JPL Spatial active

Spatial Audio Framework

Standalone · Engine-agnostic

An open-source, cross-platform framework for developing spatial audio algorithms in C/C++. Provides modular components for Ambisonics encoding/decoding, spherical array processing, amplitude panning, HRIR/HRTF processing, room simulation, and other spatial audio techniques. Leverages optimized linear algebra libraries (Intel MKL, Apple Accelerate, OpenBLAS) and x86 SIMD intrinsics for performance. The framework includes core modules covering higher-order Ambisonics, spherical harmonics, VBAP, the Covariance Domain Framework, HRIR utilities, and reverb algorithms. Optional modules add SOFA file reading, particle-filtering tracking, and HADES binaural rendering. Originally designed for researchers, it has evolved into a substantial codebase with several example implementations realized as VST/LV2 plugins under the SPARTA project. The modular architecture allows straightforward extension and integration into existing projects via CMake or direct source inclusion. Supports optional Intel IPP for FFT/resampling, FFTW for DFT operations, and NetCDF for large SOFA files.

spaudiopy

Standalone · Engine-agnostic

A Python package focused on spatial audio encoders and decoders. Provides implementations of spherical harmonics processing, loudspeaker decoder algorithms including VBAP and AllRAD, and binaural rendering capabilities. Designed for spatial audio research and development workflows requiring programmatic control over encoding and decoding processes. The library offers building blocks for ambisonics workflows, loudspeaker array optimization, and spatial audio format conversion. It integrates with scientific Python ecosystem tools and is particularly suited for prototyping spatial audio systems or analyzing spatial audio signals in research contexts.

Cavern

Unity · Standalone

Cavern is a C# audio framework offering object-based spatial audio rendering with unlimited channels and advanced room correction capabilities. It handles Dolby Atmos and other immersive formats natively, providing self-calibration with microphone-based measurement that achieves sub-0.01 dB frequency response uniformity. The framework includes filter engines, real-time surround upconversion, headphone virtualization, and codec support for E-AC-3 JOC, LAF, and various container formats. Room correction profiles export to hardware DSPs, AVRs, and software EQ solutions like Equalizer APO and CamillaDSP. Designed for low-latency operation and Unity-like listener/source workflows, Cavern functions as both a spatial audio renderer and a comprehensive audio pipeline toolkit with measurement and analysis capabilities. Note: distributed under a custom source-available license that restricts commercial use without permission — it is not a standard OSI-approved open-source license.

Godot Steam Audio

Godot

A GDExtension that integrates Valve's Steam Audio SDK into Godot 4.4. Provides real-time acoustic simulation including geometric occlusion, sound transmission through surfaces, distance-based attenuation, room reverb via reflections, and spatial ambisonics rendering. Supports dynamic geometry updates. Currently in alpha with working Linux and Windows builds. Includes basic scene setup nodes and runtime effects processing. Planned features include baked reflection maps for performance optimization and expanded raycasting configuration. The extension wraps Steam Audio's Apache-licensed SDK, which is used in production titles like Counter-Strike 2 and Half-Life: Alyx. Intended to provide feature parity with official Unity and Unreal plugins. Note: the author has stated they are no longer actively maintaining the project and welcome community forks.