OSS 3D 2.

0 for OS X 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 Introduction
OSS 3D is a solid stereo to 3D expanding technology, able to extend the virtual sound space
and listening environment of 2-speaker systems (standard stereo speakers and headphones).
OSS 3D can be used to improve sound quality, restore parts lost after MP3 compression, create
virtual surround mixes, fill the space with surround, and this will work extremely fine with two
speakers.

OSS 3D extends sound beyond speakers, improves space perception and turns two-speaker
system into surround environment. With particular settings, technology can generally improve
the 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 the
levels of sound and maximize the volume. It is similar to the Waves L1 multiband limiter (and
thus W1 - for compatibility reasons) uses three times longer actual release time than standard
RT60 metric. This means that if you set 50ms release in the limiter, it will actually yield with
150ms standard RT60 release time.
OSS 3D 2.x is no longer limited to use inside of iTunes. You now can enhance audio experience
in a variety of third applications including: VLC, Apple DVD Player, iTunes, Web Browsers,
video games, and more! We found this technology very useful for watching music videos on
YouTube in the convinience of your favorite browser. Since most video codecs on the web
compress audio too much, the effect of OSS 3D on experience on viewing videos is mind
shattering!

1.1 Update history

New features (2.1):

• Improved compatibility with Intel based Macs

• Reduced memory footprint
• Improved overall stability
• Fixed User Interface bugs
• Updated Users Manual
• Addressed memory leaks problem

New features (2.0.1):

• Improved compatibility with applications

• Added support for scroll wheel button
• Added a way to assign a global hotkey for finding OSS 3D.app
window

New features (2.0.0):

• Entire range of OS X applications supported

(all versions of iTunes, VLC, DVD Player, Skype, iChat and more)
• Universal Binary (ppc and intel)
• Independent OSS 3D control application

1.2 License Agreement and Terms of Use

Terms of agreement:

i. This software is distributed as a shareware with evaluation period of

14 days, then you are required to register it or remove it with an
Uninstaller provided.

ii. The software is provided AS-IS.

iii. The developer does not carry any liability for damages caused by this
software 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 for
developers wishing to unroll other kidns of audio plugins for OS X.

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/OSS 3D Uninstaller,
logout, and you should be set.

Q: Does OSS 3D work AirTunes?

A: Not directly. We recommend that you use AirFoil product from
www.rogueamoeba.com. It allows you to send output of any application (including
OSS 3D) to AirTunes, and thus makes it possible to forward audio from OSS 3D
enhanced applications to AirTunes.

Q: OSS 3D stopped working, what do I do?.

A: Reinstall OSS 3D from original installer from our website.

Q: I purchased OSS 3D, can I use it on other computers with the same serial number?
A: You can install the OSS 3D on many computers, but the license allows you to use
the copy only on one computer at a time. Site license can be acquired, please contact
us directly regarding the site license.

Q: Will (re)installation of OSS 3D erase my settings?

A: The installer prompts to override OSS 3D Settings folder, choose "Don't Replace"
during installation to preserve your old Settings. You can also backup your settings
files manually, they are located in /Library/Preferences/OSS 3D Settings/

Q: How much does the OSS 3D system cost?

A: The OSS 3D costs US $30.00. This grants you single license that allows multi-
computer installation but one-at-a-time use. OSS 3D works with a wide range of OS X
applications, including: VLC, Apple DVD Player, iTunes, Web browsers, and more!

2 Configuration
Configuration dialog is the key part of OSS 3D. You can configure any aspect of sound
enhancing by using Configuration dialog controls.

After installation, the OSS 3D icon will appear on your dock. This is a system-wide
control panel which you will use to make adjustments to all of the sound in OS X. You are not
required to have OSS 3D control panel open to enjoy enhancement. The OSS 3D AudioServer
handles all the audio processing in background transparently. You can monitor the CPU usage
of OSS 3D audio server by entering in terminal:
My Computer:~ uesr$ ps -auxwww |grep OSS

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 depending
on 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 pop
window 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 gain
effect of additional sound amplification or attentuation, however turning it too high
will likely cause sound to distort (clipping). Also this slider is useful to lower sound
volume in case distortion is occuring due to different reasons (e.g., too many options
are turned on simultaneously).

Super Bass - this slider adjusts amount of additional SUB- and MID-bass frequencies
sent to the speakersystem. This effect is useful for some speakers, which lack the
power 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 can
also greatly improve sounding of standard desktop speakers, laptop speakers or even
low-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. The
approximate DeWoofer value of 60% is suitable for laptop speakers and light
multimedia headphones (e.g., made by Genius, QuickShot, Typhoon, etc.).

