Dolby seeks to transform clubbing with 3D soundscape technologyIMG 0133

Dolby seeks to transform clubbing with 3D soundscape technology

For audiophiles around the world, Dolby is a name that carries a lot of weight. While traditionally that may have been in regards to movie and home theater surround sound technology, Dolby has recently extended their prowess into clubs, namely the iconic Ministry of Sound in London. Since we last reported on this partnership, Dolby has gone on to build their Atmos technology directly on top of Ministry’s existing sound system, outfitting the club with more than 60 speakers, 22 audio channels, and a lighting environment synchronized to cues mixed directly in Dolby Atmos.

What this technology has done is create a fully immersive, 3D soundscape that is so granular, it allows each stem to be manipulated and moved to a precise location around the room. As London Elektricity’s Tony Colman described, the amount of possibilities created by this technology are endless:

“So when Dolby called and said, ‘Would you like to put on an event in our brand-new club surround sound format, and would you play a three-hour set?’ I naturally got rather excited,” Colman continued. “The next day, we were in Dolby’s demo cinema in Soho Square listening to the most amazing thing— drum and bass mixed in moving surround sound. How did it sound? How did it feel? My mind was blown. All I can think about is what I’m gonna play, which tracks would sound best in 22-channel surround, and how to mix them. This is the start of a truly new experience in club audio. Bring on next year, and bring on a night like you’ve never heard before,” continued Colman.

For listeners, this means that during a show there’s no longer just one prime spot, as someone standing in the back corner of the room is hearing a completely different range of sounds than someone just a few feet away. While these sounds may differ, however, the magnitude of the experience is just the same. No longer are attendees fixated on what’s going on behind the decks, rather they are completely awestruck by the sound that is traveling above and around them. As we experienced firsthand in Dolby’s San Francisco laboratories, it’s exceedingly difficult not to look up, mouth agape, and attempt to follow the sound as it traverses around the room while Atmos is at play.

While the resulting experience is so grandiose, the actual technology and interface behind Atmos is surprisingly intuitive. As UK House virtuoso, Yousef, went on to say, “It is exciting to me that Dolby has invested the time and effort into making a user friendly interface while allowing me to perform how I have always imagined for my fans.”

Dolby seeks to transform clubbing with 3D soundscape technologyIMG 0133

 

Dolby’s recurring residency at Ministry has already kicked off with a Hospital Records takeover on January 23, followed by Audio Rehab with Mark Radford, on February 13. Next up, Yousef will bring his legendary Circus party to Ministry of Sound alongside Kerri Chandler, on March 19. Flux Pavilion is on the docket to play shortly thereafter, on March 27.

Dolby Atmos presents: Yousef at Ministry of SoundDolby Atmos presents: Yousef at Ministry of SoundBringing Circus to Ministry of Sound, Yousef is among the first artists to perform in Dolby Atmos, music that moves all around and over you. It’s a multidimensional soundscape like you’ve never heard before. In this video, hear Yousef talk about musical inspiration, technology in music and why he’s excited to perform in Dolby Atmos. Be transported into the future of club sound. (Music credit: Letter To No One by Yousef, Circus Recordings)

Posted by YOUSEF on Tuesday, March 8, 2016

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Dolby to bring surround sound to Ministry of Sound with new residency

Dolby to bring surround sound to clubs

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