Spatial audio pioneer TiMax has launched TiMax panLab, the first major product release since both TiMax and panLab joined the Focusrite stable.
Continuing its mission to democratise access to spatial audio, the new macOS application packs a vastly augmented feature set to enable users to take spatialised audio designs further in both entry-level and large-scale systems. At launch, TiMax panLab adds 3D rendering capabilities to QLab, alongside a wide range of mixing consoles and system processors and now for the first time, TiMax SoundHub.
The simplicity of the 3D user interface in TiMax panLab offers a powerful means for creators to craft multi-dimensional audio soundscapes. The finely-honed UX design of the original panLab spatial programming platform developed by the recently acquired Innovate Audio, has impacted with two decades of spatialisation and showcontrol experience directly from TiMax.
With TiMax panLab, a simple and intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows users to visualise and manipulate audio in a 3D space. The process of positioning elements such as loudspeakers and sources on to the 3D visual interface enables users to quickly and simply set up complex 3D spatial audio environments.
‘With simplicity and ease of use a defining characteristic of the application, new and existing users will feel immediately at home in TiMax panLab,’ the company says. ‘Once inside the application, users will discover access to both the original panLab functionality to work directly with QLab, panLab Console to interface with mixing consoles, plus all-new access to enhanced spatial pan programming and live cue management for shows and systems mapped and rendered in the TiMax SoundHub spatial processor.’
TiMax panLab’s 3D user interface sets it apart from other spatial audio control packages and can be programmed in offline mode without connection to a QLab workspace. With sources and loudspeakers placed within the 3D space, users can take advantage of the proprietary 3D amplitude-based panning algorithm to manipulate object positions not only on the x- and y- axes but also on the height axis.
Sequence paths can be drawn directly in to the 3D space where either individual nodes or the complex path can be then moved and changed – and now also looped. When sequences are played back in QLab the movement automation is displayed in panLab.
TiMax panLab features new levels of control over actions and output. Sequences benefit from the addition of tempo mapping. The new software offers a tap tempo function and the ability to specify the number of bars each sequence should play across. Multi-selection is also available all across the user interface, adding speed and accuracy to object updates, whether for positioning or object level control.
Significant performance improvements have been included in TiMax panLab. The software is built on a new animation engine to allow further functionality to be added in future updates and to offer an augmented experience for panLab Console users. An additional focus on optimisation for older Intel Macs assures greater access of TiMax panLab to a wider range of users.
Each download of the new TiMax panLab comes with a free seven-day trial of the Ultimate licence, enabling users to connect to QLab, any supported mixer or processor, as well as any TiMax SoundHub. There are multiple license options depending on individual requirements, and working offline is free.
