Greetings. I thought I had posted here before, but I can’t find any earlier threads. In any case, this is my first post to introduce CTXMatrix—a free crosstalk cancellation plugin built on the Ambiophonics RACE method.
This plugin was created to offer a free, dependable tool in line with the original goals of the Ambiophonics Institute. Sadly, the Institute and its website are no longer active due to changed circumstances. I plan to keep CTXMatrix free for as long as possible. That said, crosstalk cancellation is a niche topic in audio, so further improvements rely completely on user feedback and real-world testing.
I have been a long-time Ambiophonics user and have tried most available crosstalk plugins. After much experimentation, I built my own, and early testers have given positive reviews. CTXMatrix works best with high-quality systems, but even basic computer speakers can deliver a clear 3D sound experience.
Explaining 3D audio is tricky because many descriptions are inaccurate. True spatial sound comes from binaural listening—using both ears with the natural filtering each head and ear provides (called HRTF). Stereo already uses this to create a soundstage. Crosstalk cancellation removes the unwanted mixing of left and right signals that reach the opposite ear, preserving the original cues. When these cues reach the brain correctly, the sound feels like a real event unfolding in space.
With CTXMatrix, you get a full 3D stage that feels as realistic as a binaural recording—all from your two regular speakers.
The final beta version will arrive soon and will look like the image shown. I am gathering user input now to set the best default values for different speakers and room setups. Download current beta here.
In theory, the strongest 3D effect occurs when speakers are close together. Yet users who compared CTXMatrix to BACCH4Mac say it performs well with their current wider setups too. One early review here.
You will find a detailed guide, background theory, and useful links in the earlier links.
Thank you for reading.
Regards,
ST
This plugin was created to offer a free, dependable tool in line with the original goals of the Ambiophonics Institute. Sadly, the Institute and its website are no longer active due to changed circumstances. I plan to keep CTXMatrix free for as long as possible. That said, crosstalk cancellation is a niche topic in audio, so further improvements rely completely on user feedback and real-world testing.
I have been a long-time Ambiophonics user and have tried most available crosstalk plugins. After much experimentation, I built my own, and early testers have given positive reviews. CTXMatrix works best with high-quality systems, but even basic computer speakers can deliver a clear 3D sound experience.
Explaining 3D audio is tricky because many descriptions are inaccurate. True spatial sound comes from binaural listening—using both ears with the natural filtering each head and ear provides (called HRTF). Stereo already uses this to create a soundstage. Crosstalk cancellation removes the unwanted mixing of left and right signals that reach the opposite ear, preserving the original cues. When these cues reach the brain correctly, the sound feels like a real event unfolding in space.
With CTXMatrix, you get a full 3D stage that feels as realistic as a binaural recording—all from your two regular speakers.
The final beta version will arrive soon and will look like the image shown. I am gathering user input now to set the best default values for different speakers and room setups. Download current beta here.
In theory, the strongest 3D effect occurs when speakers are close together. Yet users who compared CTXMatrix to BACCH4Mac say it performs well with their current wider setups too. One early review here.
You will find a detailed guide, background theory, and useful links in the earlier links.
Thank you for reading.
Regards,
ST
