armada

Armada is a format-agnostic wrapper that bridges the gap between traditional VST3 effects and immersive audio production. Rather than treating surround mixing as a specialized domain requiring proprietary plugins, it lets you load your existing VST3arsenal across any channel configuration - from mono through 9.1.6 to NHK 22.2, HOA, Auro 3D, and Dolby Atmos. This approach fundamentally shifts how you work in immersive sessions, eliminating the friction of hunting for surround-compatible alternatives when your preferred tools don't natively support multichannel.

The technical implementation centers on intelligent channel grouping and global sidechain linking across multiple instances. You can organize channels into semantically meaningful groups, apply independent processing to each, and cross-link processing across your session for cohesive control. The multithreaded engine handles the computational demands of running complex plugins across dozens of channels without introducing the CPU bottlenecks typical in immersive workflows. A preset system streamlines session recall and standardizes your approach across projects.

Armada's real value lies in workflow efficiency rather than sonic character - it's transparent by design, preserving whatever tonal qualities your loaded plugins provide. It's essential for engineers working regularly in immersive formats who've grown accustomed to their mixing toolkit and want consistency across stereo and spatial projects. Equally important for mastering engineers who need to process an entire Dolby Atmos deliverable without bouncing stems. As the only option for processing complete Atmos mixes in real-time via OBAM integration, Armada addresses a genuine technical necessity rather than a want, making it increasingly standard in professional immersive facilities.