Getting Started with Eclipsa Audio (IAMF) in Reaper

In this tutorial, I walk you through setting up Eclipsa Audio plugins in Reaper and creating audio in the IAMF (Immersive Audio Model and Formats) format. We'll start by configuring the Eclipsa Audio Renderer, then dive into creating audio elements and mix presentations—key concepts that allow you to layer different audio streams like immersive environments and head-locked narration. I'll demonstrate the complete routing workflow using a simple four-track session, showing you how to route tracks into the renderer using both the built-in Eclipsa panning controls and third-party Ambisonics encoders like Audio Brewers. We'll work with YouTube's supported Base profile, which allows for 18 channels total with up to two audio elements—typically a 16-channel third-order Ambisonics element for the immersive environment and a stereo element for narration or music.

The tutorial covers the practical workflow from start to finish: downloading and installing the free plugins, setting up your Reaper session with proper channel configurations, routing individual tracks to the correct audio elements, and finally exporting your project as an IAMF file. I'll show you three different routing approaches—using the Eclipsa Element plugin's built-in panner, using external Ambisonics encoders for more control, and routing stereo content to a separate element. You'll also learn about mix presentations, which enable multiple language tracks or clean/explicit versions within a single file, and how Eclipsa's philosophy ensures consistency between your studio mix and consumer playback. By the end, you'll have a complete understanding of how to create Eclipsa Audio content ready for platforms like YouTube.