Yamaha Brings All Its Immersive Audio Technologies Under the Sound xR Banner

At ISE 2026 in Barcelona, Yamaha group will be hosting live demonstrations of its Sound xR scalable immersive audio technologies and highlighting the re-branding its AFC Enhance and AFC Image technologies as Sound xR Enhance and Sound xR Image.

Bringing these products under the Sound xR banner is designed to make it easier for investors and end users to navigate Yamaha’s broad range of high quality, scalable immersive solutions.

A pioneer in immersive audio research since 1969, Yamaha first launched its Active Field Control (AFC) technology in 1985, delivering a simple and cost-effective alternative to mechanically modifying acoustic spaces. More recently, with the rise of technologies to position sounds within 3D space, the object-based AFC Image solution was launched to complement the AFC Enhance sound field control system.

Last year Yamaha, along with group companies NEXO and Steinberg, launched the Sound xR brand with the concept of ‘Immersive Experiences for Everyone’. This included the Sound xR Core virtual spatial audio processing engine for headphones.

“Bringing all of our immersive technologies under the Sound xR banner creates an immediately recognisable brand, which highlights the universal high quality, versatility and ease of use,” says Thomas Hemery, Senior General Manager of Yamaha’s Professional Solutions Division.

“Yamaha technology has already helped to improve the acoustics of over 200 venues worldwide, including culturally significant buildings like The Grand Theatre in Warsaw. Meanwhile Sound xR solutions are being used to captivate creators and audiences with their musical expression and ease of use.”

ISE 2026 takes place at the Fira de Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain, from February 3-6, 2026. Yamaha and Steinberg are exhibiting at Booth 3F100, with NEXO at Booth 7E800. For a free show pass and to book a priority appointment, please visit the Yamaha ISE 2026 website.

* Yamaha will maintain Active Field Control (AFC) as a technology brand name, with respect for its heritage and its contribution to Sound xR solutions for physical spaces.