3.2 Configurations Menu

Select and Manage Your Encoding Configuration Sets

The Configurations Menu in version 2.1.0 introduces an entirely new paradigm in the management of encoding presets. It is now possible to create Configuration Sets, each containing one or multiple individual encoding configurations. This new system dramatically improves the workflow, enabling better organization and batch manipulation of encoding settings across projects. The interface now resembles the Source Menu structure, featuring a Main View with a unified List Tab, and a dedicated Edit View divided into three tabs: Configs, Shared, and ABR.




Figure 3.2.0 – 1 | Configurations Menu Overview

Creating a new configuration set typically begins with the definition of one or more encoder configurations in the Configs Tab (A), which may include Auro-CX, Auro-Codec, Auro-Headphones, or Convert encoders. Each configuration includes its own set of parameters tailored to specific encoding requirements. The Shared Tab (B) provides access to global settings that apply across all encoders within the set, such as loudness normalization targets, ensuring consistency throughout the configuration set. Finally, the optional ABR Tab (C) enables the creation of adaptive streaming outputs by combining multiple Auro-CX configurations into a single ABR-ready stream, with options for format selection, segment duration, and more.

1. Main View




Figure 3.2.1 – 1 | Main View with Configuration Set List

The Main View provides a clear table-based interface to manage all configuration sets. Each row corresponds to a configuration set and shows the included encoders and output modes.

1.1 Management Buttons:

• The “+” Button is located at the top right of the Configurations Menu in Main View. Clicking it switches to the Edit View with a blank new Configuration Set, allowing the addition and configuration of new configuration set according to the desired settings.
 
• The Import Button allows the loading of one or more configuration sets from external .json files. This enables quick reuse of previously saved presets or the integration of shared configurations from other systems or projects.
 
• The Edit Buttons switches the Configuration Menu from the Main View to the Edit View, enabling modification of the selected configuration set. This includes editing the Configuration Set Name, managing the list of included encoders and their individual settings, adjusting shared parameters that apply across all encodings, and configuring optional Adaptive Bit Rate (ABR) output settings. If the configuration set is currently in use by any active encodings in the Queue List, a “CONFIGURATION IN USE” label appears in the top-left corner of the Edit View, and a padlock icon replaces the edit icon in the Main View’s configuration table to prevent modifications.
This design prevents accidental changes or deletions of sources involved in ongoing encoding tasks.

1.2 Select Buttons

In addition to the selection checkboxes within the Configuration Sets Table in the Configurations Main View, a set of Select Buttons is available to facilitate more advanced selection methods:

• Select Invert Button: Unselects the currently selected configuration sets in the Configuration Sets Table and selects the currently unselected ones.
 
• Select All Button: Selects all existing configuration sets in the Configuration Sets Table.
 
• Select Clear Button: Unselects all existing configuration sets in the Configuration Sets Table.
 
• Select Filtered Button: Selects the configuration sets that match the current name set in the Filters Field.

1.3 Filters Field

The Filters Field allows for filtering of existing configuration sets in the Config Table within the Main View. Currently, the available filter is the Name Filter, which can be activated by selecting the checkbox next to the ‘Name’ label under the Filters section. Once the Name checkbox is selected, a custom word can be entered in the Filter Field, and upon pressing the ‘Select Filtered’ button, only configuration set matching the specified name will be displayed in the Config Table.

1.4 Configuration Sets Table

The Configuration Sets Table provides functionality to select, edit, and delete existing configuration sets. Its simple interface facilitates the encoding workflow, enabling quick and efficient addition of selected configuration sets to the encoding process via the prominent ‘ADD’ button in the Control Section. In combination with the current configuration in the Configurations menu, these added configuration sets create new sessions in the Encoder Queue list, awaiting encoding initiation by pressing the large ‘START’ button in the Control Section. The Configuration Sets Table consists of five columns, each serving a distinct purpose:



Figure 3.1.1.1.4 – 1 | Configuration Sets Table in the Main View

• 1.4.1 Select Column: Allows selection of configuration sets to be added to the Queue List. Selected configuration sets can also be deleted or duplicated via the Bulk Actions.
 
