PrePosition
PrePosition is an Ableton and Max for Live oriented spatial control toolkit for live immersive workflows, initially focused on d&b Soundscape and expanded in version 2. Version 1 grew out of Robert Henke's original Ableton surround panner, adding d&b Soundscape functionality on top of it, though most users ended up using it less as a panner and more as a way of integrating Soundscape automation directly into their Live sets. It supports object positioning, linking in mirror or opposite modes, Z-axis control, and ADM-OSC style scalable outputs for multiple spatial systems including L-ISA, TiMax, SPAT, Spacemap and Lawo, plus mappings for tools such as Dolby Atmos Music Panner. Version 2 also improved integration with d&b's DS100, adding global or local mapping areas per instance, a snap-back feature, and companion tools including a MIDI mapper and a spatial step sequencer. Version 1 remains available as a free download, while version 2 with its extended feature set is distributed through BrooksAudio Patreon tiers.
tech specs
history
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PrePosition was developed by Bill Brooks of BrooksAudio together with Felix Einsiedel, known as Flixe, to link Ableton Live directly to d&b audiotechnik's Soundscape system. The tool has since been used across a range of live and installation projects, from linking Soundscape control in gallery installations to spatialising Cosmicat's electronic set for the Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka. Development has continued steadily through community feedback via the BrooksAudio Patreon: version 2.3 added the ability to receive object data back from a DS100, including fetching object names to label Ableton channels automatically, a feature requested by Aaron Holloway-Nahum of Southby Productions, and a version 3 update bringing a more modular workflow, along with the return of quad and six-channel modes, has since been planned.
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