D.A.N.U. (DOLBY ATMOS NULLING UPMIXER)

plugdata is a free/open-source visual programming environment based on pure-data. It is available for a wide range of operating systems, and can be used both as a standalone app, or VST3, LV2, CLAP or AU plugin.

D.A.N.U. requires plugdata to be installed. You can download plugdata here. To run D.A.N.U. simply open the D.A.N.U.pd file you unzipped after downloading into the plugdata plugin or application. Watch the video below for a walkthrough.

You must first install plugdata

In terms of a plugin host / DAW, it will need to support VST3, LV2, CLAP or AU plugins on a track/bus of 16 channels without forcing a specific 16 channel format or tryign to auto-pan it with Atmos panners. Ideal DAWs are Reaper & Bitwig (enable multi-outs) which allow 100% agnostic channel layouts/inserts in terms of full, editable output channel support from plugins.

Plogue Bidule, Kushview Element (AAX option) and DDMF MetaPlugin (AAX option) can also work as a multichannel plugin wrapper within your DAW if restricted to 7.1.4 or facing issues of output compatibility.

Alternatively you can use the plugdata standalone app outside your DAW and then route stereo from the DAW through D.A.N.U. and return the 9.1.6 from D.A.N.U to a 9.1.6 track or multi-mono group of mono tracks resembling your object bed.

A stereo signal is separated and distributed according to its direct and diffuse properties to a 9.1.6 speaker layout. More direct signals are routed to the front L R C and more diffuse to surround and height speakers, however there is full control over the distribution and nature of the upmix/distributed result.

No signal is generated, changed or removed from the original stereo input. This is why, when you simply fold the 16 channels down directly to stereo again, they will null (be exactly the same).

The signal flow is this:

Stereo In > -LFE Push > -Centre Push > Direct Push > Height Push & Front/Rear Diffuse Push > 9.1.6 / 16 mono Out

If you've purchased D.A.N.U. you will receive notification of each update to the email address used for payment. If this changes, let us know and we will update our records.

Future immediate plans for development are:

1. AAX, VST, CLAP and AU Compiled Versions (plugdata not required)

2. GUI-less versions. Lightweight versions of the above without a GUI, simple control from parameters ala Airwindows approach.

3. Output routing matrix so not restricted to SMPTE or FILM layouts.

4. Solo buttons per channel