4 speaker setup
In this example we work with Reaper, Focusrite interface, 4 speakers, windows desktop.
The idea is to place the speakers in a square position so you can hear the audio coming from different directions.
Software to be installed:
Reaper we work with Reaper because its free relitavely easy to setup
Focusrite control software (make sure you choose for the right device, focusrite interfaces come in very different forms and there don't all work with the same software)
Work with mono files
Since a 4 speaker setup is 2 x stereo and you want your audio devided over the seperate (4) channels you need to convert your audio files to mono first.
With Reaper folow this short tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLr0FPxd3K0&t=20s
Save the file:
Connect Focusrite interface
Open Focusrite control software
In the Output Routing tab Change stereo Monitor en Line outputs to mono by clicking [stereo]
To be able to hear anything through channel 1 & 2 you need to TURN UP THE MAIN VOLUME on the interface, or else you only hear channel 3 & 4 ;)
Create your Reaper multichannel audio file
Use command T(mac) or control T(windows) to make 4 tracks. Place your mono audio files on your tracks
View > Routing Matrix & Mixer
In the Routing Matrix change your settings so it looks like this:
Now you should be able to play your audio through the 4 channels.
In the focusrite control software you can adjust the level of volume of the different cahnnels. change 3 & 4 so it matches 1 & 2.
Next step might be to automate this file from other software... Depends on the software, any requests? Send an email to blackbox.ibb-pastoe@hku.nl & blackbox.oudenoord@hku.nl we'll get back to you on that!