Director 11.5 Adds 5.1 Channel Audio Real Time Mixing

Adobe has released Director 11.5, a major update to the multimedia authoring suite used widely in education. The new version adds significant new audio capabilities, including support for 5.1-channel surround sound, as well as new video format support, new plugins, and multi-version output.

Director is the Web authoring and development tool Adobe acquired when it bought out Macromedia. Version 11 was released about a year ago, adding expanded 3D features with a new physics engine and new DirectX support and parity between JavaScript and Lingo for scripting.

The new release includes support for 40 audio and video file formats, including support for H.264 and RTMP-based streaming for delivering HD content. It also includes support for 5.1-channel audio and allows users to create audio effects with real-time mixing. Other new features include:

  • A new Google SketchUp and SketchUp 3-D Importer;
  • Enhanced scripting performance; and
  • Enhanced support for Nvidia's PhysX engine.

Director 11.5 is available this month for $999 for the full retail version and $299 for both the education version and the upgrade. It supports Mac OS X 10.5 and higher and various versions of Windows. Further information can be found here.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • Graduation cap resting on electronic circuit board

    Preparing Workplace-Ready Graduates in the Age of AI

    Artificial intelligence is transforming workplaces and emerging as an essential tool for employees across industries. The dilemma: Universities must ensure graduates are prepared to use AI in their daily lives without diluting the interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills that businesses rely on.

  • student reading a book with a brain, a protective hand, a computer monitor showing education icons, gears, and leaves

    4 Steps to Responsible AI Implementation

    Researchers at the University of Kansas Center for Innovation, Design & Digital Learning (CIDDL) have published a new framework for the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence at all levels of education.

  • student and teacher using AI-enabled laptops, with rising arrows on a graph

    Student and Teacher AI Use Jumps Nearly 30% in One Year

    In a recent survey from learning platform Quizlet, 85% of high school and college students and teachers said they use AI technology, compared to 66% in 2024 — a 29% increase year over year.

  • laptop with digital productivity and calendar symbols

    September 2025 Tech Tactics in Education Conference Agenda Announced

    Registration is free for this fully virtual Sept. 25 event, focused on "Overcoming Roadblocks to Innovation" in K-12 and higher education.