The SeamLess software system aims at a combined use of different spatial sound reproduction methods, such as Wave Field Synthesis and Ambisonics, in a robust, user-friendly workflow.

The rendering back-end is based on free and open source components, running on multiple Linux servers, thus allowing the operation of large loudspeaker setups. Using a send-based signal routing paradigm with an OSC message distribution software, the individual rendering engines can be combined seamlessly and extended with additional methods. Content can be created and played back using digital audio workstation projects which are unaware of the reproduction systems and make use of OSC automation plugins. This ensures a straightforward transfer of content between different sites and speaker configurations. Due to its adaptability, the proposed system is considered a potential solution for comparable setups with larger numbers of loudspeakers.

The software has been designed for the Listening Room of the ethnological museum in the Humboldt Forum Berlin. In a continuing cooperation, the project investigates the use of the elaborate audio system in the museum context.

SeamLess relies mainly on free and open source software for using multiple loudspeaker systems without barriers. Audio signal processing is implemented in SuperCollider and Faust. Control messages are handled in a custom Python tool. Advanced scheduling and remote control have been added for a smooth operation in public venues.

WFS rendering is driven by a minimal version of Wonder, the original TU WFS software. Ambisonics is realized with the ADT, in combination with SuperCollider and the SC-HOA plugins.

Read more in the ICMC 2021 paper.

The SeamLess system is a project of the TU Studio team:

• Henrik von Coler
• Paul Schuladen
• Nils Tonnätt