Sony Corporation and BandLab Technologies announced a partnership to bring Sony‘s 360 Reality Audio spatial sound technology to BandLab’s 100 million users, democratising professional-grade music creation for artists without access to high-end studios.
Starting this summer, BandLab creators will be able to produce and experience spatial audio directly within the platform using just their smartphones and standard headphones. The integration will debut with spatial-ready beats in BandLab’s sounds marketplace, enabling users to layer vocals and instruments in an immersive 360° soundscape.
Expanding Spatial Audio’s Reach
Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, developed to rival Apple’s Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos, gains a major boost with this deal. Last year, Apple Music began offering 10% higher royalties for spatial tracks—a move Sony aims to counter by making the format more accessible.
Beyond initial integration, the companies revealed plans for a co-branded creative hub inside BandLab, described as a “gateway for future offerings.” This hub will introduce new tools, tech, and exclusive educational programs to support emerging artists.
Executive Perspectives
Meng Ru Kuok, CEO & Co-Founder of BandLab Technologies, emphasised the partnership’s mission:
“This reflects a shared belief that the technology and opportunities to create music should be available to everyone, not just a select few. By working with Sony, we’re combining our strengths to empower creators at every step of their journey. It’s not just about what artists can do today, but about what becomes possible when they’re given the right support to experiment and grow.”
Masaaki Oshima, Head of Sony’s Personal Entertainment Business Unit, added:
“Sony has long been committed to premium audio experiences. This partnership bridges the gap between professional sound and independent creators. By integrating our tech into BandLab’s ecosystem, we’re expanding access to immersive tools while deepening our connection with the pro-consumer market. We’re excited to see how artists push creative boundaries with these new possibilities.”
Why It Matters
- BandLab’s massive user base (100M+) gives Sony a direct pipeline to next-gen creators.
- The move challenges Apple’s spatial audio dominance by making 360° production mobile-first.
- Future educational programs and tools could reshape DIY music production.
- BandLab Technologies, founded in 2015, also owns Cakewalk, ReverbNation, and Airbit, operating under the parent company Caldecott Music Group.
#Sony #BandLab #SpatialAudio
