How the SR1 is Expanding Learning at Sonic College

Sonic College is a higher education programme in Denmark focused on sound design, music production, game audio, and emerging audio technologies. As immersive audio becomes increasingly important across the industry, the school is exploring new ways to give students access to professional immersive workflows. By introducing the Areal SR1 into its sound design bachelor programme, Sonic College is testing a more flexible approach where students can access a 7.1.4-style environment far beyond the walls of a mixing room.

WE SIMPLY DON'T HAVE ENOUGH ATMOS ROOMS FOR EVERY STUDENT TO WORK SIMULTANEOUSLY.

Caesar Edmunds

With only a handful of dedicated immersive studios available, accommodating large classes has been a challenge. When up to twenty students need to work in Dolby Atmos simultaneously, access becomes limited and schedules tight. The SR1 helps extend learning beyond the studio, allowing students to continue their work from smaller rooms, at home, or on the go. This significantly increases both flexibility and practice time without requiring new studio construction.

A major advantage for students is calibrated monitoring. Unlike standard headphones, the SR1 provides consistent reference levels through individual calibration profiles and SPL-matched playback. This helps students develop reliable listening habits and a better understanding of loudness and spatial balance, even outside a controlled studio environment.

IT'S IMPORTANT THAT STUDENTS LEARN IMMERSIVE AUDIO THE SAME WAY THEY'LL ENCOUNTER IT IN THE INDUSTRY.

Caesar Edmunds

At the same time, students continue working with professional immersive tools and workflows. Recognised as a 12-channel audio interface, the SR1 requires real multi-channel routing and Dolby Atmos tools rather than simplified stereo outputs. This ensures students gain practical experience with the same technical setups used in professional environments.

The SR1 also improves teaching workflows. Instructors can review immersive projects remotely, making feedback faster and more flexible, even while travelling. This removes a long-standing barrier to working with immersive formats outside the studio.

Currently being tested through a pilot program, the SR1 is helping Sonic College explore how immersive audio education can scale beyond dedicated studio spaces without compromising professional workflows.

It's changing how immersive audio can be taught, making professional workflows accessible, beyond dedicated studio spaces.

Thomas Perez-Pape

written and provided by

Thomas Perez-Pape

Teknisk Koordinator | CTO Sonic College, UCSYD