• 1.4.2 Edit Column: Opens the Edit View of the corresponding configuration sets. If the selected configuration sets is currently in use by any encodings in the Queue List, a “CONFIGURATION IN USE” label is displayed at the top left corner within the Edit View, along with a padlock icon replacing the edit icon in the Configuration Sets Table in the Main View.
These visual indicators highlight that the configuration set is currently inaccessible for deletion or modification until it is no longer in use in the Queue List. This design feature prevents accidental alterations or deletions of configuration sets engaged in ongoing encoding tasks.
 
• 1.4.3 Config Set Name Column: Displays the custom configuration sets names.
 
• 1.4.4 Configs Column: Displays all configurations included in the selected configuration set, each represented by its corresponding icon.
 
• 1.4.5 Delete Column: Displays bin shaped button for each configuration set. Pressing a bin button enables the permanent deletion of the corresponding configuration set.

1.1.5 Bulk Actions

Bulk Actions allow the application of specific actions to multiple selected configuration sets simultaneously.

• The Delete Button enables the permanent deletion of all selected configuration sets in the Configuration Sets Table. Note that configuration sets currently marked as “CONFIGURATION IN USE” cannot be deleted until they are no longer in use.

• The Duplicate Button allows the duplication of all selected configuration sets. Each duplicated configuration set will be added to the Configuration Sets Table with a new identifier, preserving the original data while creating a copy for further modification or use.

• The Export Button exports one or more selected configuration sets to external JSON files, which can later be re-imported into the software using the Import Button available in the Main View.

2. Edit View

The Configuration Edit View becomes accessible when creating a new configuration set via the “+” Management Button, or when editing an existing set by pressing the Edit Button located in the Configuration Table in the Main View. The top left corner of the Edit View includes the Configuration Set Name Field, used to define a clear and identifiable name for the configuration set. Once saved, the configuration set appears as an item in the Configuration Table in the Main View.




Figure 3.2.2 – 1 | Configuration Menu – Edit View – Set Name Field

A configuration set is structured into three functional sections, accessible via dedicated tabs: the Configs Tab (A), the Shared Tab (B), and the optional ABR Tab (C):




Figure 3.2.2 – 2 | Configuration Menu – Edit View Tabs

Creating or modifying a configuration set typically involves adding and customizing one or more encoder configurations in the Configs Tab (A), setting global parameters such as loudness targets in the Shared Tab (B), and optionally defining adaptive streaming behavior using the ABR Tab (C), where compatible Auro-CX configurations can be grouped into a single ABR output.

2.1 Configs Tab

Each configuration set includes one or more encoder configurations, which are managed and edited within the Configs Tab. This tab provides a clear overview of all included configurations in the set, along with their respective parameters. Each configuration can be added, removed, or duplicated using the controls in the sidebar. New configurations can be added by pressing the large “+” button located in the Configs Tab within the Configuration Menu in Edit View:




Figure 3.2.2.1 – 1 | Adding a New Encoder Configuration

• Auro-Codec: Produces immersive multichannel outputs using the legacy Auro-Codec. Outputs are encoded as PCM in WAV or FLAC formats.
 
• Auro-CX: Designed for scalable adaptive bitrate (ABR) delivery and streaming scenarios. Supports multiple encoding modes including Lossless, Transparent, and ACC. Auro-CX configurations can optionally be grouped for ABR output in the ABR Tab.
 
• Auro-Headphones: Encodes content optimized for binaural headphone playback using virtualized Auro-3D rendering. Includes presets for spatial tuning and LFE adjustment.
 
• Convert to WAV: A utility configuration that rewraps audio content to standard pure channel-based WAV format. Useful for output standardization or for preparing material for external processing pipelines.

Multiple configurations can be added to a single configuration set as needed. Once a configuration set has been created and selected—along with one or more existing sources—a new encoding session can be initiated by pressing the large Add Button located in the Control Section. All Auro-CX configurations within the set will be grouped into a single encoding session, while Auro-Codec, Auro-Headphones, and Convert configurations will each generate separate, dedicated sessions.
Remarks: Only one Auro-Headphones configuration can be included per configuration set. If both an Auro-CX and an Auro-Headphones configuration are present within the same set, the Auro-Headphones configuration will be automatically merged into the Auro-CX session.




