The SuperPanner 2.0 by DarlingLee is an advanced sound phase positioning tool that can be used to manipulate the spatial positioning of sound. This Max4Live device, designed specifically for Ableton Live, provides an excellent solution for producers and sound engineers, giving them unprecedented control over stereophonic adjustment and enhancing their creative possibilities.
One of the key features of the SuperPanner 2.0 is its three modes of constructing a stereo field. The Separate mode allows independent attenuation of the left and right channels, reminiscent of the technique utilized in Protools. Alternating mode, on the other hand, helps to retain all channel signals by compensating the attenuated side's signal on the other side ensuring no loss of the original signal during the phase adjustment of the stereo audio. Meanwhile, the Virtual Reality Audio mode draws upon the brain's innate understanding of spatial orientation, by applying time difference analysis to the signals received by the two ears, creating a perceived sound phase shift.
But what sets SuperPanner 2.0 apart is its innovative 'angle' and 'depth' parameters. These replaced the traditional front and back, left and right controls, offering a single knob to manage the entire sound orientation. This ground-breaking control method adds an entirely new dimension to sound phase positioning, making it an indispensable tool for sound creation.
This unique tool incorporates a redesigned User Interface with a sleek look and optimised operation. The plugin comes in dual-language support with the ability to manually switch between English and Chinese versions. This makes it an extremely user-friendly tool, catering to a diverse user base.
SuperPanner 2.0, released on September 26, 2024, requires the Live version 11.3.30 and Max version 8.5.8. However, it's essential to note that this innovative tool comes with a commercial license. Despite this, considering the features on offer and the creative control it provides, it's definitely a worthy addition for any serious Ableton user.
For anyone interested in increasing their stereophonic manipulation capabilities, SuperPanner 2.0 can be downloaded from the author's website as well as from https://maxforlive.com/library/device/11129/superpanner.
To conclude, the technologically advanced SuperPanner 2.0 offers unprecedented control over spatial sound placement. Whether you are an aspiring music producer or a seasoned audio engineer, this tool, with its unique features and user-friendly design, is bound to boost the overall production quality of your music, making every Ableton Live session an opportunity for creating immersive audio experiences.
Example Usage
Let's enhance a basic piano track with SuperPanner 2.0 to create a more dynamic stereo image in Ableton Live:
- Begin by recording or inserting a MIDI clip with a simple piano melody onto a MIDI track in an Ableton Live Set.
- Load a piano instrument of your choice from Ableton Live's instrument library onto the same track.
- Drag and drop the SuperPanner 2.0 Max4Live device onto your piano track. The device will appear after the instrument in your device chain.
- Start playback of your piano clip. You will see the SuperPanner 2.0 interface. Begin by setting the knob to a moderate angle, say 45 degrees to the right, to start introducing some spatial movement to your piano sound.
- Adjust the 'depth' control to bring the piano sound forward in the mix slightly. A lower depth setting will bring the sound closer to the listener, while a higher setting will push it back.
- Experiment with the different modes – Separate, Alternating, and Virtual Reality Audio – by clicking the appropriate buttons. Hear how each mode alters the stereo image. For instance, try the Virtual Reality Audio mode to introduce subtle differences in timing between the left and right channels, simulating how we perceive directionality in real life.
- Combine the angle and depth settings to situate your piano in a three-dimensional space. You may want to have it slightly to the right and a bit further back to leave room for vocals or other instruments in the center and closer to the listener.
Remember to use your ears and make adjustments according to what best serves your track. With SuperPanner 2.0, you can add life to static sounds and place elements more deliberately within the stereo field, creating a more immersive listening experience.
In this intermediate-level usage example with the SuperPanner 2.0, we'll explore a practical application of creating depth and movement in a mix by spatially placing an element within the stereophonic field. This example assumes that you have basic knowledge of Ableton Live’s interface and have SuperPanner 2.0 installed.
Scenario: You are working on a track with ambient pads that you want to move across the stereo field, not just left and right but also with a sense of depth (front to back).
