One reason we were particularly interested in the Sennheiser HD 490 Pro, which we recently reviewed, is its accompanying music production plugin. While reviewing music production software isn’t typical for senses.se, this instance was a natural extension of an already impressive hardware product.
What is Dear Reality and what’s the idea?
dearVR MIX is part of Dear Reality’s product suite, focusing on various aspects of music and audio production. The products are categorized into Music Production, Post Production, and Interactive Production. Some Dear Reality products are applicable to multiple categories, while others are more specialized. dearVR MIX falls under both Music Production and Post Production.
The core concept behind these programs acknowledges the increasing reliance on headphones for mixing and mastering, driven by the growing mobility of music production. As laptops become more powerful, the ability to produce music on the go expands. Tasks that previously required dedicated high-performance computers or acoustically treated rooms with properly positioned studio monitors can now be accomplished on a laptop. However, recreating the acoustic environment of a professional space remains a challenge.
While headphones are a primary medium for audio consumption, speakers remain significant. Listening through speakers introduces numerous variables, including room acoustics, interaural crosstalk (where each ear receives sound from both speakers), and multi-room systems where stereo imaging may be compromised.
Therefore, a solution that addresses these challenges when mixing or mastering with headphones would be beneficial. The ability to simulate a familiar acoustic environment, where a perfect mix is already known, is precisely what dearVR MIX aims to provide.
And what is dearVR MIX?
Dear Reality’s dearVR MIX primarily offers three key features. First, it provides frequency response correction for a wide range of headphone models (including many we’ve tested, with additional signatures available for download). This aims to ensure a neutral headphone response for mixing and post-production. Ideally, no frequency range should be artificially boosted, preventing over-compensation during mixing that would negatively impact playback on other systems. By compensating for the inherent frequency response of specific headphone models, dearVR MIX strives for a more accurate monitoring environment.
The second feature allows users to adjust the stereo image, ranging from a wide stereo field to complete mono.
Finally, the software provides the ability to simulate the playback environment within different virtual spaces. A common practice to evaluate a mix is to listen to it in a car. If the mix translates well in that environment, it often indicates good overall compatibility. dearVR MIX includes a car simulation, along with simulations of other common listening environments such as a kitchen or living room. It even extends to more unconventional spaces like a simulated arena.
Experimenting with these simulated environments can quickly highlight potential issues within a mix. However, these options are not intended for establishing the foundation of a mix. For that purpose, Dear Reality provides two studio environments of varying sizes, along with a “dry room” offering minimal reflections. Users can adjust these environments to their preferences, save the settings, and apply them across different mixes, creating a consistent and portable acoustic reference.
To illustrate the effects of the different modes, we processed our senses.se vignette through each option. The files demonstrate the selected option, with the “atmosphere” setting maximized to showcase the effect (headphones recommended).
Is dearVR MIX for everyone?
The answer is nuanced. One potential drawback is for those new to mixing and mastering who have already become accustomed to a specific acoustic environment. For these users, switching to a new environment could be disorienting. However, beginners can also directly adopt one of the included studio environments and learn from that reference point. Alternatively, users can select a familiar reference track, configure the virtual environment, save it, and integrate it into their mix bus for consistent monitoring.
For experienced audio engineers, this plugin provides a valuable tool when access to their regular setup is limited, or for making minor adjustments while monitoring on headphones.
Do we like Dear Reality – dearVR MIX?
Yes, we do. We’ve evaluated dearVR MIX over the past month, exploring its various features. Its versatility is noteworthy. For example, we experimented with using other plugins to compensate for the sonic characteristics of the “Car” mode, then disabling dearVR MIX and critically listening to the result. The aim was to identify and remove undesirable elements in the mix that might otherwise have gone unnoticed. While ears are ultimately the best tools for mixing, supplemental assistance can be beneficial.
While the core concept isn’t entirely unique, with a few competitors in the market, we appreciate the simplicity and clarity of dearVR MIX’s options. The controls are intuitive and their functions are easily understood. The selection of alternative environments demonstrates a practical approach, grounded in recognizable real-world listening spaces, which we also value.
Perfectly simulating any environment with absolute accuracy is inherently impossible. Cars, for example, all sound different. However, the goal is not perfect replication. Instead, it’s about finding a simulated environment that closely resembles a familiar listening space. As with any acoustically treated room, experience and familiarity with the environment are key to accurate monitoring.
Regarding pricing, dearVR MIX is bundled with a pair of Sennheiser 490 Pro headphones for 4,300 kronor, offering substantial value. Separately, the software is priced at approximately 1,100 kronor, which we consider a worthwhile investment, particularly for those who fit the scenarios described earlier, and especially for those who primarily mix with headphones. We recommend giving Dear Reality – dearVR MIX a try.
Sennheiser/Dear Reality provided review copies for this evaluation. Provision of review materials does not influence our editorial independence. We maintain a focus on providing unbiased assessments for our readers and consumers.
