Spatializer SLX

    Schaeffer XXI photo

(aka Schaeffer XXI)

Once upon a time, if you wanted to spatialise sound over as few as two speakers, you needed an array of technology from mixing desks, to cables and bespoke computer software. For many, that sounds a lot like a headache in the making.

Spatial music has actually been around since biblical times, but the kind of technology that makes it easy is only now being launched. Spatialising exploits sound localisation; in other words, a listener’s ability to discern the origin or location of a sound in distance or direction.

Spatialising sound is now child’s play

Until now, there has been no way to spatialise sound over up to 8 speakers without having to do a significant amount of programming yourself.

Meet Spatializer SLX, the first instrument to roll all of the prerequisite technology into one small device, bringing a world of spatialised sound to the palm of your hand.

We originally named the device (Schaeffer XXI) in hommage to Pierre Schaeffer, the legendary French composer and theroetician. Schaeffer invented music concrète and made the first ever sound spatialiser in the 1950s, able to control the spatial distribution of electronically produced sounds.

Schaeffer’s spatialiser (known as ‘space potentiometer’) controlled 4 speakers and was operated mechanically by moving some large rings.

We brought this concept forward to the XXI century and made a device that distributes sound through up to 8 speakers and is controlled by a joystick. It can take up to 20 inputs simultaneously (USB+SD card+Line In), and comprises a sequencer, SD card reader, and many other features.

Applications

Spatializer SLX is designed to enhance creative output and can be utilised by a range of industries and professionals working with music, such as:

  • Multichannel music performance
  • Sound art installations
  • DJing
  • Multiroom system
  • Production mixing
  • Speaker testing
  • Stage/Theater spatialisation

What Spatializer SLX offers:

  • Distribution of sound in real-time through up to 8 speakers
  • Joystick control and live mode allow you to play with live spatialisation using VBAP
  • Spatialising up to 20 inputs simultaneously (USB: 8 + SD card: 8 + Line In: 4)
  • LED matrix to visualise inputs/outputs distribution simultaneously
  • Distributing any input individually to any output, via easy joystick control
  • A sequencer that defines patterns for all inputs and plays all at once or individually
  • Adjustment of beat on each individual track with tap tempo
  • Works as a USB 8-channel audio interface, so you can play tracks from your DAW
  • SD card 44.1KHz PCM player up to 8 tracks 
  • Compatible with Max MSP and plugin for Ableton Live Suite
  • USB-MIDI compatible, so you can spatialise from your MIDI keyboard/controller
  • Control of DMX lights
  • Control room software that includes special effects
  • Sequence generator software allows you to easily create your spatial song and load it on an SD card
  • 1 stereo line in 3.5mm mini-jack input so you can spatialise from your phone or audio device
  • 2 mono 6.35mm jack inputs
  • Individual channel volume control

Our Kickstarter campaign is now completed! We reached our goal, thanks so much for much for everyone who supported us! Schaeffer XXI is now scheduled for official release in December 2023.

Specifications

  • Model: Spatializer SLX-2.0
  • Material: Resin/FR4
  • Power: 5V via USB-C port
  • Dimensions: 15.8cm(W)x13.7cm(L)x22.15cm(H)
  • Number of Outputs: 8x
  • Number of Inputs: 20x total. 2x Unbalanced 3.5mm socket
  • (Line Stereo) + 2x Balanced mono 6.35mm sockets + 8x USB
  • interface out + 8x SD Card files
  • Input Impedance: 3.5mm: 2.7KΩ; 6.35mm (balanced): 10KΩ
  • Output Impedance: 470Ω (balanced)
  • USB Interface: 2.0 Specification; 2x Inputs and 8x Outputs
  • Number of SD Card Files/Channels: 8
  • SD Card Type and Format: microSD FAT32
  • Audio File Type (SD Card): Files must be named
  • 001.RAW to 008.RAW and set to Mono PCM,
  • 44.1 kHz 16-bit signed
  • DMX output for controlling lights via Ethernet port
  • SLX output for connectivity with Sonalux devices

Software and Manual Download

Click here to download our customised software for and access the manual.

Buy

We are about to launch our online sales in July 2025. However, you may be able to buy it directly from us. Please contact us for price and stock availability, and sign up for our mailing list for updates.

Contact Us