Introduced just over a year ago, Spatial Audio has become the trademark of the Apple Music service. Mixed in Dolby Atmos, Spatial Audio tracks have a three-dimensional space and a wider soundstage. Apple is now using this technology to recreate the atmosphere of concerts with Apple Music Sessions, exclusive live performances in spatial audio.
What is spatial audio music?
Since 2021, Apple users have been experiencing a musical revolution that has no comparison with Spatial Audio tracks. Mixed in Dolby Atmos, these tracks have a three-dimensional space and a wider soundstage so you can distinguish every detail more effectively and to provide a concert-like experience. Artists benefit from a wider and deeper soundstage to position the various instruments and vocals with greater flexibility. The fullness of the soundstage provides additional texture and a more effective separation of each detail, whether it’s with an Atmos-compatible soundbar, home theater system, connected speaker, or even stereo headphones.
Apple Music Sessions in Spatial Audio
Apple is not the only provider to offer music in Dolby Atmos, as many tracks can also be found in the Tidal catalog. However, Apple is the only brand that invests so heavily in the development and popularization of this very promising technology. Dolby Atmos tracks are more easily accessible on the Cupertino platform and are organized in many thematic playlists. As of recently, Apple Music also offers live sessions in Spatial Audio. A concept already used by Deezer and Spotify, but made available in Dolby Atmos for the first time.
With Spatial Audio, Apple wants to give the listener the impression of experiencing the concert with the same realism as if they were present in the concert hall. Recorded in Apple Music studios around the world, Apple Music Sessions give artists the opportunity to reinvent and recreate hit songs from their catalog, as well as creative covers of classics. These Apple Music-exclusive performances are also filmed live to enhance immersion. The first sessions will delight country fans with Carrie Underwood and Tenille Townes performing their greatest hits. Ingrid Andress and Ronnie Dunn will also appear in future concerts. Apple plans to expand the live sessions to other music genres in the future.
How can I enjoy Apple Music Sessions?
Apple Music Sessions are available to all subscribers of the Apple music platform. You can watch live performances or view past concerts. To enjoy Dolby Atmos sound, you can simply use headphones or a pair of IEMs. You will then experience the concert in binaural spatial audio. For an even more immersive listening experience, it is possible to use a multi-channel system such as a soundbar or AV receiver accompanied by a speaker pack including a pair dedicated to Atmos effects. An Apple TV 4K will be required to access Apple Music and Dolby Atmos concerts.
