I have an Apple TV 4K which is placed on the left side of media console. I'm considering in getting the AirPods Max. I would like to know if the Apple TV 4K has to be in the placed in the center of my media center for head tracking and spatial audio? I really don't want to have the audio from the AirPods Max come from only the left ear cup, I want to the audio to normal.
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AirPods Max Spatial Audio and Head Tracking Question
- Thread starter gregpod9
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Head tracking uses sensors to calibrate itself so when you are facing forward for a bit it assumes this is the main seating position and calibrates it accordingly then when you move left or right you may notice a slight transition delay do to the sensors. When you leave the area in deactivates until you sit back down.
Personally, I do not like head tracking as it does not resemble what happens in the real world without headphones. Fixed is my preferred method if I use it.
I can second Sheepish-Lord - I have my ATV right in the corner of the room and I have no issues with the head tracking knowing where the TV is.
However, I still turn it off for 95% of TV watching as I prefer it not going crazy when I move my head to pick up my drink or whatever.
However, I still turn it off for 95% of TV watching as I prefer it not going crazy when I move my head to pick up my drink or whatever.
I've just set up a home cinema with a projector, 100" screen, 5.1 speakers and Apple TV 4K. Too loud sometimes lol so I thought I wold try Spatial Audio and Head Tracking on my AirPods Pro. Blown away! It's awesome, I didn't need amp and speakers lol. Turn away from the screen and the sound stays at the screen. It got me thinking, how does the Apple TV know where the screen is, so found this thread. Mine is to the left but facing front. I feel it should be in the centre. I'm glad I didn't wire the projector with the Apple TV at the rear of the room!
I need to buy some AirPods Max now but I'll wait for AirPods Max 2.
I need to buy some AirPods Max now but I'll wait for AirPods Max 2.
The AirPods Pro/Max don't need know where the ATV/computer/iDevice's are. You just need to look straight. If you turn your head for over 5+ seconds and more it will fix it at that position. Look left for > 5seconds, and then turn your head forward the sound will come from the left.
BUT the larger the screen is the greater this spatial effect is. It's ok on an iPhone, good on an iPad, nice on a 27" 4K display, but really legit on a projection screen that's >100". I have it on a 120" screen and this is the only way (with the AirPods max) I can enjoy a home movie without my amp, sub, and satellites blasting away bothering everyone.
Unless you got a dedicated home theatre room, the spatial audio on the AirPods Pro/max are just phenomenal; they aren't 100% compared to a 7.1 system but they are great for headphones! Nothing else on the market comes close.
