Sounds from all directions: 3D audio with Dolby Atmos is not just something for movie fans, but is also becoming increasingly exciting for listening to music.
Sounds and instruments come not only from the front, but also from the side, from behind or even from above.
Do you have a speaker, soundbar or headphones for Dolby Atmos? Then here are a few good songs that you can already listen to in Dolby Atmos.
What is Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmos is an object-based sound format. Individual sounds in movies or instruments in music can be heard from different directions.
Some speakers or soundbars simulate this effect using complex calculations. More expensive systems are equipped with separate speakers on the ceiling or behind the listening position and really reproduce the respective sounds from the corresponding direction.
In contrast to traditional 5.1 or 7.1 surround systems, where the sound comes from fixed channels, Dolby Atmos enables precise placement of sounds in the horizontal and vertical planes.
Dolby Atmos: Up to 128 audio objects
In a Dolby Atmos system, up to 128 audio objects can be processed in a single audio stream.
Each object can have its own volume, position and movement within the 3D space. These objects can then be analyzed by a processor and distributed to the various speakers in the room.
A typical Dolby Atmos system can include up to twelve speakers and two subwoofers. The highlight of this system is the ceiling speakers, which are mounted above or over the viewer to create an additional layer of audio effects.
This 3D audio playback allows viewers to feel like they are surrounded by sounds positioned above and below them, creating a more realistic audio experience.
Which devices play Dolby Atmos?
There are now a large number of loudspeakers, soundbars and headphones that can reproduce Dolby Atmos more or less well.
Speakers with Dolby Atmos:
- Echo Studio
- Sony SRS-RA5000
- Sonos Era 300
Soundbars with Dolby Atmos:
- Sennheiser Ambeo Max
- Sonos Arc
- Sonos Beam 2
- Sony HT-A7000
- Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage
- Bose Smart Soundbar 900
Headphones with Dolby Atmos:
- Apple AirPods Pro
- Apple AirPods Max
- Sonos Ace
- LG Tone-DT90Q
- Sony WH-1000XM5
- Bang & Olufsen BeoPlay Portal
Listen to 3D music in Dolby Atmos
There are now more and more songs that have been recorded or remixed in Dolby Atmos. The songs are available on various music streaming platforms.
These include Apple Music, Deezer Premium, Tidal Hi-Fi Plus and Amazon Music Unlimited.
Spotify does not yet offer a subscription model with music in Dolby Atmos. Amazon Music Unlimited can currently be tested free of charge for 30 days.
3D Audio-Playlist on Amazon
3D Audio-Playlist on Apple Music
Lars Grudzinski has been working as a sound and lighting technician since the 90s, was a DJ for electronic music, has a large collection of vintage speakers, and has been working for various radio stations in Germany for 20 years. At home, he enjoys high-quality home theater products such as soundbars and projectors and has installed an extensive Sonos system in his own home.