Sonarworks SoundID was developed over the past years, based on a research about consumer audio preferences. After introducing the ability for anyone to correct the frequency response of virtual all the most popular headphones in the market, in any form factor, Sonarworks initiated an extensive research trying to identify how listeners would personalize their audio experience, once they know their headphones are providing them with the best possible response.
Following a presentation to the industry, by invitation only, at CES 2020, Sonarworks will promote an early demonstration of SoundID at NAMM 2020, coinciding with the availability of the Beta version on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store, ahead of the full roll-out in Q2 2020. Meanwhile, headphone manufacturer 1MORE will also be showcasing SoundID integration at NAMM, ahead of further 1MORE hardware and software integration announcements in 2020.
The SoundID technology has been developed by the same Sonarworks team that is behind the Reference audio software used in over 45,000 professional recording studios, all over the world. Based on a sample of 39,000 completed preference tests, the biggest ever research into headphone sound preference, Sonarworks developed a unique method of analyzing and augmenting sound using machine learning and big data, combined with hearing tests, to determine preferences. By comparison, other audio technology companies have been developing their personalization software solutions based on a pool of only a few hundred respondents.
“SoundID solves a long-standing problem in the audio-tech space. Until now, manufacturers have applied a “one size fits all” approach regardless of the many variables - hardware options, audio formats, while not taking into account the variable of the end user - all of whom hear differently and have their individual preferences,” Sonarworks explains.
“Subsequently audio manufacturers have targeted sound profiles that are favored by less than 20% of the overall market as the latest identifiable group. By contrast, SoundID enabled audio is favored by over 78% of listeners in blind testing”, they add.
SoundID intends to transform the way listeners enjoy audio, starting with a quick one-time in-app hearing test that includes age, musical preferences, and hardware configuration, helping to create each person’s unique sound profile or “yourSoundID”. For the moment, this profile is available every time the SoundID app is used as an interface to the music source. In the future, Sonarworks intends to expand the availability of the SoundID profile to any type of devices and services. Eventually the users will have their SoundID automatically enabled across all their devices, creating a seamless listening experience that is individually perfected every time.
“In 2012 we transformed the professional audio market with our products that are now widely used as a key tool for the creation process. Now, we are doing the same in the consumer audio sector. Bespoke audio, personalized to each listener, is now a reality with Sonarworks’ SoundID. Audio profiles have been an issue for the market for decades. Now we have a seamless experience in SoundID that is measurably better than the current products on the market,” says Martins Popelis, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Sonarworks.
“We are bringing personally perfected sound to the masses thanks to our unique proprietary technology. Now, professional creators and listeners, can all define our own personal SoundID based on use case, device, hearing and preference. We are backed by device manufacturers, creators and music lovers all over the world. Why? Because we make sure sound can be enjoyed to the max, irrespective of how, when, or where you listen. And importantly - our collected data and analytics help continuously improve the experience everywhere.”
An example of how partnerships with the audio industry will contribute to expand the availability of the SoundID technology, is the recent announcement by Sonarworks, of an agreement with 1MORE, the fast-growing headphone manufacturer, which will introduce the technology, by integrating it into the 1MORE Music app, which will launch with the first SoundID enabled 1MORE headphones to market in 2020.
“We are excited to be the first manufacturer to partner with Sonarworks on their SoundID integration - this is a truly transformative product for the market. To be able to deliver individualized audio profile for each of our customers allows us to offer even more premium features at consumer-friendly value,” says Patrice Chen, CEO at 1MORE USA.
www.1more.com
www.sonarworks.com | www.sound.id
