INTRODUCTION
Spacial audio has revolutionised the way we consume music, film, video games and many other forms of media for a long time now. yet, it still feels like we have only seen the tip of the iceberg for its greater use.
With that being said I am embarrassed to admit that utilising spacial audio is something I’ve only fully started embracing in recent times in my own work, atleast to its fullest potential.
I’ve always been paranoid that too much panning would result in a sonically lopsided mix and primarily used it to spread triple tracked guitar/vocals hard left/hard right and center which at the end of the day kept the mix sounding relatively centred and flat.
Recently I’ve really enjoyed using panning to experiment with giving my tracks a more authentic live feel. This is done by panning instruments to degrees of left and right to replicate where our brains would localise the instruments sound source in a live setting. I’ve also become very fond of doing the same when using orchestral instruments, giving each section (brass, wind, percussion ect) its own space in the mix in relation to where it would be most prominently heard in a live setting.
This has helped bring my tracks to life and feel more raw and genuine. But how can we take panning one step further?
UNDERSTANDING DOLBY ATMOS
Recently, I started experimenting with something called Dolby Atmos in Logic Pro. I was honestly skeptical of its capabilities at first. I remember listening to a small amount of spacial audio many years ago. It was an auditory experience in which the listener closed their eyes and using the power of surround sound technology it emulated different scenarios, the most famous at the time being a haircut in a barbershop. Like I said this was a long time ago and I honestly shrugged it off as a gimmick, not understanding the power of its full potential.
So what exactly is Dolby Atmos? Well, its similar to regular L/R panning but now the audio can be manipulated to sound like its coming at the listener from 360°. After getting to grips with it I quickly realised that the amount of freedom it gives you compared to standard panning is honestly almost overwhelming. I have especially enjoyed experimenting with the automation side of things. Tweaking the angle of the sound source to move around the listener and adjusting the level of the spread of audio which can lead to some incredibly trippy and interesting effects.
But here’s the catch… although Atmos’s capabilities are definitely apparent through a pair of commercial headphones its true potential is much better showcased through a surround sound system. At the end of the day this is what it was primarily designed for and obviously not everyone is going to have to money or interest to invest in a full surround sound system.
I have had the privilege of working in a Dolby Atmos suite at uni and the listening experience was night and day.
Movies and video games have been greatly enhanced with the rise of this technology allowing for a much more immersive experience. Something that we probably take for granted now but its hard to imagine film and games without it.
So with spacial audio becoming such a prevalent part of media it begs the question – what role will it play in the future of music?
DOLBY ATMOS AND THE FUTURE OF MUSIC
Theres been a handful of musicians in the popular music sphere that have embraced Dolby Atmos in their music. One of the most notable being modern pop titan Billie Ellish who has released many of her tracks available as Dolby Atmos to a generally positive reception.
One of the most radical ways spacial audio has been used in recent times is in VR concerts. Using spacial audio to highten the realism of the virtual performance for people that otherwise may never have the opportunity to experience live music.
Spacial audio has found meaningful applications beyond entertainment such as being used in music and audio therapy, especially in sensory rooms for people who may suffer from disabilities or limited mobility.
But does spacial audio enhance the listening experience of music in general? In my opinion – not necessarily. However, Is it an incredibly interesting, under utilised and under appreciated tool in music production? Without a doubt. Yes.
So in the next couple of posts I will be detailing my own experience creating a track from scratch using Dolby Atmos in some very fun and inventive ways. stay tuned!