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My Next Read: “Vibe: The Sound and Feeling of Black Life in the American South” by Corey J. Miles

Where exactly does the South begin and end? Current maps are too rigid to account for the ways Black people have built the South while being simultaneously excluded from it. Drawing from the different ways Black artists in the 2-5-2 area code in North Carolina use “vibe” as a mode of knowing and communication, author Corey J. Miles illustrates how Black feeling and unfeeling offer entry points into the contemporary South that challenge static and monolithic notions of the region. Placing the local artists in conversation with other southern cultural creators such as 2 Chainz, Rod Wave, and Rapsody, these ethnographic narratives demonstrate that there are multiple Souths, with overlapping and distinct commitments to working through pain, sound, and belonging.

In Vibe: The Sound and Feeling of Black Life in the American South, Miles narrates how southern Black sound, feeling, and being is constantly policed, surveilled, and criminalized. In doing so, he re-narrates the region as the “carceral South,” to capture the ways people in the South and beyond can feel the emotional weight of the criminalization of Blackness. Pain music, a subgenre of trap music, is used to take the listener to moments of violence to allow them to hear the desires, anger, and silences that bind Black life in community. Through conceptions of ratchet, hood, and ghetto, Black artists turn away from respectable images and unmap the South. In trap music, they move the South to a space where multiple modes of being find respect and care.

Subaru Makes SiriusXM Standard Across Entire Model Year 2025 Vehicle Lineup

SiriusXM today announced that Subaru has expanded the installation of SiriusXM to make the audio entertainment offering a standard feature beginning with its entire model year 2025 vehicle lineup in the United States.

“We are excited to continue expanding our relationship with Subaru by making SiriusXM a standard feature across their entire lineup of vehicles,” said Gail Berger, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Automotive Partnerships, SiriusXM. “Every Subaru customer will now have the opportunity to experience and enjoy SiriusXM’s extensive lineup of ad-free music channels, plus live sports, news, entertainment and comedy programming in their new vehicle.”

SiriusXM’s standard availability in Subaru follows the introduction of SiriusXM with 360L to Subaru’s vehicle lineup earlier this year. SiriusXM with 360L combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience, which provides drivers and their passengers with more content, better discovery, and a more personalized listening experience. For more information about SiriusXM with 360L in Subaru, click here.

Newly purchased or leased Subaru vehicles in the United States receive a four-month trial subscription to SiriusXM that delivers SiriusXM’s full lineup of varied content, plus access at home and on the go through the SiriusXM app on connected devices and speakers.

SiriusXM is home to hundreds of expertly-curated, ad-free music channels across all genres, decades, and moods as well as the must-hear moments in sports, news, entertainment, comedy, and more. From one-of-a-kind channels by some of the world’s top musicians to first-listens and exclusive performances from emerging artists and bands, SiriusXM presents the perfect soundtrack for any moment. SiriusXM brings fans closer to their favorite sport by offering the most extensive lineup of live pro and college events, plus programming that delivers reactions and analysis from experts and insiders. Subscribers also stay informed and entertained with the latest in news and politics, entertainment, comedy, and beyond with celebrity interviews, iconic hosts, trusted opinions, non-stop laughs, and so much more, available only on SiriusXM.

For more information on all the programming that SiriusXM offers, and all the ways subscribers can listen, visit SiriusXM.com

A Wild and Chaotic Ad for the Captain Lou Albano Wrestling Hotline From 1987

In this wild and chaotic ad from 1987, Captain Lou Albano promotes his wrestling hotline with his signature larger-than-life personality. The commercial is a whirlwind of energy, featuring Albano’s boisterous charm and colorful antics, making it an unforgettable piece of wrestling nostalgia. Fans are invited to call in for exclusive wrestling news and updates, all delivered with Albano’s unique flair.

My Next Read: “Hip-Hop Is History” by Questlove

This is a book only Questlove could have written: a perceptive and personal reflection on the first half-century of hip-hop.

