ADX's new function "SonicSYNC" delivers the same exhilarating experience as playing an instrument
Reduce audio delay on smartphones to as close to zero as possible

What is SonicSYNC?

"SonicSYNC" generates audio signals with zero latency

SonicSYNC is a function that reduces audio playback delay on smartphones to virtually zero.
By generating audio signals instantly in sync with the hardware, audio playback delays caused by software processing are eliminated.
This means that the only delay is due to hardware processing such as tap recognition, significantly improving audio playback delay.

Since the audio response is almost instantaneous to the user's actions, it is expected to improve the sense of immersion in the game and the feel of operation.
In addition to rhythm games, where sound response is particularly important, in any game in which sound is produced in response to actions, such as action games, puzzle games, and FPS (first-person shooters), this technology can enhance the user's sense of immersion, provide a light and refreshing feeling, and expand the possibilities for new presentation.

Compatible with iOS and Android

ADX has previously supported low latency playback with its "sound playback delay estimation" and "low latency playback" features, but this was only available for Android devices, where performance differences between devices are more likely to be apparent.
The newly added SonicSYNC is also compatible with iOS, providing a comfortable gaming experience on a wide range of devices.

Compatible with conventional ADX

No code modifications are required to apply SonicSYNC.
When you replace the library, SonicSYNC will be enabled by default.

Improved latency in Bluetooth connections, which had been problematic, to expand rhythm game user base

When using Bluetooth earphones, there is a communication time lag between the smartphone and the earphones compared to sound played directly from the smartphone's speaker. In addition, the time it takes to process the audio data is also added, making it difficult to play games where timing is important, such as rhythm games.
By introducing SonicSYNC, the processing time for audio data has been significantly reduced, making rhythm games easier to play even when using Bluetooth earphones, which was previously difficult to play. (It does not improve the communication time lag between the device and earphones.)
This will contribute to expanding the number of Bluetooth earphone users, which are becoming increasingly popular.

Demo App

SonicSYNC Gallery

You can experience SonicSYNC through four mini-games.
The mini-games include music games, RPG-style action games, action games, and FPS games, allowing you to experience SonicSYNC in games of various genres.
Equipped with the ability to turn SonicSYNC on/off and set the length of the delay time, this app makes it easier to experience the benefits of SonicSYNC.

SonicSYNC Case Studies

Project Sekai Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku (Sega)

We conducted an interview with the company to learn more about its case studies.
How has SonicSYNC evolved "ProSeka"? - The developer's "commitment" to achieving low latency and rich sound

Disney Music Parade (Taito)

The tapping sounds made during the rhythm game are designed to play a scale in time with the music.
By adopting "SonicSYNC", it is now possible to play the rhythm game part more comfortably and with a lighter touch while maintaining the worldview of Disney.
The gaming experience is dramatically improved as you can enjoy the game as if you were actually playing an instrument.

Please see the news release for details.
CRI's new feature "SonicSYNC," which realizes an exhilarating musical instrument-like sensation, has been adopted for "Disney Music Parade"
- Zero-latency technology turns your smartphone into a grand piano -

SonicSYNC Performance

After testing on multiple devices, we were able to reduce the delay between tapping and hearing the sound to approximately 50 milliseconds (※) on both iOS and Android.
A grand piano produces sound 40 to 60 milliseconds after a key is pressed, so SonicSYNC raises the responsiveness of your smartphone to the same level as a grand piano.
* Millisecond: 1/1000 of a second

Playback environmentiOS Latency (ms)Android Latency (ms)
SonicSYNC5353
Third-party game engine (fastest setting)109.5102
Third-party game engines234146
reference
Grand Piano
The time it takes for a sound to be heard after a key is pressed
40–60 ms
*Measurement conditions are as follows.
  • Tested on iPhone 12 Pro for iOS and Xperia XZ2 for Android
  • The delay time is measured as the time between tapping the screen and the sound being output from the device's built-in speaker.
  • The number of trials was 20, and the median value is shown.
  • ADX initialization settings are left at default

How SonicSYNC works

In conventional ADX, in order to play a large amount of sound stably, the generated audio signal was stored and then played back from there. This meant that, in exchange for the benefit of no sound interruption, there was a delay caused by the time it took to store the sound.
With SonicSYNC, we've changed the method so that when sound is needed, the audio signal is generated and played immediately, just as needed.

Conventional method: A certain amount of audio data is stored for playback and then played in order

Play with SonicSYNC: Play whenever a sound playback request is received

SonicSYNC usage examples

Rhythm games

The tapping sound is played almost simultaneously with the tapping action, making it much easier to keep the rhythm.
The gameplay feels different from the previous one, where you had to tap a little earlier to account for delays, to now you have to tap along with the music, greatly improving the gaming experience.

Shooting games (FPS/TPS)

Users will be able to detect enemy noises and gunfire more quickly, allowing them to deal with enemies more quickly.
When you fire a gun, the gunfire sound is played immediately, making the experience much more satisfying than before.

Puzzle games

The sound of the operation is played almost simultaneously with the operation, making the game more exciting.

Action games

By quickly responding to attacks and evasions with sound, the sense of hitting a target is made clearer, improving the experience of playing.