Sound should not only be heard, but experienced. This is exactly what Create.Control makes possible. The new software from d&b audiotechnik opens up new ways for sound designers and sound engineers to create and dynamically control spatial audio worlds.
Introduction to the new sound control
d&b Create.Control software with stage plan and marked sound sources
With Create.Control, d&b audiotechnik introduces a software tool that fundamentally simplifies creative work with spatial sound. The application is part of the d&b Soundscape ecosystem and is aimed at sound designers, sound engineers and production crews who want to create immersive audio experiences: from theaters to open-air festivals.
While technical and creative workflows were often separate in the past, Create.Control unites both worlds in a clear, visual interface. The aim is to make spatial sound design intuitive and flexible, regardless of location, system configuration or project stage.
What exactly is d&b Create.Control?
d&b Create.Control is a stand-alone software for object-based audio, i.e. a form of sound design in which individual sound sources (so-called sound objects) can be freely positioned and moved in space. The software makes it possible to arrange these objects graphically, animate them and add parameters such as volume, movement or effect sequences.
In contrast to classic mixing console approaches, where sound tracks are statically distributed to loudspeaker channels, Create.Control offers a three-dimensional sound field that can be adapted to the real acoustics of a venue.
The software communicates via the OCA (Open Control Architecture) protocol with the DS100 Signal Engine – the heart of the d&b Soundscape system – and can thus control sound objects in real time.
The new Create.Control software is our next step in making Soundscape even more accessible. Following the introduction of scalable I/O configurations for the DS100 and DS100M and redundancy packages, this software adds an intuitive interface to the Soundscape toolkit.
Robb Allan, Principal Product Manager Soundscape, d&b audiotechnik
Background: Soundscape as an ecosystem
To properly categorize Create.Control, it is worth taking a look at the larger system. d&b Soundscape consists of several components:
- DS100 Signal Engine: a 64×64 audio matrix with powerful signal processing.
- En-Scene: Software module for positioning sound objects in the room.
- En-Space: Tool for simulating and designing acoustic spaces.
- R1 Remote Control Software: Interface for system design and monitoring.
- Create.Control: the creative layer that visualizes the sound design, automates it and makes it usable independently of the system design.
With Create.Control, d&b is opening up the Soundscape ecosystem to a new group of users: people who want to focus more on the artistic side of production without having to deal with the technical infrastructure.
Separation of system design and creative work
d&b Create.Control software with snapshot and sound object tables
A common problem with large productions: The technical setup of a system (e.g. in ArrayCalc or R1) is closely linked to the creative sound control. This can make collaboration difficult, especially when several people are working on a project at the same time. This is where Create.Control comes in. The software is autonomous, meaning that it can be used offline without a system being connected. Shows can therefore be pre-produced, saved and later linked directly to the real Soundscape installation.
This creates a clear division of roles: system technicians take care of the physical setup, routing and monitoring. Sound designers work independently on how sound objects should move and behave in the room. This reduces sources of error, speeds up preparation and strengthens creative control.
Central functions at a glance
Create.Control combines several functional areas in a clear user interface. The most important ones include
- Object management: Each sound object (e.g. voice, instrument, effect track) can be placed anywhere in the room. The position is displayed graphically and can be changed with a click of the mouse or automatically. Parameters such as gain, delay and spread can be used to adjust the volume, spatial width or runtime.
- Movement and animation: Movements can be controlled based on time. Objects can follow predefined paths or be animated with keyframes. This creates dynamic effects – for example, when a sound “flies” through the room or moves towards the audience.
- Snapshot and scene management: Sound states can be saved and recalled. This enables seamless transitions between show sections or songs. Parameter sequences can also be automated.
- Offline and online operation: Create.Control allows projects to be planned without a connected Soundscape system. In the live environment, these projects can then be synchronized with real data (e.g. speaker positions from ArrayCalc).
- Integration into the network: Communication takes place via the OCA protocol, which enables flexible control and interoperability with other devices. The software can be operated in parallel with R1 without any conflicts.
Technical requirements and compatibility
Create.Control runs under Windows 10 (64-bit) as well as macOS version 12 or higher and supports Intel, AMD and Apple Silicon processors. We recommend at least 8 GB RAM (16 GB is better) and a Gigabit Ethernet connection for reliable communication with the DS100 Engine. The software works with firmware versions from 3.02.01 and can be used in parallel with existing d&b tools such as R1. The installation requires around 400 MB of disk space and the interface is available in English.
Advantages for various application scenarios
- Live productions: Touring crews benefit from the ability to plan shows in advance and adapt them to the venue geometry later. This saves time during set-up and minimizes test phases.
- Theater and permanent installations: In complex productions with many sound sources, movements, volumes and scenes can be controlled centrally. Changes during the performance can also be easily incorporated.
- Education and research: For universities and studios with soundscape systems, Create.Control offers an ideal tool for teaching students object-based audio in a practical way.
- Corporate events and exhibitions: For presentations, immersive brand spaces or installations, the software ensures precise sound movements and a reproducible sound experience.
With Create.Control, we give content designers and mixing engineers access to creative freedom and full control in their own working environment. At the same time, the software enables system engineers to collaborate with guest teams in a more controlled and reliable way. A win-win situation for more creativity and system integrity.
Christian Ahrens, Product Designer Soundscape, d&b audiotechnik
How Create.Control changes the sound design
d&b Create.Control software with stage view and animated sound objects
With Create.Control, the role of audio technology is increasingly shifting to the field of visual design. Instead of parameter lists and number tables, users see their sound objects in a spatial grid, similar to a stage. This encourages intuitive working and allows creative ideas to be implemented immediately.
The software also facilitates communication between the technical and creative teams: a sound designer can show visually what he intends to do while the system crew checks the implementation in the room.
The result: a shared understanding of sound architecture that goes far beyond classic stereo concepts.
A tool that redefines sound spaces
d&b Create.Control is more than just a new tool: it is a link between technology and creativity. The software adds a visual, intuitive layer to the soundscape system and enables sound designers to precisely plan and animate sound spaces and transfer them to different locations.
With this combination of creative freedom and technical control, Create.Control makes a decisive contribution to the further development of immersive audio in the live sector. Whether theater, concert or corporate show: the design of spatial soundscapes becomes more accessible, more flexible and – in keeping with its name – more controllable.
