Apple Launches DJ Mixes in Spatial Audio on Apple Music

[MacRumors]

Apple today announced DJ mixes in spatial audio with Dolby Atmos on Apple Music (via TechCrunch).

Apple said that the launch of DJ mixes in spatial audio brings listeners into an immersive audio experience with "multidimensional sound and clarity." The company added that spatial audio is the "natural next step" in Apple Music's commitment to sound and DJ mixes following the launch of a program based on technology from Shazam that identifies and compensates all of the individual creators involved in making a DJ mix.

"The response to spatial audio from both subscribers and creators has been incredible, and we're thrilled to expand this innovation in sound," Apple Music's global head of dance and electronic music, Stephen Campbell, said in a statement.

Detroit-based DJ and producer Jeff Mills headlines the launch of DJ mixes in spatial audio with an exclusive hour-long mix titled "Outer to Inner Atmosphere: The Escape Velocity Mix," which also officially relaunches Apple Music's One Mix series, a showcase of the world's top DJs and producers.

New DJ mixes will be added monthly, and as part of the announcement, Apple Music also debuted 15 "Boiler Room" mixes that were captured at nightclubs, festivals, and raves in spatial audio for the first time, with more spatial audio sessions set to be released throughout the year.

Article Link: Apple Launches DJ Mixes in Spatial Audio on Apple Music

 

[pauloregan]

I will go to my grave thinking that Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos is a gimmick to drive hardware sales and is to be avoided by the sensible.

 

[GermanSuplex]

I've tried to get into the Spatial Audio fold, but it really just sounds like an EQ thing to me. I don't hear "immersive" sound.

 

[Z6128]

I keep trying it and then going back to turn it off. The volume is super low and I find myself needing to turn the volume almost to 90% to get decent sound. Some songs it sounds cool, but just not worth it right now. I’ve tried on AirPods Pro and AirPods Max and neither sounds good to me in atmos.

 

[guzhogi]

I've tried to get into the Spatial Audio fold, but it really just sounds like an EQ thing to me. I don't hear "immersive" sound.

I haven't tried it yet, but I feel I'll be the same way. I don't have the best hearing, and quite frankly, I don't care that much.

That said, I'm still waiting for Apple to release headphones and built-in audio capable of high definition lossless audio. The fact that none of Apple's headphones support it, or how you have to add a USB DAC to support it is crazy. Several other companies have wifi or USB headphones. And why not update the Macs', iPhones', and iPads' DACs to support high resolution lossless.

 

[djbuddha]

I’m not sure spatial audio is really the way to go with DJ mixes specifically. I say this as a syndicated radio DJ in 7 markets in Canada- been on radio for 11 years now.

That being said, I’d love to know how to possibly submit to become a creator. But spatial audio for mix-shows is a gimmick in my opinion.

 

[DinkThifferent]

My heart skipped a beat when I read the headline as 'Apple Music launches DJ-controller support' but unfortunately i'm still stuck with Tidal. Shame!

 

[theadz01]

The only time I have thought 'wow' with spatial audio is when listening through the Apple TV on my Dolby Atmos system.

When listening through headphones, it is very meh.

 

[mabhatter]

I will go to my grave thinking that Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos is a gimmick to drive hardware sales and is to be avoided by the sensible.

I feel like you need $1500+ in Dolby ATMOS setup to appreciate this.

That said, new DJ mixes are cool!

 

[DHagan4755]

Some spatial audio tracks in Apple Music sound like the recording was made in the hallway outside the studio.

 

[Zmmyt]

Acid Pauli please!

 

[JosephAW]

Since everything is processed through Bluetooth all the music sounds the same. When we have WiFi earbuds or analog wired buds again then maybe we’ll hear the difference.

 

[JWorld127]

I feel like you need $1500+ in Dolby ATMOS setup to appreciate this.

That said, new DJ mixes are cool!

Yes unfortunately not everyone can afford Apple Atmos experience.

 

[Berti10]

I haven't tried it yet, but I feel I'll be the same way. I don't have the best hearing, and quite frankly, I don't care that much.

That said, I'm still waiting for Apple to release headphones and built-in audio capable of high definition lossless audio. The fact that none of Apple's headphones support it, or how you have to add a USB DAC to support it is crazy. Several other companies have wifi or USB headphones. And why not update the Macs', iPhones', and iPads' DACs to support high resolution lossless.

I must say, having the AirPods Max I did not like the spatial audio, but left it on. Now I kind of dig it. The sound is „roomier“, feels like being in a room with audio, not having the speakers strapped onto my ears.

In general, my experience is, especially with audio you can get used to everything. Hated the MacBook speakers at first, now love them, hated the Powerbeats Pro, now I love them… and so on

 

[Octavius8]

Trillions of dollars and Apple can’t develop a good interface for Music?!.
Spotify is getting years away from Apple in interface AND new features.
I really wanted to like Apple Music 3 monts ago when I tried it after a few years when it made a mess of my personal library, but the interface is so poor, still starts playing the same track in the library when connects to my car by BT and the spatial audio is a gimmick for music (for movies, is ok), so, I kept Spotify and deleted again Music App (the Bluetooth auto play is torture).
One more proof that Tim is not an Apple user.

 

[Unregistered 4U]

Was wondering if this was one long file like some of the stuff they’d made available in the past, but these are discrete tracks played gaplessly.

 

[Zimmy68]

I will go to my grave thinking that Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos is a gimmick to drive hardware sales and is to be avoided by the sensible.

That's the great thing. You can happily not use it and for those of us that love it as a premium feature over the competitors, we can enjoy.

 

[NervousFish2]

Jeff Mills! Man, if you're gonna launch something like this, you GOTTA go with a true old school Detroit techno genius. Sometimes I think Apple is all surface froth when it comes to music appreciation (you know, leaning on U2 a lot, and The Weeknd). But every so often... they really pull it out. Jeff Mills! Wow!

 

[vddobrev]

I've tried spatial audio, and the only time it makes sense is for a concert film that was already recorded in Dolby. For stereo - no, it is weird and unnatural.

 

[DocMultimedia]

Do I use this with my 3DTV? /s

 

[CPx]

Some spatial audio tracks in Apple Music sound like the recording was made in the hallway outside the studio.

Perfect description that I've thought myself.

 

[bluecoast]

It (mostly) sounds better than normal stereo but it's not exactly dolby surround sound.

It's very much a 'nice to have' feature, I feel - you won't really miss it if it's not there, imho.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Spotify is getting years away from Apple in interface AND new features.

Are they?
Said that lossless would be coming before the end of 2021… almost May 2022 and nothing.
Said AirPlay2 support would be coming years ago… and still nothing.
Complained that Apple wouldn’t let them on the HomePod… but years after Apple added third party support they still refuse to bring it.
Not to mention their past mistakes like taking forever for proper Apple Watch support.
On top of all this they recently increased their prices for the family plan and over in other countries.
There are plenty of other Spotify blunders

 

[kiensoy]

I’m pretty sure artists and music producers must be disgusted about spatial audio the way filmmakers hate motion smoothing on TVs.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

I’m pretty sure artists and music producers must be disgusted about spatial audio the way filmmakers hate motion smoothing on TVs.

Why?
Artists have released music in surround for decades.
This just makes the distribution easier.
Sure, in headphones not everyone gets the appeal, but if you play a Atmos track from the Apple TV to a Atmos compatible setup, it’s true surround