When hip-hop first emerged in the 1970s, it wasn’t expected to become the cultural force it is today. But for a young Black kid growing up in a musical family in Philadelphia, it was everything. He stayed up late to hear the newest songs on the radio. He saved his money to buy vinyl as soon as it landed. He even started to try to make his own songs. That kid was Questlove, and decades later, he is a six-time Grammy Award–winning musician, an Academy Award–winning filmmaker, a New York Times bestselling author, a producer, an entrepreneur, a cofounder of one of hip-hop’s defining acts (the Roots), and the genre’s unofficial in-house historian.

In this landmark book, Hip-Hop Is History, Questlove skillfully traces the creative and cultural forces that made and shaped hip-hop, highlighting both the forgotten but influential gems and the undeniable chart-topping hits―and weaves it all together with the stories no one else knows. It is at once an intimate, sharply observed story of a cultural revolution and a sweeping, grand theory of the evolution of the great artistic movement of our time. And Questlove, of course, approaches it with not only the encyclopedic fluency and passion of an obsessive fan but also the expertise and originality of an innovative participant.

Hip-hop is history, and also his history.

Edifier International Announces Stax Spirit S5 Wireless Planar Magnetic Headphones

Edifier International, the award-winning audio electronics designer, announces the STAX SPIRIT S5 Wireless Planar magnetic headphones.

In the 2012, Edifier acquired STAX Ltd., a company with over 80 years history, and a specialist in electrostatic headphones. The brand name “STAX” is almost considered the benchmark of electrostatic headphones. Inspired by STAX’s pursuance of high-fidelity music and craftsmanship in the field, the STAX SPIRIT brand was created as a high-end sub brand for Edifier headphone products with the aim of developing more high-quality products for audiophile users.

The STAX SPIRIT S5 are Planar magnetic headphones. Planar magnetic drivers are commonly found in Hi-Fi headphones and other high-end audio equipment. With their unique way of operation, planar magnetic drivers can represent a superior audio experience with rich details and impressive transient response. With solid innovation and advanced features, the STAX SPIRIT S5 packs upgraded planar magnetic drivers and the latest Bluetooth V5.4 technology into a compact and portable form-factor. The 2μm thin film and 2nd gen EqualMass wiring technology generate a performance comparable to legendary electrostatic headphones.

Dynamic driver reproduces sound with a cone-size diaphragm driven by a voice coil submerged in a circular magnetic field. The diaphragm has to be stiff enough to avoid partitioning during vibration, especially in high frequency band. The whole motor system is also heavy to move. The planar magnetic driver, on the other hand, features a flat, thin diaphragm with embedded wires, suspended in the magnetic gap. This design allows the diaphragm to move in a piston-like manner across the whole frequency spectrum. The diaphragm is light and has good transient response, which makes the planar driver a much better choice for sound reproduction by nature compared to dynamic drivers.

In other headphones with planar magnetic drivers, it is common practice to address the uneven distribution of the magnetic field by using wires of varying widths on the diaphragm, aiming to achieve uniform driving force across the entire diaphragm, ensuring consistent performance.

Edifier take this approach a step further with EqualMass. By connecting a different number of wires with the same width in parallel, EqualMass achieves a uniform driving force for all parts of diaphragm while keeping its weight evenly distributed. This allows the diaphragm to move back and forth with the same motion and momentum, reducing harmonic distortion to almost zero.  In the 2nd generation of EqualMass wiring, Edifier introduce a symmetric wiring structure, further enhancing the diaphragm’s stability across the entire frequency spectrum.

To ensure uniformity in the magnetic field strength distribution across each planar magnetic driver, Edifier have developed a proprietary automatic toolset for calibrating and compensating the magnet circuitry during production. This meticulous process guarantees that every set of S5 headphones delivers sound fidelity identical to the original unit crafted by the designer.

In addition to LDAC and LHDC, the S5 supports all audio codecs under the Snapdragon Sound Technology Suite, including aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Lossless. It achieves a bit rate of up to 1.2 Mbps in Bluetooth mode, delivering high resolution (24-bit/96kHz) and end to end low latency audio. It also supports the AAC codec, enhancing compatibility with a wider range of devices.

