Back to Top
Menu

Areal SR1 Spatial Reference Headphones

Immersive Monitoring with Precision

The Areal SR1 Spatial Reference Headphones are a professional multi-driver system designed for accurate, portable immersive audio monitoring. Powered by AIM (Acoustic Image Mapping) technology, SR1 delivers precise spatial audio with localisation, without relying on binaural emulation or HRTF personalisation.

Each earcup features a full-range driver for stereo, alongside three spatial drivers that reproduce front, rear, and height information with clarity. A dedicated multichannel controller and DAC connects via USB-C, enabling seamless integration and instant switching between stereo and immersive modes. Designed for professionals working across studio, live sound, broadcast, and post-production, SR1 provides a consistent, reference-grade immersive monitoring environment.



AIM Technology

Acoustic Image Mapping Technology

This is not an emulation. SR1 enables accurate physical placement of directional audio, delivering a level of precision that conventional binaural designs cannot match. By mapping audio directly to dedicated drivers, it provides a reliable and consistent spatial reference for professional immersive audio workflows.

The combination of AIM technology and SR1’s unique multi-driver architecture ensures that complex immersive soundscapes are reproduced with clarity and depth. This approach avoids artificial processing and removes the need for HRTF personalisation, allowing engineers and creators to hear and trust spatial detail exactly as intended.

Custom Controller image

Custom Controller

Processing for SR1 is handled by its 8-output companion controller, removing the need for DAW plugins, virtual soundcards, and lossy conversions in the signal path. This ensures a clean, direct signal flow for accurate and reliable immersive monitoring. The unit also functions as a high-specification headphone amplifier and incorporates a high-resolution 24-bit DAC, delivering consistent audio fidelity across all listening levels. This allows engineers and creators to monitor with confidence, even at lower volumes where detail and balance remain critical.
Enquire
Stereo and Immersive Modes image

Stereo and Immersive Modes

SR1 supports accurate reproduction of all major formats, from stereo through to 5.1, 7.1, and 7.1.4, ensuring compatibility with modern immersive audio workflows. The dedicated controller features hardware buttons for instant switching between stereo and immersive modes, allowing quick comparison and confident decision-making during mixing and monitoring. A precision knurled rotary control provides smooth, tactile level adjustment, giving users accurate control over monitoring levels in any environment. This combination of flexibility and hands-on control ensures a seamless workflow across both traditional and immersive formats.
Enquire
Plug & Play Connectivity image

Plug & Play Connectivity

The SR1 is engineered for simplicity, portability and professional flexibility, allowing audio engineers to reference and create immersive content wherever they are. A single USB-C connection links the controller to your Mac or PC, instantly appearing as a class-compliant multichannel soundcard. This ensures seamless integration with your preferred digital audio workstation or software, so you can monitor, mix and evaluate spatial audio without additional drivers or configuration.
Enquire

APPLICATIONS


Post Production

Work on immersive mixes for music, movies and games faster and with more flexibility. SR1 lets you accurately monitor immersive formats anywhere, reducing studio time and enabling more of the creative process to happen on the go.


Education

Gain immersive audio skills and experience anywhere. SR1 makes portable spatial monitoring accessible to students, freeing them from reliance on over-subscribed studios and opening endless opportunities to create and learn.


Immersive Content Production

Bring your immersive concepts to life with complete creative freedom. SR1 lets producers create and perfect immersive mixes anywhere, accelerating their workflows and unlocking new possibilities for creativity beyond the studio.


Broadcast

Monitor any stereo or immersive broadcast mix with precision. SR1 brings spatial production capability to any location, maintaining flexibility and consistency even when the OB van lacks an immersive speaker setup.

USER STORIES

Laidback Luke image

Laidback Luke

DJ and Record Producer

"The SR1 may excite a whole new generation of music enthusiasts to start using immersive as their go-to music format. The young and early adopters really need to dive in. It’s amazing to be on the forefront of immersive audio."
Read Whole Story
Caesar Edmunds image

Caesar Edmunds

Grammy-Winning Mixing Engineer and Producer

"SR1 is not just a “travel solution” , but an extension of my control room and workflow, that allows me to make reliable creative decisions while I’m on the move"
Read Whole Story
Hardwell image

Hardwell

Dutch DJ and Music Producer

"It was sort of bizarre after 25 years of producing in stereo to hear what SR1 is capable of. Immersive sound either translates or it doesn't. SR1 is built by people who've spent years making sure it does - and that care for precision shows in the result. It sounds amazing."
Read Whole Story

Interested in learning more about the Areal SR1?

Contact Our Team Today

Whether you're working in post-production, broadcast, immersive audio production, education, or content creation, our team can help you determine how the Areal SR1 fits into your workflow.


Get in touch to discuss your requirements, request pricing information, or arrange a demonstration.

Contact Our Team

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION


Headphone Performance

  • Driver Configuration: 4 per earcup (1 full-range, 3 spatial)
  • Frequency Response: 40 Hz – 20 kHz (±2 dB typical)
  • Impedance: 32 Ω per channel (nominal)
  • THD: < 0.2% @ 94 dB SPL
  • Ear Coupling: Over-ear, closed-back
  • Weight (Headphone): ~320 g (without cable)
  • Cable: Braided (1.5 m)

Headphone Controller / DAC Interface

  • Input: USB-C (Multichannel audio, class-compliant)
  • Outputs: Magnetic multipin headphone connector
  • Audio Channels: 8 output channels (4 per ear)
  • Output Format Support: PCM (48 kHz / 24-bit)
  • Mode Switching: Stereo / Immersive (toggle)
  • Volume Control: Digital (rotary knob)
  • Power Supply: USB-C powered (5V / 3A typical)
  • Secondary Power: 12V DC input (1,5A typical, Barrel connector)
  • Dimensions (W × D × H): 160 × 90 × 40 mm
  • Weight (Controller): ~280 g

AIM - Acoustic Image Mapping

  • Spatial Rendering: Direct multichannel, speaker-style mapping
  • Supported Layouts: Stereo, 5.1, 7.1 and 7.1.4
  • Compatibility: Works with any software that supports multichannel out

SR1 Features and Setup Video Playlist