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Topic: Is there a DSP that produces similar effects as the old Sony "ARENA" mode? (Read 604 times) previous topic - next topic
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Is there a DSP that produces similar effects as the old Sony "ARENA" mode?

I listen to a lot of music in a quite noisy environment, so my volume is turned high, even though I use noise canceling headphones. Modern music tend to contain crisp and catchy sound signals, which I find is too sharp / piercing for my ears. I think it's bad for my hearing.

Some folks may remember in the early 2000's, the portable Sony CD / MiniDisc players used to have a "V-SUR" (virtual surrounding) option, I believe the technology is called "VPT Acoustic Engine". It gave you four effects to choose from: STUDIO, LIVE, CLUB, and ARENA.

I wonder if there is a plugin in foobar2000 that produces similar effects. I tried some DSPs but didn't find what I was looking for. The Sony ones sort of "bring the sound source farther away from you", serving as a cushion that make it sound less piercing to the ears. Especially the "ARENA", which was my go-to mode as a kid, I really miss it.

Re: Is there a DSP that produces similar effects as the old Sony "ARENA" mode?

Reply #3 –
There is also the foo_dsp_prvb, which simulates a Sony console style reverb, with several presets stolen from something that stole them from the SDK. It also has a 4.0 channel mode where it converts the signal into the average between the front and rear channels, then applies the reverb to that, then applies the original difference between the front and rear back to the output, which has an effect of reverb intermixing front and rear. It's especially useful with the bundled DSP that promotes stereo signals to 4.0 with the original audio in the front channels only.

Re: Is there a DSP that produces similar effects as the old Sony "ARENA" mode?

Reply #4 –
Thanks so much darkflame3 and kode54! I tried different dsps and VSTs and reverbs, and sadly found the SONY effect was actually not a reverb. Their naming was deceptive though (club, arena, etc)

I found Reverb typically means the sound source is still near, but some sort of surrounding space is mimicked. What SONY did was taking the sound source away, but don't introduce any reverb at all.

I actually found a demo, https://www.sony.net/Products/vpt/ (use something like Edge or IE if you don't have flash) , while it's still called VPT, their focus has changed nowadays, so I don't think it's the same as 15 years ago. Here's what it was used for back then: https://www.sony-asia.com/electronics/support/articles/S500017839 , but I can't find a demo.

Re: Is there a DSP that produces similar effects as the old Sony "ARENA" mode?

Reply #5 –
Try jb_isone_pro VST - http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php?plugin=Isone_Pro&id=2069 (Regardless it is called "pro", it is officially free - https://bedroomproducersblog.com/2012/10/26/jeroen-breebaart-vst-plugins-are-freeware/ )
It is not anyhow connected with Sony's effects, but it definitely can move sound source away.

Re: Is there a DSP that produces similar effects as the old Sony "ARENA" mode?

Reply #6 –
There are IRS (Impulse Response Samples) in the Sony Xperia Sound Enhancement pack for Viper4Android
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2442933

Sony Xperia ((Z-Edition)) VPT 1.Studio.irs
Sony Xperia ((Z-Edition)) VPT 2.Club.irs
Sony Xperia ((Z-Edition)) VPT 3.Concert hall.irs

You can load them with foo_dsp_convolver
https://hydrogenaud.io/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=85106.0;attach=7339
if you rename the irs files to wav.

I don't think "Arena" mode exists as IRS
 

Re: Is there a DSP that produces similar effects as the old Sony "ARENA" mode?

Reply #7 –
@zeremy , Unbelievable!! The irs you recommended was exactly what I was looking for! It's the same thing from 15 years ago!!! Thank you so so much, the internet is a magically place.
 
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