Figure 3.1.2.1 – 2 | Adding a New Media in a Source

Encoder Types

There are currently four Encoder Types available in the Auro Encoder Service:


2.1.1 Auro-Codec Encoder





Figure 3.2.3.1 – 1 | Auro-Codec Configuration Parameters

The renowned Auro-Codec enables distribution of immersive mixes via a single file, supporting 2D + 3D formats in a single carrier. Uncompressed PCM quality is available for 5.1 Surround and 7.1 mixes, and systems equipped with an Auro-Decoder can playback the original AURO-3D® mix. The Auro-Codec parameters provide the ability to configure and define specific behaviors to be applied to the currently selected sources:

• Output File Type Drop Down Menu: This feature allows you to select the desired format for the output file.
There are four available options:

• multi channel WAV: Select this option if you want the output file to be in a multi-channel WAV format, which supports multiple audio channels in a single file.
• FLAC: Select this option if you want the output file to be in FLAC format, which is a lossless audio compression format known for its high-quality audio reproduction.
• FLAC + WAV: Choose this option if you want to generate both FLAC and WAV versions of the output file, with FLAC being a lossless compressed format and WAV being an uncompressed format.

Remarks about the FLAC Export Option:
The FLAC export option allows users to encode audio files in the FLAC format, which is a lossless audio compression format known for its high audio quality and small file size. However, in order for the FLAC export option to work, the “flac” Application must be installed on the user’s system. If the “flac” Application is not installed, the FLAC export option will not function properly.
Checking for FLAC Application Existence:
To determine if the “flac” Application is installed on your system, you can use the following method:
On macOS:
Open a terminal window.
Type “flac -v” in the terminal window and press Enter.
If the “flac” Application is installed, the version information for “flac” will be displayed in the terminal window, confirming its existence on your system.
On Windows:
Open a command prompt window.
Type “flac -v” in the command prompt window and press Enter.
If the “flac” Application is installed, the version information for “flac” will be displayed in the command prompt window, confirming its existence on your system.
Note: If the “flac” Application is not installed on your system, you will need to install it in order to use the FLAC export option provided by the 3D Audio Encoder software. You can download and install the “flac” Application from the official FLAC website or through package managers available on your operating system.
Flac version 1.3.4 is recommended
How to Install the FLAC Application:
Click HERE to learn how to enable the FLAC Export Options in the AURO-3D® Encoder by installing the FLAC Application.

• Output Mono WAVs: When enabled, this option ensures that individual mono WAV files are generated for each channel of the resulting Auro-Codec encoded mix, providing greater flexibility for post-processing or archival purposes.

• Output Channel Order Drop Down Menu: The Output Channel Order Drop Down Menu is only visible when the Output File Type “multi-channel WAV” is selected. This parameter determines the organization of audio channels within the resulting interleaved WAV file.

The Channel Order within a multi-channel WAV-file has an important impact on the correct channel mapping during playback. It should be chosen carefully depending on the target playback system or device, which can expect or support different channel orders.
When the Encoder Type is set to “Conversion”, you can choose between ITU and SMPTE channel orders. For a multi-channel WAV file in Auro 13.1 format, the ITU and SMPTE channel orders are as follows:
When the Encoder Type “Auro-Codec” is selected, the Output Channel Order is automatically set to the “ITU” channel order. This is because Auro-Codec encoded content must follow the ITU channel order to ensure proper playback on most devices.
For both 5.1-based and 7.1-based Auro-Codec encoded surround carriers, the ITU channel order is as follows:
• ITU Channel Order for 5.1-based Auro-Codec encoded surround carriers:
L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs.
• ITU Channel Order for 7.1-based Auro-Codec encoded surround carriers:
L, R, C, LFE, Lb, Rb, Ls, Rs.
(Note that the channel orders of all other formats with fewer channels can be easily deducted from the example provided above by simply omitting the unused channels from the list, as they follow the same channel order sequence).

• Low Pass Filter Drop Down Menu: The Low-pass filter dropdown menu allows you to apply a low-pass filter to the output of the mix. It offers cut-off frequencies of 0 Hz, 18 kHz, 19 kHz, and 20 kHz to choose from. This filter is disabled by default and set to 0.

