I Couldn't Tell Reality from Virtual Mixing Studio | Sony 360 VME Review

In today's video, I check out into Sony's groundbreaking 360 Virtual Mixing Environment (360 VME) technology, a system that creates a personalized virtual studio experience through headphones. Unlike other virtual mixing solutions, 360 VME stands out by precisely matching your individual ear and head geometry through a sophisticated measurement process. I recently had the opportunity to experience this technology firsthand when Sony visited our campus, and I can confidently say it's the most impressive virtual mixing environment I've encountered to date. The measurement process involves placing tiny probe microphones in your ears and capturing your unique hearing profile both with and without headphones.

The system's effectiveness is remarkable – during testing, I couldn't distinguish between the headphone playback and the actual studio monitors, making it a game-changer for professional audio work. While the technology shows immense potential, particularly in educational settings where multiple students need access to high-end studio facilities, there are some limitations to consider. Currently, measurements can only be taken at select locations, and the service is primarily focused on educational institutions. I also discuss alternative solutions like Steven Slate's VSX system, Genelec's Aural ID, and the Smyth Research Realiser, comparing their approaches to virtual studio environments and helping you understand which solution might work best for your needs.