Dolby Atmos has revolutionized audio for movies and television, offering a surround sound experience.
But when the format was adapted for music streaming, especially through Apple Music’s Spatial Audio feature, the promise of a more immersive, lifelike listening experience didn’t always deliver.
The Problem with Atmos Music
While the technology is impressive, its execution in music hasn’t been consistently great. Many songs, including popular albums and remastered classics, end up sounding flat or tinny in Atmos.
The main issue is that many music producers still aren’t familiar with how to mix effectively for the format, which leads to disappointing results.
For every album that benefits from Atmos, there are several others that sound worse, especially when compared to traditional stereo mixes.
Where Atmos Shines
Atmos does have its merits, particularly in classical and jazz music. It excels in these genres because it can truly elevate the listening experience, making classical music sound more lifelike and immersive.
Albums like Glenn Gould’s Goldberg Variations and jazz recordings benefit from the spatial effects, which bring out the nuances of live performances.
Conclusion
Dolby Atmos for music is a great idea, but it’s not a game-changer for all genres. Until producers become more accustomed to the format, it’s safer to keep Atmos off, especially for pop, rock, and other mainstream music.
For now, the standard stereo mix remains the most reliable choice for most listeners.
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