Welcome to VSX 5.0!
We've worked for over two years on this new update to the VSX Headphone Mixing System, and can't wait for you to hear it. We made several breakthroughs in headphone spatial modeling, and the result is 3D spatial modeling far beyond what any other headphone is capable of delivering.
Here's how Essentials and Platinum owners can update to version 5.0:
Platinum owners— Launch the Steven Slate Audio Center application and download your free update. Be sure to also download and install your new version of VSX Systemwide.
Essentials owners— You can either pay to update just the VSX rooms and expansions you already have, or you can upgrade to VSX Platinum 5.0 for half off ($99). Learn More
Now that you've downloaded and installed VSX 5.0, check out our Quickstart video to get up & running quickly.
All speaker and headphone models in VSX 5.0 have been rebuilt from the ground up using our latest spatial audio modeling technology. But the biggest breakthrough is E.C.C.O. – Ear Canal Curve Optimization.
We’ve made groundbreaking discoveries which prove that the shape, length, and diameter of your ear canals significantly affect how you perceive the upper midrange in headphones.
E.C.C.O. calibrates VSX 5.0 to your unique ears, giving you a truly personalized monitoring experience.
Step 1: Calibrate with E.C.C.O.
When you first launch VSX 5.0, you’ll be guided through the E.C.C.O. calibration process. If you happen to close it, no worries— just click E.C.C.O. CAL on the main GUI to relaunch it.
The process is simple and intuitive, but if you’d like a walkthrough, click below to watch Steven's E.C.C.O. tutorial.
Step 2: Dial In Your Sound
After calibration:
Choose a speaker model.
Load some of your best reference mixes.
Fine-tune the E.C.C.O. response using the Amount slider or by adjusting the E.C.C.O. EQ from the main interface.
Your goal is to make upper midrange elements—like vocals—sound smooth, natural, and true to your reference.
Note: You can view your personal E.C.C.O. values in the EQ panel. Most users will see negative values—this is completely normal!
If you're curious to see how your E.C.C.O. settings compare with other producers, check out this thread in the Dojo:
Step 3: Explore the VSX 5.0 Sound
With E.C.C.O. dialed in, experience the new VSX 5.0 speaker models. You’ll notice:
A more 3D, immersive soundstage
Clearer, more defined bass
A tighter, more focused phantom center
If the transition from VSX4 feels unfamiliar at first, don’t worry. Your ears may need a few sessions to fully adjust—especially if you’ve spent a lot of time on V4. Try to avoid toggling back and forth too often, as it can disrupt the adjustment process.
Trust the process—our testers all reported the new sound “clicking” within just a few days, although for most, it’s instant!
Step 4: Try Human Linear
This brand-new headphone model replicates the sound of precise studio monitors— without room coloration. It's ideal for fast, accurate decisions when you want pure linearity.
You can find the Human Linear by scrolling to the right in your VSX browser. It's already become a favorite with music producers, and once you hear it, we bet it will make its way into your FAVE10.
FAVE10?
You read that right.
Step 5: Discover New Features
VSX 5.0 introduces powerful new tools to enhance your workflow:
List Mode – Quickly toggle between multiple speakers
FAVE10 – Instantly access your top 10 presets
Right-click Speaker Buttons – Individually control speaker gain trims
Precise Knob Readouts – Adjust VSX parameters with precision
VSX producers like you asked us for these features, and we're thrilled to have them live in VSX 5.0.
Step 6: Join the Community!
The best place to ask questions, share feedback, and connect with other VSX users is the Steven Slate Audio Dojo on Facebook.
You can compare your E.C.C.O. settings, see what other producers have as their FAVE10, and learn how to use VSX like a pro. You'll find newbies and Grammy-winning producers trading tips in what we think is the friendliest producer forum on the internet.
We hope you love VSX 5.0!
