OSS/3D 1.51 for iTunes plugin manual

Contents        1 Introduction                1.1 Update history                1.2 License Agreement and Terms of Use                1.3 Technology & Licensing                1.4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)        2 Configuration                2.1 General tab                2.2 3D tab                2.3 Space tab                2.4 FX tab                2.5 Fidelity tab                2.6 Ambiance tab                2.7 Subwoofer tab                2.8 Speaker tab                2.9 Limiter tab                2.10 Equalizer tab                2.11 About tab        3 User feedback        4 Operating with presets        5 Additional information and technical support

1 IntroductionOSS/3D is a solid stereo to 3D expanding technology, able to extend the virtual sound spaceand listening environment of 2-speaker systems (standard stereo speakers and headphones).OSS/3D can be used to improve sound quality, restore parts lost during MP3 compression,create virtual surround mixes, fill the space with surround, and this will work extremely finewith two speakers.

OSS/3D extends sound beyond speakers, improves space perception and turns two-speakersystem into surround environment. With particular settings, technology can generally improvethe sound quality and dynamic range of any type of speakers and headphones.

The latest version includes so-called Adaptive Limiter technology, it is used to equalize thelevels of sound and maximize the volume. It is similar to the Waves L1 famous limiter (and thusW1 - for compatibility reasons) uses three times longer actual release time than standard RT60metric. This means that if you set 50ms release in the limiter, it will actually yield with 150msstandard RT60 release time.

1.1 Update history

Version 1.51

• Added support for all M-Audio cards• Added "Apply to CD Burns" which allows oss 3d processing to be applied in realtimewhile Burning Audio CDs in iTunes

Version 1.5

• Added professional adaptive Compressor / Limiter• Removed Brainwave synthesis• Updated Documentation• Made GUI corrections

Version 1.40

• Now Universal Binary• Made window match iTunes style

Version 1.36

• Fixed more bugs• Added hardware sample rate tracking• Improved stability

Version 1.35

• Fixed one crashing bug

Version 1.34

• Fixed stopping bug• Made more intel compatible

Version 1.32

• Compatible with iTunes 6.02• Compatible with movie playback inside of iTunes• Compatible 10.3.9 and prior

version 1.3

• N-band Professional Equalizer• Toggle enable for EQ• Fixed various bugs throughout• Updated manual

version 1.2

• Fixed Equalizer resetting problem• Made this pretty manual =)• Fixed problem with OpenTransport causing crashes• Made Uninstaller in /Applications/OSS 3D Uninstaller(Thanks MindVision's tech support!)

version 1.1.1

• Fixed dependency on libssl and libcrypt(now should work with OS X 10.2)

version 1.1

• Fixed incompatibility with FruitMenu• Fixed clicking between crossfades• Added compatibility with OS X 10.2• Added compatibility with Tiger• Improved robustness• Uses APELite

1.2 License Agreement and Terms of Use

Terms of agreement:

i. This software is distributed as a shareware with evaluation period of14 days, then you are required to register it or remove it with anUninstaller provided.

ii. The software is provided AS-IS.

iii. The developer does not carry any liability for damages caused by thissoftware that may result from use of it.

By installing this software you agree to the terms above mentioned.

1.3 Technology and Licensing

OSS 3D is a demonstration for technology we would like to make available fordevelopers wishing to unroll audio plugins for iTunes. It doesn't depend on any thirdparty extensions (such as AudioHijack Server or APE).

The OSS 3D is developed with DSP migration in mind. We are seeking a hardwarechip manufacturer to integrate OSS 3D code into a VLSI / DSP. If you are suchcompany please contact us directly.

Click here to go to OSS/3D support page

1.4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I uninstall/remove the plug-in?A: You can use the uninstaller provided in /Applications/OSS 3D Uninstaller or you can

delete the plug-in manually by removing /Library/iTunes/iTunes Plug-Ins/OSS3D.bundle. Don't forget to quit and rerun iTunes.

