An audio system for manipulating audio material for playback based on the content of the material includes an input for receiving input audio signals, an output for providing output audio signals to loudspeakers, and an audio processor that processes the input audio signals to produce the output audio signals. The audio processor determines a type of content represented by the input audio signals, selects a set of processing instructions to control the spatial presentation of the audio material based on the determined type, and applies the selected set of processing instructions to the input audio signals.