Can you imagine Vecna from Stranger Things be nearly as fearsome without the background music enveloping you? The cinematic experience of content consumption highly depends on the sound quality. Irrespective of whether you watch it on TV, in a home theater, or even on your phone. If the audio is not quite right, it can put a damper on the entire viewing experience. The solution? Netflix Spatial Audio!

Netflix just announced that select original programming like Stranger Things, The Witcher, Red Notice, and a few more would come with the new and improved spatial surround sound. The streaming platform has collaborated with Sennheiser to deliver more immersive and vibrant audio, especially for headphone users. So strap on a pair, and let’s see how this plays out!

How does Netflix Spatial Audio work?

The new technology that Sennheiser developed for Netflix is called AMBEO Spatial Audio. Owing to the sound company’s innovation and R&D, the AMBEO 2-Channel Spatial Audio delivers a more immersive sound than any standard two-channel system. Select Netflix TV shows and movies, including The Witcher, will now use AMBEO 2-Channel Spatial Audio instead of stereo.

All you have to do is type ‘spatial audio‘ in the Netflix search box, and you can take the new audio channel for a spin. Creators today produce almost all content in immersive formats like Dolby Atmos® or MPEG-H Audio. Sadly, the end-user ends up using the stereo output, and it’s all in vain. The best part about the AMBEO technology is that it doesn’t require any end-user upgrade. Keep using the same speakers or headphones and still enjoy your theatre-quality enhanced audio.

AMBEO technology and testimonials

For the tech junkies out there, here are some technical specifications about AMBEO 2-Channel Spatial audio. It is not a new mixer, but it is created from industry-standard formats like ADM (Audio Definition Model) or IAB (Immersive Audio Bitstream). Hence, it can easily be used as a drop-in replacement for the inferior stereo sound.

Even though it is not a separate mix, the mixers have control over spatialization and can enhance the ambience and sound effects without disturbing the dialogues. The re-recording mixers have the entire spectrum, from standard stereo to full AMBEO effect.

This new technology has impressed several sound designers and technicians working on popular shows and films. For instance, this is what Mark Paterson, re-recording mixer of Stranger Things 4, had to say about Netflix Spatial Audio.

“It’s been a perfect format on Stranger Things. In the Atmos mix, Vecna’s voice wraps around you, which is an important part of making it larger than life. The fact that AMBEO is able to help recreate that in stereo is very impressive to me.”

In the same vein, Scott Kramer, the Manager for sound technology at Netflix, also praised AMBEO. “We feel AMBEO Spatial Audio offers a meaningful improvement for Netflix members.” Regarding the quality, he also adds, “Crucially, this process preserves the original sound mix and respects creative intent with a remarkably clean sound.”

While people with an already impressive sound set-up at their disposal may not find the appeal of this spatial audio by Netflix, the on-the-go audience will be excited for sure. Why don’t you guys give the AMBEO a try and share your experience with us?