Thanks to aptX Adaptive codecs, the STAX SPIRIT S5 achieves end-to-end latency as low as 89ms in Bluetooth mode, synchronizing your audio experience with the action you see on the screen. This can provide a totally immersive gaming experience.

The S5 supports simultaneous connection to two Bluetooth audio devices. Whether it’s a mobile phone or a laptop, switching between devices is more convenient and seamless, allowing you to work and listen to music simultaneously.

Wrapped in genuine lambskin earpads and adorned with top-grain cowhide earcups, the S5 epitomizes elegance and refinement in both form and function. Crafted with the utmost attention to detail, its ergonomic design ensures a snug and secure fit, giving hours of uninterrupted enjoyment with no discomfort.

Download the EDIFIER ConneX App and you can select from three kinds of preset EQs and customize your personal EQ to suit your music style.

Price & Availability:

Currently, the STAX SPIRIT S5 is available for $499.99 on Amazon.com.

Dr. Martens Is Launching A Nine Inch Nails Line And You’re Going To Want Them

Dr. Martens’ tribute to Nine Inch Nails’ visceral and groundbreaking album marks the beginning of an exclusive collaboration celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Downward Spiral. This musical monolith transcends genres by exploring the bleakest themes, yet ultimately rejects nihilism in favor of hope.

The collection features three striking silhouettes, each incorporating industrial design elements. The 8-eye 1460 boot boasts a stark black and white design inspired by the album’s iconic artwork. The 3-eye 1461 shoe is adorned with a ‘Crystal Teeth’ design, while the extra tall 10-eye 1490 boot draws inspiration from the band’s uninhibited live shows, where they covered themselves in cornstarch for a decayed, post-apocalyptic look. You can sign up here to be the first on your block to get them.

Korean Kids Meet Billie Eilish And It’s ADORABLE

This heartwarming and insightful video where children from Korea have the unique opportunity to meet and interact with the globally renowned artist, Billie Eilish is simply adorable. The video captures genuine reactions and conversations, showcasing the kids’ excitement, curiosity, confusion and admiration for Billie.

Photo Gallery: Red Hot Chili Peppers with Wand at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage

Red Hot Chili Peppers

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or X.

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Mastering Immersive Audio in Dolby Atmos: Techniques and Best Practices

By Mitch Rice

Mastering immersive audio in Dolby Atmos is revolutionising the way we experience sound. TXY Dolby Atmos studios in London showcase how this technology transforms music, films, and even gaming into a fully three-dimensional listening experience. By using object-based sound systems, Dolby Atmos allows sound elements to be precisely positioned and moved, creating an almost tangible environment of audio.

Dolby Atmos takes traditional stereo and surrounds sound systems to new heights by enveloping the listener with layers of sound that move around in all directions. Whether you’re mixing a blockbuster film or an intricate musical piece, immersive audio opens up endless possibilities for creativity and innovation. This blog post will explore the core principles of Dolby Atmos, share practical production techniques, and discuss its impact on the audio industry.

For those looking to stay at the cutting edge of audio production, mastering Dolby Atmos is no longer just an option—it’s essential. I’ll guide you through the essentials and offer insights into how you can harness this powerful technology in your own projects.

Key Takeaways

  • Dolby Atmos allows precise positioning of sound elements in a hemispherical field.
  • Mastering Dolby Atmos offers endless creative possibilities for audio production.
  • Immersive audio is becoming essential in music, cinema, and gaming.

Fundamentals of Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos takes audio to the next level by creating an immersive, three-dimensional sound experience. This article will outline the essentials of this cutting-edge technology, including its basics and key concepts.

Understanding Immersive Audio

Immersive audio places listeners in the centre of the sound, rather than in front. Traditional surround sound systems use multiple speakers to deliver sound from different directions. Dolby Atmos enhances this by adding height channels, which allow sound to come from above.

