In collaboration with Société des Arts Technologiques
We design software for sound spatialization
January 15, 2026
New versions
SpatGRIS4 (4.0.1) is a software designed for multichannel spatialization in 2D and 3D.
ControlGRIS2 (2.0.1) is a plugin designed to send trajectories data in OSC to SpatGRIS.
SpeakerView1 (1.0.1) is SpatGRIS’s 3D visual interface
Where to find them
Our software is available on SourceForge. They are free and Open Source.
SpatGRIS4, ControlGRIS2 and SpeakerView1 are grouped within the same installer. Go to the Files tab to find everything.
Version 4.0.1: MacOS from 11 (Big Sur) to 15 (Sequoia) and Windows 10-11 compatible.
UPDATE (January 15, 2026)
• SpatGRIS 4.0.1
• ControlGRIS2 2.0.1
• SpeakerView1 1.0.1
• BlackHole 0.6.1
What’s new?
SpatGRIS4
– Attenuation settings are now continuously adjustable.
– Sources can be assigned to non-consecutive outputs, usefull in an aggregated device.
– Speaker Setup Edition in CUBE mode: the possibility of adding grids and polyhedrons.
– New Projects and Speaker Setups including Surround layouts ITU
– The Reference Pink Noise function can be continuous or pulsed.
ControlGRIS2
– ControlGRIS2 is both a plug-in and standalone software
– It has been extended to 256 channels
– Introduction of trajectories based on audio signal analysis according through various audio descriptors.
– Introduction of a random function in trajectories
– An automated Speed parameter to vary the time in trajectories
– Activate can be used permanently.
– Addition of vertical and horizontal scroll bars for better visualization.
SpeakerView1
– SpeakerView1 is now a standalone application, available on a network.
– Communication settings have been added to SpatGRIS Settings.
– SpeakerView can run on a different computer than SpatGRIS.
– Several cameras with different viewpoints have been added.
ControlGRIS2
An OSC plugin
ControlGRIS2 is basically a plugin (Mac AAX/AU/VST3 and Windows AAX/VST format) designed to create multichannel space. It allows the user to design sound trajectories in 2D or in 3D under any shape of speaker setup. It includes two spatialization modes, DOME and CUBE with a lot of possibilities. Automated Trajectories are included., both in Abstract and Sound Reactive modes. ControlGRIS2 receives and sends OSC data. Template for OSC external controller, such as Open Stage Control for iPad is provided. ControlGRIS2 has now 256 channels. There is a standalone software version of ControlGRIS2, to be used in a network.
A Quick Start Guide as well as a complete manual are provided. The complete manual is in the Help menu of SpatGRIS4 and is also available separately.
ControlGRIS2 version 2.0.1. January 15, 2026
SpatGRIS4
A sound spatialization software
SpatGRIS4 is a standalone multichannel sound spatializer for different configurations of speakers in 2D or 3D. SpatGRIS may include up to 256 inputs and outputs. The trajectories and positions are received from ControlGRIS2 or from any OSC device. The audio spatialization itself is made by SpatGRIS and sent to the audio interface. DOME, CUBE, BINAURAL and STEREO modes are available. It is independent of any audio server but we provide BlackHole as a virtual audio device. SpatGRIS includes a multitrack Recorder and a Player. The Speaker Setups design are made within the software. It’s now possible to add Circles, Grids and Polyhedrons in group mode.
A Quick Start Guide as well as a complete manual are provided. The complete manual is in the Help menu of SpatGRIS4 and is also available separately.
SpatGRIS version 4.0.1. January 15, 2026
What they look like
Screenshots of ControlGRIS and SpatGRIS
ControlGRIS2 Abstract Trajectories
SpatGRIS Interface
ControlGRIS2 Sound Reactive Trajectories
SpatGRIS Controls
ControlGRIS2 CUBE View
SpatGRIS CUBE View
ControlGRIS2 DOME View
SpatGRIS DOME View
FAQ
How many channels is it possible to spatialize with SpatGRIS ?
In practice, we decided to limit the amount of input channels and the number of speakers to 256. We think this should be enough for the vast majority of potential situations in concert.
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SpatGRIS is independent of any virtual audio interface.
SpatGRIS 4 is independent from any virtual audio device. We recommend and provide BlackHole because we like it, it’s robust, flexible and reliable. And it provides 256 inputs/outputs!
