dSONIQ has recently released Realphones 2.0, a significant update to their already successful headphone mixing software. For those who are not familiar with it, Realphones is a tool designed to help music producers and audio engineers achieve better mixes by simulating various listening environments through headphones. As music recording becomes simultaneously easier yet more complex, I decided to test drive Realphones 2.0 to see if it could help me achieve mix perfection.
As a producer, I’ve always taken an old-school approach to mixing and mastering, relying on studio monitors to find that sweet spot. However, with the increasing sophistication of plug-in software, it’s hard to ignore the benefits of these new tools. There’s nothing worse than thinking you’ve nailed a mix, only to hear it in a car stereo and realize the low end is a muddy mess. This is where my Realphones 2.0 review comes in.
Key Features of Realphones 2.0
- Drastically improved emulation algorithms for enhanced depth, space, and realism
- Carefully tuned setups to evaluate every aspect of your mix and easily identify and fix errors
- Expanded list of pro and high-end studios
- Comprehensive set of non-studio devices and environments, from smartphones to concert halls, to check mix translation (over 40 simulated systems total)
- Acts as a plug‑in (VST, AAX, Mac AU) and a ‘system-wide’ utility
- Headphone frequency response correction using standard curves or custom calibration
- HRTF-based binaural virtual sound source emulation
- Studio control room emulation based on acoustic measurements
- Increased precision over the full frequency range, with enhanced low-frequency control
- Flexibility to adapt the sound to match your perception
Getting Started
Setup was quick and intuitive. Realphones 2.0 supports over 200 popular headphone models from leading brands. I chose my Sennheiser HD650s from the drop-down menu.
The straightforward interface uses drop-down menus to keep things uncluttered. I started by loading a studio setting, which provided a visual representation and options like:
- EQ presets for vocal, clarity, and groove
- Environment size slider (0-100%)
- Brightness control
- Mid/side isolation for identifying problem frequencies
- Low frequency isolation to assess bass balance
Switching to the car stereo simulation, I could choose between 3 configurations. The realistic low-end response let me gauge how the mix would translate to that environment. The ability to quickly A/B between these diverse environments was a game-changer for fine-tuning my mix, while working on my Realphones 2.0 review.
Advanced Mode
The Pro and Ultimate editions include an Advanced mode with:
- Expanded selection of studio environments and loudspeakers
- 3-band EQ, ambience, density, and warmth controls
- Loudspeaker frequency response slider
- Binaural sound source positioning
- HRTF slider for natural timbre and spatialization
- Pressure dial to compensate for headphone ear-pad wear
These tools allowed me to dive deep into sculpting the sound for each simulated space. For example, I could use the 3-band EQ and ambience controls to match the tone of a particular studio, then leverage the HRTF slider to enhance the realism of the virtual speakers. The granular control was impressive.
Pricing and Availability
The update is free for 2022-2023 purchasers, with discounted upgrades for others. Realphones 1.8 remains available. Three versions are offered:
- Standard: £86/$99/€99
- Professional: £130/$149/€149 (includes Advanced mode)
- Ultimate: £190/$219/€219 (includes Advanced mode)
While the Ultimate edition is pricey, the advanced features provide significant value for professionals. The ability to save custom headphone calibration profiles alone could justify the cost for many engineers.
Realphones 2.0 Review – Final Thoughts
After spending several weeks with Realphones 2.0, I can confidently say it has become an indispensable part of my mixing workflow. The sheer variety of emulated environments, from pro studios to consumer systems like car stereos and smartphones, allowed me to stress test my mixes in ways I never could before.
On a recent project, I was struggling to get the low end to translate well outside of my treated room. By referencing the car stereo and smartphone simulations in Realphones 2.0, I was able to fine-tune the bass and kick drum balance to maintain impact without overwhelming the smaller speakers. I was thrilled with how well the mixes held up in the real world.
Another standout feature was the ability to solo the mid and side channels, which helped me identify and fix some harsh frequencies that were lurking in the sides. The result was a mix with better stereo imaging and a wider sweet spot.
But perhaps the biggest benefit of Realphones 2.0 is the confidence it gives me in my mixes. No longer do I have to second-guess myself or wonder how things will translate. By auditioning my work in such a wide range of virtual environments, I can make informed decisions and deliver better results.
Yes, there is a bit of a learning curve, and the sheer number of options can be overwhelming at first. But the clever UI design and flexibility to switch between Basic and Advanced modes makes it easy to dive in at your own pace. And once you’ve experienced the power of Realphones 2.0, you’ll wonder how you ever mixed without it.
I highly recommend Realphones 2.0 for any engineer looking to achieve better translation and mix with confidence on headphones. It’s an investment in your craft that will pay dividends for years to come. You can learn more on the official website.