I find that this creates a three-dimensional auditory experience that goes beyond regular surround sound. Whether using speakers or headphones equipped for binaural audio, Atmos maps sounds in a spatial environment, offering unprecedented depth and realism.

Key Concepts in Atmos Technology

Object-based Audio: Unlike traditional channel-based systems, Dolby Atmos uses object-based audio. This means individual sounds (or “objects”) can be positioned in a 3D space. This adds flexibility for audio engineers and enhances the listener’s experience.

Channel “Bed”: Alongside objects, Dolby Atmos employs a channel-based “bed”. This usually consists of a 7.1.2 setup, where sounds are fixed to specific speaker positions. The “bed” provides a structured base for dynamically placed objects.

Adaptability: Dolby Atmos is not confined to cinemas anymore. It’s expanding into home setups, streaming services, and even mobile devices. This makes immersive audio more accessible than ever.

By understanding these fundamentals, I can appreciate the sophistication and potential of Dolby Atmos technology. Its innovative approach is truly revolutionising how we experience sound in various media.

 

Production Techniques for Atmos

In this section, I will cover the essential techniques used in capturing, mixing, and optimising workflows for producing music with Dolby Atmos. These practices will ensure the best immersive audio experience for listeners.

Capturing Audio for Dolby Atmos

Capturing audio for Dolby Atmos involves special considerations to achieve a three-dimensional sound field. Microphone placement is crucial. I often use multiple microphones to capture different sound directions.

For ambient sounds, ambisonic microphones are effective as they record sound from all directions. For instrumental recordings, I use close-miking techniques combined with room microphones to get both direct and ambient sounds.

A key aspect is ensuring minimal phase issues. Properly aligning microphones helps to avoid phasing problems which can disturb the immersive feel. Using a digital audio workstation (DAW) with good spatial audio support helps manage and organise these recordings effectively.

Mixing and Mastering in Atmos

Mixing for Atmos involves more than just placing sounds left and right. I place sounds above, below, and all around the listener. This three-dimensional mixing creates a truly immersive experience.

I start by grouping audio elements. For example, vocals, drums, and effects are grouped separately before positioning them in the three-dimensional space. Utilising panning tools within the DAW helps to move these elements accurately.

When mastering in Atmos, it’s important to keep dynamic range in check. I use multi-band compression and limiting to maintain balanced levels. Rendering the final mix to Dolby Atmos ensures compatibility with various playback systems, from high-end speakers to headphones with spatial audio capabilities.

Workflow Optimisation

Optimising the workflow for Dolby Atmos is essential to maintain efficiency and quality. I begin by setting up a template in my DAW that includes all necessary tracks and buses arranged in a 3D space. This saves time during the mixing stage.

Using pre-sets and automation, I streamline repetitive tasks. For instance, creating a pre-set for a reverb effect designed for 3D space can be reused across different projects.

Another essential step is version control. By saving different iterations of your project, you can easily revert to previous versions if needed. Properly naming files and folders also ensures a seamless workflow.

Practical Applications of Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos changes the way we experience various forms of digital media. Whether in cinemas, music studios, or gaming environments, it offers a more immersive audio experience.

In Cinema and Home Theatre

Dolby Atmos is widely used in cinemas to create rich, immersive audio landscapes.

I have experienced it making movies more engaging by placing sounds in a three-dimensional space around the audience. This technology has been adopted by home theatre systems, allowing people to bring cinema-quality sound to their living rooms. Some of my favourite films use Atmos to pull me deeper into the story, enhancing critical movie moments with precise sound positioning that standard surround sound systems can’t match.

Music and Album Production

Dolby Atmos has transformed the way music is produced and enjoyed.

Leading artists now use Dolby Atmos to create immersive mixes. Apple Music and other streaming services offer a range of albums mixed in Atmos. These mixes enlarge the listening experience, making it feel as though the listener is inside the music. For example, I’ve noticed small details in favourite songs that I never heard before. The clarity and spatial separation between instruments and vocals bring new life to albums.

