic listening sessions and concerts at ZHdK — spatial works performed live.

🎛️ New to the ICST Ambisonics Plugins?

Follow the four steps below — from first concepts to a working Ambisonics session in REAPER. Estimated time: 1–2 hours. All tools are free and open source.

Level: Beginner | Audience: Composer, student, producer, technician.

First time here?

Start with the guided path below if you want context, setup help, and a reliable first session without guessing what comes next.

Start with step 1 Read Ambisonics 101

Already comfortable with REAPER?

If you want the fastest route to sound, jump straight to installation or the quick start and come back for the deeper concepts later.

Open Quick Start Install plugins
  1. 1

    Understand Ambisonics — the concepts

    B-Format, HOA orders, ACN/SN3D, encoder vs. decoder — the 15-minute read that makes everything else click. Includes a signal flow diagram showing the path from mono source to speakers or binaural output.

    Ambisonics 101 →
  2. 2

    Install the plugins

    macOS and Windows instructions — VST3/AU install paths, REAPER rescan, Gatekeeper fix on macOS. Also covers ReaPack and SWS extension setup.

    Installation Guide → Download from GitHub →
  3. 3

    Build your first session — step by step

    The full walkthrough: set up a B-Format bus, add the MultiEncoder, configure the decoder for speakers or binaural, check levels, render. With screenshots and annotated GIFs at every step.

    Step-by-Step Setup → Quick Start (5 min) →
  4. 4

    Go deeper — tutorials and references

    OSC control, multi-decoder mode, group panning, DAW bridging (Ableton + REAPER), controller integration (GyrOSC, GRAPES) — all in the tutorial library, filtered by difficulty.

    All Tutorials → OSC Syntax Reference → @ZHDK_ICST on YouTube →

Questions? Check the FAQ first. Common installation issues, signal flow problems, and OSC troubleshooting are covered there.

Prefer an offline version or want to print the guide?

 Download as PDF

🎼 Ready to compose?

Once the plugins are running, the next step is spatial thinking — how to use movement, depth, and room acoustics as compositional material.

🎼 Composing in Ambisonics

From analytical listening and spatial counterpoint to room capture and binaural delivery — a curated guide for composers working in 3D audio. Coming soon.

🏛️ Work in the ICST Studio

Apply for a residency at the ICST Composition Studio — 31-speaker Ambisonics system, ZHdK Zurich, supported by ICST.

Studio Residencies Resident Guide