Q: Does OSS/3D work AirTunes?A: Not yet. Although, you can use AirFoil product from www.rogueamoeba.com. Itallows you to send output of any application to AirTunes, and thus makes it possibleto forward audio from OSS/3D to AirTunes.

Q: I installed OSS/3D and now iTunes won't launch.A: There possibly is a problem or incompatibility with either some third-party systemextension or your current OS installation is broken. The best thing to do is to launchConsole.app from Utilities (cmd-U), launch iTunes, see if it prints any error messages,and if does, email them to one of our support addresses. Then, use Uninstaller orremove the OSS/3D plug-in manually (see above).

Q: I installed OSS/3D and it seems to be eating up all my CPU.A: The problem is that animation in "About" tab is eating up your cpu cycles. To fix it,simply switch away to any other tab, and problem will go away. Some users reportedthat if you remove all settings and preferences and reinstall OSS 3D from installer itfixes CPU issues.

Q: I ordered OSS/3D, can I use install it on many computers with the same serialnumber?A: You can install the OSS/3D on many computers, but the license allows you to usethe copy only on one computer at a time. Site license can be acquired, please contactus directly.

Q: Will installation of OSS/3D erase my settings?A: The installer used to override OSS 3D Settings folder by default, but not anymoresince 1.2.

Q: How much does it cost?A: The OSS/3D costs US $25.00. This grants you single license that allows multi-computer installation but one-at-a-time use.

2 ConfigurationConfiguration dialog is the key part of OSS/3D plugin. You can configure any aspect of soundenhancing by using Configuration dialog controls.

After installation, you should see OSS 3D dialog popup on the screen, most likely above mainiTunes window. In case that it doesn't you can open the window by invoking combination keysCmd-3 or by going under Window menu and selecting OSS 3D. Notice, toggling that will makeOSS 3D window appear or disappear.

2.1 General tab

This is how general configuration tab looks:

Fig 1. General tab

Here's the description of those controls, which appear on the dialog, not dependingon any particular tab selection.

Enable effects - this checkboxes globally enable or disable OSS/3D functionality.

Close window button - hides the OSS/3D Configuration window. In order to popwindow back, refer to 3.1 Bringing up configuration dialog section.

Minimize window button - toggles full and mini views of the Configuration window.In the minimized mode you can only change settings from the Settings selector tab.

Controls on General tab:

Volume - this is general purpose sound volume level slider. By using it you can gaineffect of additional sound amplification or attentuation, however turning it too highwill likely cause sound to distort (clipping). Also this slider is useful to lower soundvolume in case distortion is occuring due to different reasons (e.g., too many optionsare turned on simultaneously).

Super Bass - this slider adjusts amount of additional SUB- and MID-bass frequenciessent to the speakersystem. This effect is useful for some speakers, which lack thepower in this kind of frequencies.

DeWoofer - removes "WOOF"-like sounding of mid frequency range of the music.DeWoofer correction can generally improve quality of old recordings. DeWoofer canalso greatly improve sounding of standard desktop speakers, laptop speakers or evenlow-fi headphones. For all normal speakersystems - recommended value is about 25-30%, while with laptop speakers it may perform better while turned to higher point.

DeWoofer brings new level of quality, when used with SuperBass effect. Theapproximate DeWoofer value of 60% is suitable for laptop speakers and lightmultimedia headphones (e.g., made by Genius, QuickShot, Typhoon, etc.).

Fidelity effect is designed to enhance sound image by introducing additionalharmonics in high frequency range. This technology makes the music sound brighterand reduces low MP3 quality compression artifacts. Fidelity effect also improvesaggresive 3D stereo expansion accuracy. In professional audio world similar hardwaredevices are often called ENHANCERS and EXCITERS.

FX Chain - this function allows you change the chaining order of the effects appliedto the audio. Experiment with this setting to find best possible chain layout.

The rest of controls are checkboxes. Each checkbox is called after corresponding effector tab name, and is used to either enable or disable settings for effects on particulartab.