Dolby Atmos in Gaming and VR

Gaming and virtual reality (VR) are areas where Dolby Atmos truly shines.

I find that Atmos enhances the gaming experience by placing players in the centre of action. Sounds are placed around the listener in a 360-degree space, making game worlds more realistic. In VR, Atmos helps in creating a fully immersive environment, whether I’m exploring digital landscapes or engaging in intense action sequences. This level of immersion is crucial for modern gaming and VR experiences, as it helps in making the digital worlds indistinguishable from reality.

Dolby Atmos is being integrated into more video games, making it a sought-after feature for gamers who demand the highest quality audio experience.

Industry and Market Impact

Dolby Atmos has significantly influenced both consumer expectations and professional practices in audio production. This technology reshapes how audiences experience sound, from music to movies.

Evolving Consumer Expectations

Consumers now expect more immersive audio experiences. With devices like AirPods Pro supporting spatial audio, everyday listeners have a taste of the kind of depth and realism once reserved for high-end systems.

The demand for immersive music is rising, pushing the music industry to adopt these technologies more broadly. Blu-ray releases often feature Dolby Atmos tracks to meet these elevated expectations. This shift in consumer preference is driving the market towards more advanced sound production techniques.

Professional Perspectives on Atmos

From the viewpoint of recording studios and audio professionals, Dolby Atmos represents a key innovation. Studios are investing in the necessary equipment to mix and master tracks in this format. The result is an enriched, multidimensional soundscape that enhances listener engagement.

Professionals are also recognising the potential for higher quality accolades such as RIAA Gold certification. By utilising immersive audio, producers and engineers create more engaging tracks that stand out in a crowded market. Ultimately, it allows us to deliver next-level listening experiences.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

The Eagles Expand Las Vegas Residency at Sphere with Four New Shows, Offering 20 Performances Over Ten Weekends

The Eagles have announced four additional shows for the band’s residency at Sphere in Las Vegas, now featuring a total of 20 shows, over ten weekends, from Friday, September 20 through Saturday, January 25. The Sphere residency will offer fans the ultimate connection to the band’s legendary catalog in an immersive experience that only Sphere can provide. The general on-sale for the four new weekend shows will begin Friday, July 26 at 9 AM, PT at eagles.com.

Eagles – Live In Concert At Sphere dates:
Friday, September 20
Saturday, September 21
Friday, September 27
Saturday, September 28
Friday, October 11
Saturday, October 12
Friday, October 18
Saturday, October 19
Friday, November 1
Saturday, November 2
Friday, November 8
Saturday, November 9
Friday, December 6
Saturday, December 7
Friday, December 13
Saturday, December 14
Friday, January 17
Saturday, January 18
Friday, January 24
Saturday, January 25

Tickets start at $175 and will reflect all-in pricing, meaning the ticket price listed is inclusive of taxes and fees.

To assist in getting tickets directly into the hands of fans, advance Artist presale registration is available now at eagles.com powered by Seated. The Artist presale begins Tuesday, July 9 at 10 AM, PT. A Live Nation presale begins Thursday, July 11 at 10 AM, PT.

Vibee is the Hotel & Experience Package partner for the Eagles Sphere residency. Vibee packages include a 2-night stay at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas – the only resort attached to Sphere – with guests receiving priority entry to Sphere, commemorative keepsakes, and access to a fan experience. Vibee Hotel & Experience packages are available now at Eagles.vibee.com.

Limited VIP Ticket Packages will be available Tuesday, July 9, at 10 AM PT at eagles.com and include premium seats, exclusive merchandise, parking & more.

These shows will utilize Sphere’s next-generation technologies, including the world’s highest-resolution LED display that wraps up, over, and around the audience, creating a fully immersive visual environment. The venue also features the world’s most advanced concert-grade audio system, Sphere Immersive Sound, powered by HOLOPLOT, which delivers audio with unmatched clarity and precision to every guest.

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That Eric Alper
6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, a 16-time JUNO Award winner overseeing PR campaigns, and have also been truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

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