Spatial audio is becoming mainstream through the Metaverse, Apple Music and increasingly affordable technologies to listen in this format. But what exactly is spatial audio? We recently caught up with Forbes St Studio mix engineer Tim Watt to discuss in more detail.

What is Spatial Audio?

Before we talk about Spatial Audio specifically, as this is Apple’s brand of immersive audio, we should talk first about Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos is a surround format that differs from previous multi-channel formats by having a height dimension. This allows you to place sounds all around you: front, side, back, above and everywhere in between. It also differs from previous multi-channel formats by its ability to playback on different sized speaker systems. Do you have a 9.1.4 system? Fantastic! Do you have a 5.1 system? No problem! Do you have AirPod Pros? or any headphones for that matter? Then you can listen to a binaural version of the mix, which tricks your ears into hearing sound in a 3D space. Instead of panning to a specific speaker like you do in stereo mixes, we are able to pan an Object to a point in 360 degree space.

Can you describe what it’s like listening to spatial audio?

As you can imagine, it’s quite different listening to immersive audio in a room compared to listening to a binaural render on headphones. On the 9.1.4 system at Forbes Street Studios, you get the full immersive experience! Music feels big, dynamic and all encompassing. Depth, something I’m always chasing when mixing in stereo, comes for free.

On headphones, the effect is still noticeable though not quite as real as speakers… As a happy middle ground, Sonos, Amazon and Sennheiser all make speakers that are reasonably affordable, and work great with Dolby Atmos

Why has spatial audio become popular?

Apple is really pushing for artists to release their music in Spatial. Since that has happened it has really taken off.

What is your favourite song you’ve listened to in spatial audio?

The Billie Eilish Atmos mixes are all amazing. The intimacy of the original stereo mixes is really taken to the next level with surround spatial effects and creative panning on the vocals.
Disclosure “Latch (feat. Sam Smith)” – Excellent immersive mix. There is lots of movement but it doesn’t feel distracting. The kick sounds fantastic!
Elton John “Rocket Man” – The mix starts mostly stereo and builds to a full immersive experience. One of the best uses of height that I’ve heard with the rising chorus elements.

What is the difference between normal mastering studios and spatial audio mastering studios?

Unfortunately for Mastering Studios, there isn’t a mastering-specific process for Dolby Atmos at this time. Instead, the mix engineer, who manipulates all the individual elements of the song into the 3d mix, also prints off a ‘master’ when they’re done… and this is the file that goes straight to Apple Music / Tidal / etc.

What do you believe will be the future for spatial audio listening?

We just LOVE listening to music in Spatial in the studio – or on a Sonos too! For more people to experience we hope that
More atmos / spatial-enabled devices become available.
Better binaural processing becomes a part of streaming. This could involve personalised HRTF (a phenomenon that describes how an ear receives sound from a sound source. When a sound is made, it travels through space in every direction in a sound wave.)
Dolby Atmos in cars… which is coming soon!

Spatial audio mixing is becoming mainstream with its adaption within audio technology and streaming services. Forbes St Studios is the first commercial music studio in Sydney to offer Dolby Atmos / Spatial Audio mixing. If you are interested in getting your music mixed in spatial, Check them out here!