• Pre roll Button: When activated, a pre-roll of silence will be included at the beginning of the encoded file. The length of this early silence can be adjusted using the Pre roll Time parameter. Many playback systems require around 300 to 500 ms to start decoding encoded content, and this pre-roll ensures smooth decoding performance for the starting samples of the encoded file. By including a period of silence before the actual audio content begins, potential decoding issues or audio artifacts that may occur during the initial playback can be mitigated, resulting in a more seamless listening experience for the end-user.

• Pre roll Time Parameter: The Pre roll Time parameter allows to specify the duration of the Pre roll in milliseconds. This parameter determines the length of the silence that will be included at the beginning of the encoded file when the Pre roll Button is activated.

• Measured Output Loudness: This option serves as an additional quality control step after the encoding process. When activated, the ‘Measured Output Loudness’ method will reevaluate the Loudness levels of the resulting encoded file to verify if the levels align with the expected requirements. It is important to understand that without this option, the loudness output levels are calculated by the software and not measured. Measuring the levels after the encoding process by activating the ‘Measured Output Loudness’ option is a more accurate method, but it also extends the duration of the encoding process compared to the usual calculation method. As usual, the result of the extra measurement can be consulted in the Statistic Panels.


2.1.2 Auro-CX Encoder





Figure 3.2.3.2 – 1 | Auro-CX Configuration Parameters

Auro-CX is a next-generation audio codec specifically designed for high-quality streaming of immersive and interactive audio. It builds on the foundational features of Next Generation Audio (NGA) codecs by providing scalable audio coding from lossless to low-bitrate perceptual coding. Auro-CX supports multiple audio formats, including channel-based, object-based, and scene-based audio, making it versatile for home entertainment, broadcast, and more.
Some of its key features include dynamic object rendering, support for personalized and interactive audio, and integration with advanced Auro-3D technologies such as binaural rendering (Auro-Headphones) and adaptive bit-rate streaming. Additionally, it supports a wide range of formats, including stereo, surround, and immersive speaker configurations, up to Auro 13.1. With its advanced bitstream handling and scalability, Auro-CX is designed to provide high-quality sound while maintaining flexibility for various streaming environments, making it a robust codec for future multimedia applications.

⚠️ Important Limitation in the Auro Encoder Service:
Although the current version of the Auro-3D Encoder Service allows for the creation, retrieval, and modification of object elements within Sources, it is crucial to note that all encoders, at this stage, output only pure channel-based content. Object-based audio is not yet supported in the final output, but future updates aim to address this limitation and enable full object-based audio encoding.

Note that all Auro-CX configurations within a configuration set can optionally be grouped in the ABR Tab to enable Adaptive Bit Rate (ABR) output. This feature allows the creation of a single streaming-ready output that seamlessly combines multiple Auro-CX encodings at different bitrates. Leveraging standard protocols such as HLS and MPEG-DASH, the ABR stream ensures optimal playback quality across varying network conditions and device capabilities.

The Auro-CX parameters provide the ability to configure and define specific behaviors to be applied to the currently selected sources:

• Encoder Mode: The Encoder Mode defines the type of compression or encoding applied to the audio content. The Auro-CX encoder offers four different modes to accommodate various use cases and quality requirements:

• Lossless: This mode preserves the original audio quality without any compression loss. It is ideal for high-fidelity use cases where maintaining the full dynamic range and detail of the source audio is crucial, such as in professional or archival environments.
• ACC (Auro-Codec Legacy): This mode ensures backward compatibility with older Auro-Codec encodings. It provides good sound quality with moderate compression, making it a reliable choice for traditional media delivery with Auro-Codec compatibility.
• Transparent: Offers a balance between compression and audio quality. Transparent mode uses advanced compression techniques to reduce file size while maintaining perceptual audio quality that is indistinguishable from the original to most listeners. It is ideal for high-quality streaming scenarios where file size and bandwidth efficiency are important.
• Lossy: This mode applies maximum compression, sacrificing some audio quality to achieve a smaller file size. It is suitable for environments where low bandwidth or storage constraints are critical, such as mobile streaming or low-data streaming services.

