Getting Started With 360 Reality Audio

In this video, I dive into the 360 WalkMix Creator, the core of Sony's approach to spatial audio and the heart of their 360 Reality Audio format. I demonstrate how to use the 360 WalkMix Creator within Ableton Live 12, showcasing its ease of use and straightforward workflow. The plugin serves as both the renderer and panner, simplifying the process compared to other spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos and MPEG-H. I walk through the settings, speaker layouts, and the process of moving objects within the 3D space, highlighting the plugin's user-friendly interface and features.

Despite the 360 WalkMix Creator's impressive capabilities and intuitive design, I express my concerns about its accessibility and Sony's approach to the format. The high price tag of $499, the lack of an educational version, and the limited distribution options for 360 Reality Audio content create significant barriers for producers and students interested in exploring this technology. I also share my disappointing experience with Sony's customer support, emphasizing the need for the company to make their software more accessible to the average producer and future decision-makers in the industry. While the 360 WalkMix Creator is a powerful tool, Sony's current strategy may hinder its widespread adoption.