Multichannel Effects

Multichannel effects transform incoming REAPER track audio without assuming an ambisonic format. Use the other Multichannel sections for routing, fold-down, metering, and direct speaker panning. Use Ambisonic Effects when the channels form an ACN/SN3D field.

Workflow

1. Choose an effect and fixed-width build that match the source, then configure the REAPER track width and plugin pins.
2. Route the result to the main speakers, a direct panner, or a stereo or quad fold-down, then begin playback. Another effect may precede that destination when its build matches the current bus width.
3. Set the plugin's shared processing controls while listening to the whole bus.
4. Shape lane relationships, topology, or distributed outputs according to the selected effect family.
5. Check the output width and levels before adding further processing, automation, or calibration.

Effect Families

• Topology Effects: multichannel effects whose lane relationships form a moving point network.
• Macro Effects: compact delay, pitch, and shred interfaces with shared controls and lane relationship parameters.
• Spectral / Buffer Effects: FFT-bin transformations and deliberately unstable buffer-window treatments.
• Distributed Output Effects: stereo-input effects that distribute grains, delays, or taps across 16 ordinary output lanes.
• Effect CRCLTR: a stereo dual looper with two capture lengths, manual or automated crossfades, and an equal-power source-to-loops blend.

Start with topology effects when the relationship among input lanes should drive the result. Use a Macro effect for a smaller performance surface, Spectral / Buffer for transformations inside frequency or memory representations, and Distributed Output when a stereo source should emerge as a wide discrete-channel scene.

Routing

Effect widths describe ordinary input and output lanes, not an ambisonic order. Match the plugin build to the REAPER track width, and use the Multichannel monitoring, panning, or routing sections for the result.