Like many tech-focused magazines, we’ve been entranced by the latest glut of augmented and virtual reality headset releases from the likes of Apple and Meta. Our question: how good are they from a music production POV?
For many, the appeal of VR headsets might be considered to be the exclusive domain of gamers, with little else to justify the (sometimes intimidating) pricetags. There’s also the embarrassment factor that keeps the more selfconscious among us from being seen wearing a chunky headset. But, with the release of Apple’s Vision Pro, a more holistic vision of the VR/AR headset was presented, positioning it not for techies, but as a workflow-assisting, realitydistorting, focus-honing productivity tool.
For music-makers – where productivity and immersion are key – the renewed focus on the potential of VR is incredibly exciting. VR gives you complete control of your visual workspace, and it’s possible to save that setting, and recall it – no matter where you are. Then there’s the chance to use enormous virtual displays, bigger than you could probably fit into your real-life workspace. Coupled this with the ability to ‘touch’ virtual instruments without a controller in-between and a new way of thinking about music production presents itself. This radical transformation of interface and environment could get you creating previously unimaginable types of track.
The tools: Apple vs Meta
So how do we explore this fertile ground? Since 2019, the dominant mainstream VR option has been Meta’s Quest, the current model being the Quest 3 (£479.99 – meta.com), while in February, Apple released the Vision Pro apple. ($3,499 –com). Both of these are primarily seen as consumer devices, but it’s very possible to create and perform music on the Quest and Vision Pro today. We’ll take a look at some of the specific software shortly.
How you choose between these devices is a matter of budget and taste. The Quest 3 uses an Android-based operating system, and includes two Touch Plus controllers to provide haptic feedback. It’s been around since 2019, so by this point has a decent and diverse app library.
Critically, the pass-through quality could be better, and it’s skewed towards Windows compatibility. Apple’s Vision Pro uses visionOS, and no controllers are needed for day-to-day use. It boasts superior image quality, and is compatible with many iPad and iPhone apps, so there’s more than enough to get you started.
It is, however, limited by the usual closed Apple system. The Vision Pro isn’t even marketed as a full VR solution, but we can imagine how that could change before too long.
Wearing a headset when you’re working solo is one thing – it’s another to integrate it with studio gear. It’s pretty fu
