What platforms does Proximity support?

Proximity is available on Windows, macOS.

What is Proximity best for?

Proximity is best for distance simulation for spatial audio (footsteps, environmental objects), placing sounds closer or farther in the mix (depth staging without reverb), adding depth to flat recordings (field recordings, samples), realistic spatial processing (psychoacoustic distance cues, not just volume), simulating listener-to-source distance changes (cutscenes, cinematics).

What are alternatives to Proximity?

Consider Panipulator (better for stereo field checks, mono compatibility testing, and panning utilities.), Ozone Imager (handles stereo width control if you need imaging rather than distance.), Width Knob (simpler stereo width adjustment when distance simulation isn't needed.).

Proximity (Free Panner)

Name: Proximity
Author: Tokyo Dawn Labs

by Tokyo Dawn Labs · Free Plugins

An intuitive distance pan-pot built on psychoacoustic models, giving you reliable depth control over your mix elements in a straightforward, convincing way.

PannerVSTVST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS

What it does

A free distance-panning plugin from Tokyo Dawn Labs. Simulates how sound changes with distance — not just volume, but also the frequency response, early reflections, and the ratio of direct to ambient sound. Move a source closer or further away in the stereo field.

This is different from a regular pan knob. When you push something 'back' in the mix, Proximity adjusts the tone (less highs, more bass proximity effect in reverse), adds early reflections, and reduces level — all the cues our ears use to judge distance. Single distance control with fine-tuning options.

From Tokyo Dawn Labs, who are known for quality free plugins.

Why it's useful for game dev

Exactly the kind of tool game audio needs. Simulating distance for sound effects is fundamental — footsteps that sound closer or farther, environmental sounds that feel spatially correct. The distance simulation includes the psychoacoustic cues that make placement convincing, not just volume changes.

Pros

+Free from Tokyo Dawn Labs
+Physically modeled distance simulation
+Adjusts tone, level, and reflections together
+More realistic than simple volume-based panning
+High-quality processing

Cons

−Does one thing — distance only
−No surround or 3D audio support
−Subtle effect — not immediately dramatic

Use Cases

Best suited for

•Distance simulation for spatial audio (footsteps, environmental objects)
•Placing sounds closer or farther in the mix (depth staging without reverb)
•Adding depth to flat recordings (field recordings, samples)
•Realistic spatial processing (psychoacoustic distance cues, not just volume)
•Simulating listener-to-source distance changes (cutscenes, cinematics)

Less suitable for

•Surround or 3D / binaural audio workflows
•Dramatic, obvious spatial effects — this is subtle by design
•Full panning and imaging — only handles distance, not left/right placement

panner spatial mixing

Proximity

https://www.tokyodawn.net/proximity/

Visit Proximity

Key Concepts

Spatial Audio

Audio techniques that create the perception of sound sources positioned in three-dimensional space.

Panning

Distributing an audio signal across the stereo or surround sound field.

Curated Alternatives

Panipulator

Boz Digital Labs

Better for stereo field checks, mono compatibility testing, and panning utilities.

Ozone Imager

iZotope

Handles stereo width control if you need imaging rather than distance.

Width Knob

Boz Digital Labs

Simpler stereo width adjustment when distance simulation isn't needed.

More in This Category

RoughRider 3

AudioDamage

One of the most downloaded compressors on the planet. Punchy, musical dynamics with a built-in warming filter, external sidechain input, and accurate metering — a studio staple since day one.

Valhalla SuperMassive

Valhalla DSP

Designed from the ground up for massive delays and reverbs. Luscious clouds of reverb, otherworldly delays, and swelling feedback waves unlike anything you've heard before.

Free Suite - Venn Audio

Free Suite is a completely free, performant, light weight, resizeable, zero fuss set of cross-platform audio plugins. All the tools needed to fully mix a track to professional standards. No registration needed, simply download and enjoy! Free Suite is available for Windows, Mac, Mac M1 native and Linux, in VST3, AU and AAX formats.

OTT

Xfer Records

The legendary aggressive multiband upward/downward compressor used by countless electronic producers. A staple of modern dubstep and electro production.

Dexed

A free, open-source FM synthesizer — essentially a Yamaha DX7 in software form. Loads thousands of free DX7 sysex preset banks available online.

Vital

A spectral warping wavetable synthesizer with a generous free tier powerful enough to produce an entire album. One of the best free synths ever made.