Fidelity effect is designed to enhance sound image by introducing additional

harmonics in high frequency range. This technology makes the music sound brighter
and reduces low MP3 quality compression artifacts. Fidelity effect also improves
aggresive 3D stereo expansion accuracy. In professional audio world similar hardware
devices are often called ENHANCERS and EXCITERS.

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

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

Note, that if the checkbox is not checked, controls on appropriate tab will produce no
effect. In order to let some particular tab affect the sound, the corresponding
checkbox should be checked.

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

3D Surround
extSpace
extFX
Virtual Subwoofer
Limiter Compressor

2.2 3D tab
OSS 3D Surround Technology - is an effect of expanding audio environment out of
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 from the
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 correct
the situtation by processing the sound. 3D Surround does such processing, called
"expansion". It applies several effect envelopes on primary input signal and outputs
surround space.

Note, that speakers should be plugged in proper phase. If they are not, the sound will
appear to be closer to the center between speakers, instead of space expansion. If you
 experience such troubles, fortunately, OSS 3D allows this to be fixed in-software. The
key 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 four
different 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 extended
surround 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 3D
Surround, 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 position
and bounces the sound around. The sound gets bounced multiple times and returns to
listener from the back. While the effect utilizes only two speakers, the resounding
 frame is emulated in 3D space. The width of the resounding frame gives you the
spatialization effect. To get the maximum impression, use it together with 3D
Surround Technology.

Fig 3. extSpace tab

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

2.4 FX tab
extFX - is an aggresive type of surround sound remixing. This effect includes two
controls - "Center" and "Space". The first one controls center bass frequencies - you
can control the volume of sound's "center". "Space" option moves the sound aside
listener. 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 is
also effective for narrow placed speakers, however placing speakers closely to each
other 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 that
are 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 real
subwoofer does. Only two speakers are needed to emulate surround subwoofer.

Unlike real subwoofer, Virtual Subwoofer doesn't concentrate all bass frequencies at
one point. It spreads bass frequencies around. It's recommended to use this effect
together with 3D Surround.
 Fig 7. Virtual Subwoofer tab

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

2.8 Speaker tab

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

With this technology, you can wider frequency range of your speakersystem (or
headphones) and correct output phase (when speakers are either assembled or
plugged 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 are
swapped, will likely to be wrong.

How to detect right "Phase invert" state for your speakers? Turn on any song with
vocals, and place speakers closely facing each other and touching each other. With
one setting of "Phase invert" the vocals will be heard clearly, while with different one
they 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 how
Compressor Limiter tab looks:
 Fig 9. Compressor/Limiter tab

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

Good values for ceiling are in the range of 30% to 60%. You will find out that
Threshold and Ceiling are co-dependant and it is best to just play with these
parameters 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 Sliders
mode. Sometimes, it may be neccessary to fine-adjust the EQ setting, and that can be
done inside of the Sliders mode.

Curve Mode - There are two modes of operation available in the Curve mode of
equalizer. You can either click and drag to draw the curve left-right, or click the mouse
on the band (vertical line with number underneath) and move mouse pointer up and
down to fine tune the curve.
 2.11 About tab
Click on "Register" button to enter your serial number information. To unregister
remove your e-mail and serial number information and click enter.

Fig 11. About tab

3 User feedback
Over about a year of product's existance we have received numerous feedback. To our pleasant
surprise none of it was bad! We are very greatful to all who supported the product and
although it reached it's potential, we will continue making small updates and expanding to
other 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. I am
greatful to everyone who helped with suggestions and bug reports.

Thank you all, my friends!

What users say about OSS 3D?

bombardier says:
Absolutely brilliant plugin - makes older music especially nice sounding. Bravo to the
 developers. It will take a long time messing with the settings to come up with
something 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 after
installation, out-of-the-way interface, and whatever this sound-bettering thing it's up
to... 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 the
music. My mp3s suddenly have more depth to them. There is an openess to the
sound. It's as if before, I was listening with earmuffs. The difference is that big.
Remarkable! Excellent job.

Please don't forget to visit our Forums page on www.subband.com and share your
experiences!

4 Operating with presets

OSS 3D is able to load and store settings. Only registered users are allowed to store all current
slider positions, checkbox and list options of OSS 3D - select SAVE PRESET AS... menu item
and 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 already
stored 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 we
struggle to survive in today's world.

5 Additional information and technical support

Click here to go to OSS 3D support page

Copyright ©2005-2006 Subband Technologies & 4Front Technologies