• Quality Drop Down Menu: This menu allows the selection of the desired quality level when using the “Transparent” or “Lossy” Encoder Modes. The selected quality level affects the balance between file size and audio quality. The Quality Drop Down Menu is only available when “Transparent” or “Lossy” modes are selected:

• Low: Provides maximum compression, resulting in smaller file sizes at the expense of some audio quality. This option is ideal for low-bandwidth environments or when storage efficiency is a priority.
• Medium: Balances compression and audio quality, offering a middle ground between file size and perceptual audio fidelity. This is suitable for general streaming purposes where a compromise between quality and file size is acceptable.
• High: Minimally compresses the audio, preserving nearly all perceptual quality while slightly reducing file size. This is best for situations where audio quality is important, but some compression is still necessary to manage bandwidth or storage.


2.1.3 Convert Encoder





Figure 3.2.3.3 – 1 | Convert Configuration Parameters

The Convert Encoder allows conversion of an input file format into a different output file format by specifying the Output File Type value. For example, converting an ADM file into a multi-channel WAV file (objects will be printed into the channel-based bed), or converting a multi-channel WAV file into multi-mono WAV files (all channels will be extracted from the original interleaved file), and so on. The Convert parameters provide the ability to configure and define specific behaviors to be applied to the currently selected sources:

• Output Mono WAVs: When enabled, this option ensures that individual mono WAV files are generated for each channel of the resulting Auro-Codec encoded mix, providing greater flexibility for post-processing or archival purposes.

• Output File Type Drop Down Menu: This feature allows you to select the desired format for the output file.
There are four available options:

• multi channel WAV: Select this option if you want the output file to be in a multi-channel WAV format, which supports multiple audio channels in a single file.
• mono channel WAV: Choose this option if you prefer the output file to be in a mono-channel WAV format, where each audio channel is saved as a separate file.

• Output Channel Order: The Output Channel Order Drop Down Menu is only visible when the Output File Type “multi-channel WAV” is selected. This parameter determines the organization of audio channels within the resulting interleaved WAV file.

The Channel Order within a multi-channel WAV-file has an important impact on the correct channel mapping during playback. It should be chosen carefully depending on the target playback system or device, which can expect or support different channel orders.
When the Encoder Type is set to “Conversion”, you can choose between ITU and SMPTE channel orders. For a multi-channel WAV file in Auro 13.1 format, the ITU and SMPTE channel orders are as follows:
When the Encoder Type “Auro-Codec” is selected, the Output Channel Order is automatically set to the “ITU” channel order. This is because Auro-Codec encoded content must follow the ITU channel order to ensure proper playback on most devices.
For both 5.1-based and 7.1-based Auro-Codec encoded surround carriers, the ITU channel order is as follows:
• ITU Channel Order for 5.1-based Auro-Codec encoded surround carriers:
L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs.
• ITU Channel Order for 7.1-based Auro-Codec encoded surround carriers:
L, R, C, LFE, Lb, Rb, Ls, Rs.
(Note that the channel orders of all other formats with fewer channels can be easily deducted from the example provided above by simply omitting the unused channels from the list, as they follow the same channel order sequence).

• Measured Output Loudness: This option serves as an additional quality control step after the encoding process. When activated, the ‘Measured Output Loudness’ method will reevaluate the Loudness levels of the resulting encoded file to verify if the levels align with the expected requirements. It is important to understand that without this option, the loudness output levels are calculated by the software and not measured. Measuring the levels after the encoding process by activating the ‘Measured Output Loudness’ option is a more accurate method, but it also extends the duration of the encoding process compared to the usual calculation method. As usual, the result of the extra measurement can be consulted in the Statistic Panels.


2.1.4 Auro-Headphones Encoder





Figure 3.2.3.4 – 1 | Auro-Headphones Configuration Parameters

The Auro-Headphones Encoder enables high-quality binaural rendering of immersive audio content for playback on standard stereo headphones. Within the Auro-3D Encoder Service, Auro-Headphones processing is powered by the Auro-CX encoder engine, delivering exceptionally fast rendering performance. If an Auro-CX encoder is also present in the configuration set, the Auro-Headphones encoding will be automatically grouped within the same encoding session in the Queue List. After encoding, all parameter values applied to the Auro-Headphones configuration can be reviewed in detail via the Inspector by selecting the corresponding configuration from the Config drop-down menu.