Note, that if the checkbox is not checked, controls on appropriate tab will produce noeffect. In order to let some particular tab affect the sound, the correspondingcheckbox should be checked.

Click on the effect name below to learn more about particular technology:

3D SurroundextSpaceextFXVirtual SubwooferLimiter Compressor

2.2 3D tab

OSS/3D Surround Technology - is an effect of expanding audio environment outof actual speaker positions. Normally you hear the sound in between of the speakers,as shown with the blue figure on the effect icon. Obviously, if the sound comes fromthe left speaker, it is heard NOT from the left, but from the speaker's position.

When you are sitting in the middle in front of two speakers, it is possible to correctthe situtation by processing the sound. 3D Surround does such processing, called"expansion". It applies several effect envelopes on primary input signal and outputssurround space.

Note, that speakers should be plugged in proper phase. If they are not, the sound willappear to be closer to the center between speakers, instead of space expansion. If youexperience such troubles, fortunately, OSS/3D allows this to be fixed in-software. Thekey option is called "Phase invert" and is located on SpC tab.

Fig 2. 3D Surround tab

There is option dropdown box and two control sliders on 3D Surround tab.

Effect mode dropdown box controls the surround effect intensity. It can have fourdifferent states:- Disabled (the effect is disabled - checkbox on general tab will have no effect)- Normal (standard level of effect; recommended 3D Depth is 100%)- Extra (x2) (double processing; recommended 3D Depth is 30-40%)- Overload (x3) (deep ambience processing; recommended 3D Depth is 10-25%)

3D Depth shows the amount of effect to be applied.

Bass adjust compensates feedback of bass frequencies. This option creates extendedsurround for low frequencies. If you like to have a very light sounding space effect,Bass adjust level should be lowered.

You can find Fidelity option (on the General tab) to be useful together with 3DSurround, as it brings extra fidelity to the surround and brightens oftenly dim sound.

2.3 Space tab

extSpace processing creates a virtual re-sounding frame behind the listener positionand bounces the sound around. The sound gets bounced multiple times and returns tolistener from the back. While the effect utilizes only two speakers, the resoundingframe is emulated in 3D space. The width of the resounding frame gives you thespatialization effect. To get the maximum impression, use it together with 3DSurround Technology.

Fig 3. extSpace tab

Effect has three options. Disabled - means no effect at all. After setting mode toDisabled, the extSpace checkbox on General tab will have no effect. Active andWide mofrd control the shape of re-sounding frame. Effect's Wide option makes theframe wider and places it closer to the listener. In Active state this effect emulatessound coming from the back.

2.4 FX tab

extFX - is an aggresive type of surround sound remixing. This effect includes twocontrols - "Center" and "Space". The first one controls center bass frequencies - youcan control the volume of sound's "center". "Space" option moves the sound asidelistener. As the effect itself is enough strong, it is not recommended to use 100%values of Space option. Good results are often gained at 25-30% value. This effect isalso effective for narrow placed speakers, however placing speakers closely to eachother will still require the listener's to face straight between the speakers.

Fig 4. extFX tab

The tab includes Space and Center controls, which correspond to "Space" and"Center" values, described in the paragraph above.

2.5 Fidelity tab

Fidelity - is eseentially an Aural Exciter feature. It restores the subtle nuances thatare often damaged in the recording process.

Fig 5. Fidelity tab

2.6 Ambiance tab

Ambiance - allows you to add reverb effect to the output.

Fig 5. Ambiance tab

Dry specifies amount of original sound added, while Wet amount of reverbed sound.The mixture couldbe controlled using a ratio of the two.

2.7 Subwoofer tab

Virtual Subwoofer - is a technology of expanding bass frequencies like realsubwoofer does. Only two speakers are needed to emulate surround subwoofer.

Unlike real subwoofer, Virtual Subwoofer doesn't concentrate all bass frequencies atone point. It spreads bass frequencies around. It's recommended to use this effecttogether with 3D Surround.

