Status update on audio engine improvements?

Player Specific Audio Prioritization: https://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/1207802

How many sounds can the game output simultaneously?: https://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/699712

Also, was Russel demoted on the forums and if yes, why? https://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/1246709#p10476329

As Chris mentioned in a recent manifesto update about performance we're currently in the process of implementing the third party audio engine FMOD. There will be a ton of audio improvements both in performance and quality once this is done.

Player Specific Audio Prioritization: This is very unlikely to happen, It requires extensive reworking of how the game currently works. In saying that, FMOD will allow for significantly better sound priority management and a more intuitive distance roll off that will clean up unwanted sounds.

How many sounds can the game output simultaneously?: Before I started working on FMOD implementation we had just changed the max sound limit to 64 channels. I believe this made it to the live realm. We planned to add an option for players to choose 32, 64 or 128 channels themselves but that's all been put on hold until we're up and running with the new system.

Also, was Russel demoted on the forums and if yes, why? Sorry to say but Russell recently left the company to go work overseas.

Thanks for the information, appreciate it.