Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for controlling sounds in a three dimensional listening environment. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for controlling the apparent localization of sounds in a 3-dimensional listening environment. The method can include receiving one or more audio channels, receiving decode data associated with the one or more audio channels, routing the one or more audio channels to a plurality of processing channels, selectively processing audio associated with the plurality of processing channels based at least in part on the received decode data, and outputting processed audio to a plurality of speakers.