• Head Size Parameter: The Head Size Parameter allows to adjust the size of the listener’s head in order to obtain an optimal disposition of all audio sources within the virtual 3D environment.

• Room Preset Drop Down Menu: The Room Preset Drop Down Menu lets specify the characteristics of the virtual room. Each Room Preset automatically sets the corresponding values of the Rotary Parameters. There are four Room Presets:

• Home Cinema: Preset to simulate the acoustic of medium size home cinemas.
• Lounge: Preset to simulate the acoustic of smaller and more reverberant rooms.
• Cinema: Preset to simulate the acoustic of larger cinema halls.
• Concert: Preset to simulate the acoustic of very large concert halls.

Note that it is perfectly possible to customise the acoustic behaviour of the virtual room by manually setting the values of each Rotary Parameter. When that is the case, the Room Preset Drop Down Menu indicates “Custom”.

• Rotary Parameters: There are six rotary parameters:

• Rotary Parameter: Room Size: Defines the size of the room and the corresponding RT60.

• Rotary Parameter: Speaker Distance: Defines the distance between the listener and the speakers within the virtual room. This parameter modifies the balance between direct signals and diffused field.

• Rotary Parameter: LFE Level: Adjusts the level of the LFE channel present in the binaural mix.

• Rotary Parameter: ER Level: Adjusts the level of the early reflections.

• Rotary Parameter: Reverb Level: Increases the amount of reverberation.

• Rotary Parameter: Damping: Adjusts the clarity of the reverberation. Increasing the Damping value causes the high frequency harmonics to be more subjected to damping.

2.2 Shared Tab

The Shared Tab consolidates several parameters that apply uniformly across all encoders in a configuration set. These parameters ensure consistency and simplify configuration management:




Figure 3.2.3.4 – 1 | Auro-Headphones Configuration Parameters

• General: This section includes profile and frame rate settings that define the structural behavior of the encoding process, as well as options for applying immersive upmixing (Auro-Matic) and binaural rendering (Auro-Headphones) uniformly across all configurations in the set.

• Profile Drop Down Menu: When the Encoder Type is set to Auro-Codec, you are presented with the option to select either the Music or the Movie profile.
The Movie profile provides the ability to specify a specific fps (frames per second) value for the encoding process, while the Music profile grants access to additional Pre-Roll parameters to ensure proper encoding at the start time of the resulting encoded file.

• Frame Rate Drop Down Menu: Provides the option to select different frame rates for encoding Auro-Codec encoded content in the Movie profile. There are eight available values to choose from:

• 23.976 fps
• 24 fps
• 25 fps
• 29.97 fps
• 30 fps
• 48 fps
• 60 fps
• 72 fps

• Auro-Matic: Auro-Matic is the proprietary upmixing algorithm used to enhance non-immersive audio content and create a more immersive listening experience when played back through an Auro-3D configuration. This section allows you to configure the Auro-Matic settings, either by using predefined presets or by customizing the effect. The strength of the effect can also be adjusted.

• Settings: You can choose between two settings: Default or Custom. The default option applies a preset configuration, while the custom setting allows for more personalized control over the parameters.
• Auro-Matic Preset Drop Down Menu: This menu provides a choice of five presets that tailor the Auro-Matic upmixing effect to the type of content. The available presets are:
  • Small: Applies a subtle upmixing effect, ideal for music or other audio where minimal enhancement is required.
  • Medium: Provides a moderate upmixing effect, suitable for content where more pronounced immersion is desired.
  • Large: Maximizes the upmixing effect, creating an expansive 3D audio environment.
  • Movie: Optimized for movies, this preset enhances the cinematic experience by immersing the listener in a 3D audio space.
  • Speech: Designed for dialog-heavy content, this preset optimizes clarity and spatial positioning for speech-based audio.
• Strength: This slider adjusts how strongly the Auro-Matic effect is applied, with values ranging from 0 to 15. A higher value increases the intensity of the upmixing effect.

