RealPan

A panning tool that harnesses the natural mechanisms of spatial hearing — time-delay-dependent, frequency-dependent, data-driven, real-time capable. Developed as a prototype as part of my bachelor's thesis at Hochschule Darmstadt.

Psychoacoustics ITD / ILD IIR Filter Modelling Max 9 Stereo Panning

Demo

The Research Behind It

What classic panning can't do — and how that can change.

Intensity panning, found in almost every DAW, only adjusts the level difference between the left and right channel. What's missing: the interaural time differences (ITD) and frequency-dependent level differences (ILD) that our auditory system uses in natural listening to locate sounds in space.

RealPan was developed in response to this gap. As part of my bachelor's thesis "Development of a Time-Delay- and Frequency-Dependent Stereo Panning Tool Based on Acoustic Measurements", I developed a model that uses real measurement data as the basis for a real-time panning system.

Hochschule Darmstadt, Sound & Music Production — Winter Semester 2025/26 — Final Grade: 1.0 (A+)

Prof. Felix Krückels First Examiner

Prof. Carsten Kümmel Second Examiner

01

Measurement Acoustic measurements using a Neumann KU100 and AB microphone array for 19 azimuth angles (0°–90°) in an anechoic chamber.

02

Analysis Calculation of interaural time differences (ITD) via phase unwrapping and frequency-dependent level differences (ILD).

03

Modelling Approximation of magnitude responses using parametric IIR filter cascades (8× bell + high-shelf); angle interpolation via polynomial functions.

04

Implementation & Evaluation Real-time prototype in Max 9 with three model variants. Validated in a listening test with 12 experienced audio professionals.

Listening Test Results

67% preferred RealPan for naturalness

73% preferred RealPan for spaciousness

3× more often preferred over headphones vs. intensity panning

1.0 final grade for the bachelor's thesis

Headphones

Stronger Externalisation

Over headphones, RealPan was preferred roughly three times more often than classic intensity panning for naturalness and overall preference. The ITD/ILD cues produce a less "in-head" localised listening impression.

Loudspeakers

Consistently Wider and More Spatial

Over loudspeakers, RealPan was consistently perceived as more natural and more spatial. Participants described the sound as "wider" and "less stuck to the speakers".

In Development

RealPan is becoming a plugin.

The Max 9 prototype is currently being developed into a VST/AAX plugin for direct use in popular DAWs. Interested, have questions, or feedback on the development? Feel free to get in touch.

Get in touch