- Insert SuperPanner 2.0: Load a pad sound in Ableton Live and insert SuperPanner 2.0 on the same track. This device will directly manipulate the stereo position of our pad sound.
- Initial Settings: Start with the default settings on SuperPanner 2.0. Play your pad sound and listen to it in the stereo field to have a reference point.
- Creating Depth: Slowly increase the 'Depth' parameter. This controls the front-back positioning of your sound. Experiment with different depths to find a sweet spot where your pad seems to 'float' in the mix, giving it a sense of distance from the listener.
- Adjusting Angle: Once you’ve set the depth, use the 'Angle' knob to rotate the sound within the stereo field. Imagine that your speaker setup is a stage, and you’re placing the pad sound in a specific spot in relation to the other elements in your track.
- Movement Automation: To create movement, you can automate the 'Angle' parameter. Draw an automation curve that slowly pans the pad from left to right, and then from right to left. With careful listening, find a rate of movement that complements the tempo and feel of your track.
- Virtual Reality Audio Mode: To add an extra dimension to your pad, switch to Virtual Reality Audio mode. This mode will use time delay between channels to simulate a more natural and immersive spatial effect. It's subtle but can make a big difference in headphones or a well-set-up stereo system.
- Fine-tuning: Remember that subtle adjustments can often be more effective than extreme settings. Adjust the 'Depth' and 'Angle' smoothly to ensure the movement feels part of the track, rather than an exaggerated effect that distracts the listener.
- Contextual Balance: As you add movement, periodically bypass SuperPanner 2.0 to ensure that the effect is enhancing your mix and not overshadowing other elements.
Remember, SuperPanner 2.0 is not only a tool for creating movement but also a powerful spatial positioning tool. Use it thoughtfully to create space and depth in your mixes, making each element shine in its right place within the three-dimensional stereo field.
Further Thoughts
In this session, we will delve into creating an immersive soundscape by strategically using the SuperPanner 2.0 within an Ableton Live project to enhance the depth and width of our mix. Our scenario involves a cinematic ambient track that begs for a sense of spaciousness and dimensionality.
Begin by loading the SuperPanner 2.0 onto an existing track with a prominent melodic element—let's say a haunting cello line. The goal is to place this cello in a 3D stereophonic space that will ebb and flow throughout the piece. To start, automate the 'angle' parameter of the SuperPanner to create a slow arc that shifts from left to center and then gently over to the right. Imagine the cello player moving in a semicircle around the listener.
Next, we'll adjust the 'depth' parameter to move the sound of the cello front to back in the mix. As the cello line reaches its emotional peak, increase the depth to simulate the cello moving closer to the listener for an intimate experience. Conversely, as the line recedes, decrease the depth to create the illusion of the cello moving away, enhancing the sense of space in the mix.
To add variety and retain listener interest, utilize the Virtual Reality Audio mode. Throughout the composition, especially during quieter sections or breaks, introduce subtle delays to simulate the natural time differences our ears perceive in a real environment. This will give an even more realistic sense of space to your cello, creating an enveloping auditory experience.
For an advanced application, create a return track in Ableton with a dense reverb, and send the cello to it. Place another instance of the SuperPanner 2.0 post-reverb, and invert the angle of the panner compared to the dry signal's panning automation. This will result in the reverb tail appearing to emanate from the opposite direction of the cello's perceived position, further embellishing the 3D space and simulating a realistic environment where reflections come from multiple directions.
Pair this approach by automating the depth parameter to match the intensity of the piece. During crescendos, bring the reverb closer, and in more subdued moments, push it further back in the mix. This dynamic application not only places the cello spatially but also its reflective environment, making for a truly immersive mixing technique.
In conclusion, using the SuperPanner 2.0 within Ableton Live opens up a wealth of creative possibilities for sound placement in the stereo field. By taking control of the angle and depth parameters, as well as employing the distinctive Virtual Reality Audio mode for a hyper-realistic depiction of space, you can create a captivating and multidimensional soundscape that fully engages your listeners.