“Netflix Spatial Audio helps translate the immersive cinematic experience to any stereo, so the work creators do to bring you into the story happens regardless of the device you’re using to watch Netflix,” the company said. in a blog post. There’s a fairly limited selection of content that supports the new audio experience on day one, but you can browse what’s available by searching for “spatial audio” in the Netflix search bar. Early picks include Stranger Things 4, Red Notice, The Witcher and more. On supported content, the normal stereo output will now be replaced by Sennheiser’s Ambeo 2-channel surround sound. Ambeo pulls from whatever surround sound or Dolby Atmos sound track is available for the selected content and mixes it into a more immersive stereo profile. “Most importantly, this process preserves the original audio mix and respects the creative intent with an exceptionally clean sound,” said Scott Kramer, Netflix’s director of audio technology. Sennheiser goes into this a bit more on their website: Although Ambeo 2-channel spatial audio is not a separate mix, creators still have detailed control over the spatial layout. Mixers can set the amount of Ambeo treatment for each group separately. Re-recording mixers can dial in the desired amount of processing, from standard stereo mixing to full Ambeo effects and anywhere in between. Dialogue can be left untouched, while maximum spatial planning can be applied to atmosphere and sound effects. Netflix and Sennheiser say spatial audio doesn’t detract from creative intent. Image: Sennheiser For those with a fully active Atmos system in their living room, Netflix’s surround sound isn’t going to do anything new or different from the experience they had before. But it can make a decent upgrade when you’re watching your entertainment on the go. If you’ve ever used spatial audio on your AirPods while watching a movie or TV show in supported apps, it might look like this — only without the head tracking part. Surround sound is often less noticeable and can be overwhelming when listening with a laptop or standard TV speakers, but I’ll definitely be trying out some of these supported shows and movies over the next few days to see what kind of difference it makes.