• Auro-Headphones: Auro-Headphones is a binaural audio rendering technology that provides an immersive spatial audio experience through standard stereo headphones. This feature allows the configuration of how audio is processed for headphone playback, ensuring that listeners experience 3D sound without requiring a multi-speaker setup. You can customize the settings or use default presets.

• Settings: Choose between Default or Custom settings. The default configuration applies a preset, while the custom option allows users to adjust specific parameters for the desired headphone experience.
• Preset Drop Down Menu: The Auro-Headphones preset menu provides three options for adjusting the spatial effect to the listener’s preference:

• Small: Applies a subtle spatial effect, providing a closer, more intimate audio environment.
• Medium: Offers a balanced spatial effect, suitable for most audio content and providing a natural sense of space.
• Large: Maximizes the spatial effect, creating a more expansive and immersive sound environment, ideal for highly immersive content.

• LFE Level: This parameter controls the amount of Low-Frequency Effects (LFE) incorporated into the binaural mix. Adjusting the LFE level influences the bass and sub-bass frequencies, which are important for creating a fuller, more impactful listening experience.

• Loudness: Provides tools to enforce loudness compliance during encoding by selecting a standard, reviewing target levels, and applying optional normalization to match delivery specifications.

• Loudness Standard: Choosing a Loudness standard lets provide feedback on the current compliance of the encoding in the Statistics Panel. If the measured Loudness value is too loud, the value will become red, indicating that the the current encoding is not compliant with the chosen standard. This applies to all Loudness measurements (PLI, LRA, TP, etc.) for both input and output files of each encoding.

• Loudness Target: Indicates the PLI and TP value of the currently selected target.

• Normalize Loudness: When activated, the encoding process will automatically adjust the levels of the encoded file to ensure compliance with the selected standard. This implies increasing or decreasing the levels to reach the target levels. The result of the normalization process can be consulted in the Statistic Panels. Note that this feature acts as a simple trim adjustment, and not as a dynamic tool. For example, if the integrated value appears to be too low, but the true peak value appears to be too high, the normalization process will simply decrease all levels evenly to make the encoded file compliant, and will not selectively increase the PLI level and decrease the TP one.

2.3 ABR Tab

The ABR Tab (Adaptive Bit Rate Tab) is designed to group and manage all Auro-CX configurations intended for adaptive bitrate streaming. This tab makes it possible to include multiple Auro-CX encoder variants at different quality levels, enabling seamless bitrate switching during playback. This functionality is essential for delivering high-quality immersive audio experiences across a wide range of network conditions and playback environments. The ABR settings work in conjunction with standard streaming protocols such as HLS and MPEG-DASH.




Figure 3.2.3.4 – 2 | ABR Configuration Parameters

• Encoder Selection: This section allows you to select which Auro-CX encoders will be included in the ABR output. Only Auro-CX encoders within the current configuration set are eligible to be grouped under ABR. The following actions are available:

• Add: Adds the selected Auro-CX encoder to the list of included ABR encoders.
• Add All: Adds all available Auro-CX encoders in the configuration set to the ABR group.
• Remove: Removes the selected Auro-CX encoder from the ABR group.
• Remove All: Clears the entire list of included ABR encoders.

• General: This section defines key parameters that govern how the ABR content is formatted and packaged for streaming. These settings apply globally to the resulting adaptive bitrate output:

• Segment Duration: Determines the duration of each segment in the resulting ABR stream. The value is expressed in milliseconds and typically defaults to 1000 ms (1 second), which balances encoding efficiency and streaming performance.
• Format: Defines the output container format for the ABR stream. Two options are available:
  • HLS: HTTP Live Streaming, ideal for Apple ecosystem and broad device compatibility.
  • DASH: MPEG-DASH, widely used in adaptive bitrate delivery across various platforms and devices.
• Zip: When enabled, this option compresses all resulting segment and manifest files into a single zip archive for easier distribution or archiving.
• Force Common Sample Rate ID: When activated, this forces all encoders in the ABR set to embed a common sample rate metadata value in their respective MP4 files. This is particularly useful for ABR configurations that include mixes with different sample rates, ensuring compatibility during playback by signaling a uniform maximum sample rate.