Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1504940
32 FA L L 2 0 2 3 I C A S Q U A R T E R L Y b y K a r o l U r b a n C A S M P S E What Is It and How Does It Work? Netflix's Spatial Audio: "Netflix Spatial Audio" debuted to Premium plan subscribers on February 1 of 2023, and promised an enhanced 3D-immersive listening experience that requires no specific codec or special playback equipment. In addition to many other features, including Dolby Atmos, Premium members can enjoy enhanced spatial detail and fidelity on more than 800 titles displaying the Spatial Audio badge. But how does this work, and what do we, as mixers, need to know? Netflix teamed up with Sennheiser, which powers Spatial Audio using AMBEO technology. AMBEO 2-Channel Spatial Audio takes an original immersive or surround mix and translates it to two channels of audio that deliver a spatial experience far beyond stereo using open, industry-standard deliverables like ADM, IAB, or discrete multi-channel PCM. The renderer outputs a standard two-channel audio file that can be delivered as a drop-in for stereo files with additional benefits. Netflix is the leading streaming service in the world, offering a diverse selection of both exclusive and licensed content. Furthermore, audio mixers in the industry are aware that Netflix is a technologically advanced and highly attentive company that constantly strives to enhance its services and provide top-notch quality to its viewers. While AMBEO is designed to encode and play back from standard deliverables, it is possible to have what Sennheiser describes as "granular control" over spatialization during the encoding process. The amount of AMBEO effect can be processed for each stem separately. One can determine the desired amount of processing on each group, leaving dialogue dry and ambience and sound effects with a maximum spatial effect, for example. AMBEO is designed to play back on a simple two- speaker setup with no upgrades required. While laptop, tablet, or TV speakers are all compatible devices, the effect of Netflix Spatial Audio is most profoundly noted while using laptops and other close devices with moderate distance between left and right speakers. Although primarily targeting speakers, the immersive effect is also noticeable using headphones.