Sony Electronics has announced the MDR-MV1 headphones, reference monitors for accurate spatial sound field reproduction such as 360 Reality Audio. “The headphones prioritize comfort, showcase Sony’s craftsmanship, and deliver longevity, offering sound engineers the ability to accurately reproduce sounds the way the performer intended to hear them,” said Andy Munitz, Senior Product Manager, Sony Electronics.
It was monitoring of spatial audio that required equipping the novelty with specially designed speakers operating in the range of 5 Hz – 80 kHz. They are complemented by ultra-light breathable ear cushions and a high-quality detachable cable with aluminum connectors and a stereo mini-jack adapter.
Sony MDR-MV1: open monitor headphones for 360 Reality Audio
“The MDR-MV1, developed by Sony’s headphone engineering team in collaboration with Sony’s music engineers, provides music creators in the studio and at home with a new, solid reference point for the needs of today’s audio engineering,” says Mike Piacentini, Mastering Engineer, Battery Studio, Sony Music Entertainment.
The MDR-MV1 is also fully compatible with Sony’s recently announced 360 Virtual Mixing Environment (360VME) service, allowing professionals to work virtually anywhere. MDR-MV1 will support playback with the 360VME profile. According to Sony Aldo, dedicated software for rendering spatial audio content for headphones using 360VME profile data will be available as early as June 2023.
The Sony MDR-MV1 headphones will be shown at NAMM 2023 and will go on sale in April 2023. It is not forbidden to use them not only for rendering spatial sound content, but simply for listening to music.
In the US, the Sony MDR-MV1 headphones will cost $400.