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Can I do a quick test to see if it suits me ?
Absolutely. We have written a document called Quick Start Guide that allows you, in 11 easy steps, to configure your system. Works every time.
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How to control spatialization with SpatGRIS ?
Right now, the best tool is the ControlGRIS2 which is a plug-in that you insert into your favourite sequencer. It is ControlGRIS2 that sends OSC data to SpatGRIS to establish positions and trajectories. ControlGRIS2 can also receive OSC data from different software running on iPad, like Open Stage Control.
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How many algorithms are there in SpatGRIS ?
There are two algorithms (1 and 2) and three modes (3 to 5) in SpatGRIS:
1) DOME (Vector Base Amplitude Panning), for speaker domes.
2) CUBE (Matrix Base Amplitude Panning), for all other speaker configurations.
3) HYBRID, a DOME algorithm with some CUBE behaviours.
4) BINAURAL, for listening with headphones at home.
5) STEREO, for stereo listening on speakers.
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Does SpatGRIS work on all platforms ?
Yes! SpatGRIS and ControlGRIS2 work very well on MacOS, from 11 (Big Sur) to 15 (Sequoia). There is also a Windows 10 or 11 version. BlackHole is not supported for Windows. Suggestions for alternatives are made in the manual and on a video below.
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Does SpatGRIS work with ProTools?
Yes! We have produced an AAX version of ControlGRIS2 that is officially approved by AVID.
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Join us ! We’ll only send cool stuff
Articles
List of articles published by GRIS researchers about sound spatialization in music composition.
An Immersive Approach to 3D-Spatialized Music Composition, Audio Mostly 2018
D.Ledoux, R.Normandeau
learn more
SpatGRIS/ServerGRIS Creative tools for 2D and 3D sound spatialization, ICMC 2018
D.Ledoux, R.Normandeau, O.Bélanger, C.Lengelé
learn more
DÉVELOPPEMENTS RÉCENTS D’OUTILS DE SPATIALISATION SONORE DU GRIS : CONTROLGRIS ET SPATGRIS
R.Normandeau, N. Giannini, G. Lane-Lépine, JIM 2023
learn moreThey talk about sound spatialization
Object-Based Audio
« Immersive audio is necessary for any convincing XR experience. However, many times it is not clear how to create a natural audio layer when trying to go beyond traditional headphones […] »
learn more
IMERSA Summit 2019
« The 10 year anniversary of the IMERSA (Immersive Media Entertainment, Research, Science & Arts) Summit was recently celebrated in a snowy Columbus, Ohio at COSI (Center of Science and Industry) […] »
learn more
Audio Mostly 2018
« Short Papers : Sound in Immersion
An Immersive Approach to 3D Spatialized Music Composition: Tools and Pilot Survey
(David Ledoux and Robert Normandeau) »
learn more
Our super Team
The GRIS (Groupe de recherche en immersion spatiale-Research Group in Spatial Immersion) was founded in 2009 in order to create tools for sound spatialization in multichannel format. A group of composers and programmers grouped around the Faculté de musique at Université de Montréal.
Robert Normandeau
Director
Composer and professor emeritus
Nicola Giannini
Research Assistant Composer, Postdoctoral student
Gaël Lane Lépine
Main Programmer
Composer and pianist
Devin Roth
Consultant
Composer and programmer, Creator of BlackHole
Zakary Colello
Research Assistant
Composer and Master’s student
Jérémie Martineau
Research Assistant Composer and Doctoral student
Former programmers: Colin Martel, Antoine Missout, Joseph Thibaudeau. Vincent Berthiaume, Olivier Bélanger, Samuel Béland
Former assistants: Simone d’Ambrosio, Theo Mathien, Raphaël Néron-Baribeau, Ofer Pelz, Dominic Thibault, Alexis Langevin-Tétrault, Vincent Monastesse, David Ledoux, Yohan Brimicombe, Christophe Lengelé, Mélanie Frisoli, David Piazza, Gabrielle Caux
Former trainees: Ludovic Laffineur, Antoine Landrieu, Nicolas Masson, Hicheme Ben Gaied
3
PROJECTS
Too many!
WORKED HOURS
6
PEOPLE
Contact us
We are a small team, but we are the first users of our software. Please send us comments, testimony, suggestions, bugs, We’ll do our best to enhance your experience with multichannel spatialization.
GRIS is subsidized by these organizations since 2008
