With the launch of the Sony PlayStation VR, the world of virtual reality is about to change in some important ways, one of which is how the console will be able to offer virtual sound music. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at 360 Reality Audio and how it works, including what it’s like to listen to music on VR, as well as a review of the music services that are available on VR.
Tidal
Tidal offers a unique musical experience with its 360 sound music technology. It uses Sony’s spatial audio technology to map out the sound in any direction. Unlike traditional stereo, which has fixed position speakers, this new form of musical experience makes you feel like you are a part of the performance.
In addition to bringing you the best in 360 sound music, Tidal also offers exclusive visual content such as artist interviews and staff picks. Those who love music will be enthralled with Tidal’s new offerings.
Aside from Tidal’s impressive catalog, it also has an editorial team that helps you curate your own playlists. There are also a variety of other features to check out. For instance, you can enjoy a free 30-day trial of the service.
Deezer
Music streaming service Deezer has introduced 360 sound music. The 360 format is a new type of audio file. It simulates a spherical 3D space to provide a feeling of weight and depth. It is similar to Dolby Atmos.
The Deezer 360 Reality Audio app creates virtual speakers, allowing users to enjoy the immersive experience. Currently, it is available on iOS and Android. It can also be enhanced with a pair of compatible headphones.
There are a variety of tracks that are available for listeners to enjoy. The catalog contains tracks from Bob Dylan, Britney Spears, Marvin Gaye, Elvis, Miles Davis, Earth Wind & Fire and others. Most songs are recorded in stereo, but there are a few that are tagged in the 360 format.
Nugs
It’s no secret that 360 sound is a good thing, especially when you consider the ensuing benefits of a more mobile workforce. If your company has the budget to spare, why not take the plunge and enjoy the same perks of your employees? The only caveats are the inevitable commute and if you work in an office, the dreaded morning commuting. Thankfully, Tidal has you covered. With its hi-fi offerings, you can enjoy the music on the high road. To help make the most of your experience, Tidal has a rewards program where you can earn points for every song you listen to, and even take home a measly $10 for the privilege. Depending on your tee time tally, you’ll also be eligible for some of the most prestigious awards in the industry.
Sony’s partnership with chipset companies should make 360 Reality Audio compatible across more consumer hardware
Sony has teamed up with several chip companies, including Qualcomm, to make 360 Reality Audio more compatible with consumer hardware. This allows consumers to experience the wonders of immersive audio without having to buy new hardware.
360 Reality Audio uses object-based spatial audio technology to map sound sources and positional information. It is then played on a speaker system and headphones to create a soundscape that puts the listener in the thick of things.
The technology is powered by the MPEG-H 3D Audio codec, which supports up to 64 channels. These can be mixed together for a truly immersive sound experience. While the 360 WalkMix Creator plugin software is free, a premium subscription to a streaming service is required to experience the full effects.
Object-based audio is a marvellous thing
If you’ve been looking into music technology lately, you may have heard about object-based audio. It’s a new sound format developed by Sony that allows you to experience a music track in a 3-dimensional space. This makes it a much more immersive way to listen to music.
The format is created from the open MPEG-H 3D Audio standard. There are up to 64 individual channels, which means you can use multiple speakers for a multi-dimensional audio experience.
In addition to the music format, Sony has also introduced its 360 Reality Audio Creative Suite plugin software. This software lets you record and mix sounds, and then save the metadata when it’s encoded. Initially, only Qobuz and 360bydeezer supported this format, but more streaming services are integrating the technology.