Fig 7. Virtual Subwoofer tab

The effect has two options - Overdrive and Intensity. The first one affects thesensitivity of subwoofer. The second one controls the volume of added bassfrequencies.

2.8 Speaker tab

To enhance sounding of your speakers, OSS/3D technology supports SpeakerAdjustment, or so-called "SpC" technology.

With this technology, you can wider frequency range of your speakersystem (orheadphones) and correct output phase (when speakers are either assembled orplugged improperly).

Fig 8. Speaker tab

Here are some options on the tab.

Phase invert - this is fully featured software fix for improperly plugged speakers. If,e.g., first speaker's wires are plugged correctly, and second speaker's ones areswapped, will likely to be wrong.

How to detect right "Phase invert" state for your speakers? Turn on any song withvocals, and place speakers closely facing each other and touching each other. Withone setting of "Phase invert" the vocals will be heard clearly, while with different onethey will be heard slightly quieter, or will disappear at all. Adjust "Phase invert" so,that song vocals are heard clearly.

2.9 Compressor / Limiter tab

Here we come with the latest the greatest Compressor Limiter tool. This is howCompressor Limiter tab looks:

Fig 9. BWSynth tab

You've got two controls here, Ceiling and Threshold, they control aspects of levelsof compression. It is best not to bring ceiling down too much or you will hear volumejumping all over.

Good values for ceiling are in the range of 30% to 60%. You will find out thatThreshold and Ceiling are co-dependant and it is best to just play with theseparameters to find the best settings.

2.10 Equalizer tab

OSS 3D features the most advanced N-band equalizer with built-in peak limiters.

Fig 10. Equalizer tab

Curve or Sliders radio buttons allows you to switch between Curve mode and Slidersmode. Sometimes, it may be neccessary to fine-adjust the EQ setting, and that can bedone inside of the Sliders mode.

Curve Mode - There are two modes of operation available in the Curve mode ofequalizer. You can either click and drag to draw the curve left-right, or click the mouseon the band (vertical line with number underneath) and move mouse pointer up anddown to fine tune the curve.

2.11 About tab

Click on "Register" button to enter your serial number information. To unregisterremove your e-mail and serial number information and click enter.

Fig 11. About tab

3 User feedbackOver about a year of product's existance we have received numerous feedback. To our pleasantsurprise none of it was bad! We are very greatful to all who supported the product andalthough it reached it's potential, we will continue making small updates and expanding toother platforms. Meanwhile, enjoy the listening and have a great day.

3.1 Success stories

Notes from author:There are so many beautiful stories of experiences people had with OSS 3D foriTunes. I am deeply greatful to everyone who helped with suggestions and bugreports.

THANK YOU my friends!

What users say about OSS/3D?

bombardier says:

Absolutely brilliant plugin - makes older music especially nice sounding. Bravo to thedevelopers. It will take a long time messing with the settings to come up withsomething perfect just for me, but in the meantime the presets are superb!

Sluggo says:It rocks! I would recommend it over VolumeLogic.

Rezmason says:I don't know what this plug-in is doing, but it's really enjoyable. Fully operational afterinstallation, out-of-the-way interface, and whatever this sound-bettering thing it's upto... there's no reason not to download it and give it a shot

ledoux says:This little application is wonderful. It really does change the dynamic range of themusic. My mp3s suddenly have more depth to them. There is an openess to thesound. It's as if before, I was listening with earmuffs. The difference is that big.Remarkable! Excellent job.

4 Operating with presetsOSS/3D is able to load and store settings. Only registered users are allowed to store all currentslider positions, checkbox and list options of OSS/3D - select SAVE PRESET AS... menu itemand choose filename to store preset to. It will appear in the menu presorted by name.

With DEMO version of plugin you can't store presets, however you can load presets alreadystored by someone else. Manual settings will not be saved either in the unregistered version.

We ask you to consider supporting the developers! Programming is not an easy job, and westruggle to survive in today's world.

5 Additional information and technical supportClick here to go to OSS/3D support page

Copyright ©2005-2006 Subband Technologies, LLC & 4Front Technologies