Initiation to Sound Spatialization Using Max
The Spatialisator is software dedicated to spatialization processing of sound signals in Max in the contexts of musical creation, post-production, and live concert situations.
During this course, participants discover spatialization techniques with and without the Spatializer.
Objectives
Upon completion of the program, participants will have acquired a foundation of the perception of space and the various spatialization techniques. They will be able to build, in Max, their own spatialization modules and control them in real-time or off-line, using a range of writing and control methods. They will master the basics of the Spatialisateur
Public
Composers, musicians, engineers, sound engineers, teachers, artists, creators...
Prerequisites
- Participants must be able to justify a good knowledge of Max and its environment: completion and understanding of the basic Max tutorials (Max Basisc tutorials 1 à 11, 14 à 22, Max Data tutorials 1 et 2, MSP tutorials, MSP Basics tutorials 1 à 5, MSP Panning tutorials 1 à 3, MSP Analysis tutorials 1 à 2, MSP Delay tutorials 1 à 3 et 6) or to have followed the Max Initiation course
- Possess a good knowledge of technical English vocabulary and terms used in common audio software.
- A good knowledge de how to use of an audio sequencer (Ableton Live, Reaper, Protools, Logic Pro...) is also recommended (automations).
- Mastery of the basic functions of a Macintosh computer (use of a keyboard and mouse, create and manage files and folders, use menus, launch an application).
Training Period and Organization
30 hours of training. Monday-Friday, April 13-17, 2026. 10am-1pm/2:30pm-5:30pm
10 students maximum
In the event that IRCAM cannot physically welcome students for a program that requires face-to-face instruction, the program will be cancelled.
Program
This is not a training course on Ableton Live, Reaper and Max software.
Some details of the training program are subject to revision as the software on which it is based evolves.
Monday
| Morning | Introduction to the theory of spatial listening and the general principles of spatialization. Listening to important pieces in the history of spatialized music. Reminder of the notions to know in Max to be able to follow the course. |
| Afternoon | Learning to spatialize using Max standard objects. |
Tuesday
| Morning | Creation of a spatialization patch capable of simulating the acoustic effects that occur based on distance. Creation of a Schroeder reverberation. |
| Afternoon | Creation of reverb based on Feedback Delay Networks. Introduction to the basic concepts and features of the Spatialisateur in Max. |
Wednesday
| Morning | Study of the internal structure of Spat. Room simulations: Spat reverberation parameters. Familiarisation with spatializer library and hands-on work on some typical configurations: broadcasting on 4, 8 speakers, with dif-ferent panning techniques (vbap, binaural, 5.1, etc.). Parameter memorization: creation of presets/snapshots. Writing of elementary trajectories with messages. |
| Afternoon | Introduction to spatialization techniques using amplitude panning and acoustic field reconstruction (HOA and WFS). |
Thursday
| Morning | Sound recording (outdoor and indoor) in small groups to identify the constraints imposed on a spatialization project during record-ing. Preparation of a small sound scene in a DAW (a Reaper or Live session). |
| Afternoon | Writing spatialization from a DAW session using the Oscar plugin to drive Spat and/or Panoramix via OSC and DAW automation. |
Friday
| Morning | Summary and review of fundamental concepts covered. Analytical listening to different spatialization techniques (amplitude panning and HOA) in a multichannel studio (24/26 speakers). Methodology and strategies for a spatialized project. Evaluation and corrections. |
| Afternoon | Listening sessions in Studio. Presentation by an IRCAM sound engineer. |
Educational Resources and Techniques
- Classroom equipped with computers iMac combined with small MIDI keyboards/controllers.
- Class Format: Training alternates explanations on theory and hands-on exercises.
- Didactic Materials: Video-projected presentations and documents.
The Max, Ableton Live, Reaper, Panoramix and the Spat librairy environments are not included in the course fee.
Supervision
- Welcome the first day of training beginning at 9:45am.
- Attendance controlled; signature of an attendance sheet required every morning and afternoon.
- A certificate at the end of the program is given to each participant with the results of the exam.
.Assessment
- Evaluation of projects carried out throughout the program and assessment of knowledge in the form of a multiple choice question.