Pretty exciting stuff. It's hard to imagine my little AirPods actually becoming some sort of HT replacement, but who knows what technology can do 10 years from now. Even if it never can replace, imagine being able to sit on an airplane with your phone and having an actual home theater experience!
@Ealan Osborne In case you didn’t know, you can turn off the head tracking which is what makes the sound stay in front of you even if you turn your head. Also you might not have had Spatial Audio on your phone turned on as it can be turned off. You long press the volume slider to see the options for spatial audio. I’ve listened to things on my iPhone with spatial audio and I found them very similar to the Apple TV 4K.
There are a few Atmos Music songs that I enjoy a whole lot through airpod pro 2s. Rush’s “Tom Sawyer” and Billie Eillish’s “Ocean Eyes” (I dont even like Eliish but this song on airpod pros is demo worthy in my experience bc of how the chorus vocals were produced). Give those two a try.
A 12" sub might not be the only option for bass extension. I wonder how it would sound/feel if these earbuds were paired with Bass Shakers (ie. transducers, mounted to seating areas)? Still not audible to others, but definitely has all the "feels" of a super low bass thumping experience.
I’ve tried this with the (overly expensive) AirPods Max and agree the spatial audio plus AppleTV combo is really well implemented. Also totally agree that being able to add a subwoofer or bass shakers would be great albeit maybe impossible
@@ealanosborne I don’t have the AirPods Pro but I do have the Beats Fit Pro and can say that the AirPods Max offered a bigger soundspace and slightly thumpier base. The best headphones for movies I’ve listed to so far are the JVC Exofields which work with AppleTV & 4K Blurays. Also pricey however, maybe you’d be able to get a review unit that’d be cool. I tried linking a post to AVS where I compared the AirPods Max to the JVC but RUclips didn’t like the external link
The AirPods Max with iPad Pro is all the home theater I need. I get Dolby Vision with a million to one contrast. And I don’t need to use the living room. I have the tablet on a vesa desk mount in my office desk. And it’s so good and the headphones does enough atmos for my shows and movies. Mostly shows on AppleTV+. Which is all mixed in Dolby Vision and Atmos.
@@ealanosborneAirpods max is amazing for substituting home theater in the night with apple tv 4k.. Do you have any suggestions for using it with zappiti for playing 4k bluray content? it does connect via bluetooth but i am not sure if it reproduce dolby atmos when connected to zappiti via bluetooth..(for night viewing ofcourse)
@@DaarioNeharis I'm not 100% positive, but I imagine you're still going to get the best Spatial Audio experience if it's an Apple product connected to another Apple product.
Super useful video, just one question. If you want to connect 2 pairs of AirPods Pro 2 to your Apple TV 4K, will you both be able to listen in Dolby atmos? You said spatial audio is not possible with 2 people listening but not sure if that also includes Dolby atmos. Thanks a lot.
This sounds weird but in a good way, turn your head it still sounds like it coming from the TV at least the speech from the center, and the Dolby Atmos affects are surprising effective, this sounds better than 90 percent of the Atmos music I’ve heard so far. Great video👍🏾
Awesome tech. Apple's idea of tracking your head is amazing. A problem with other spatial audio headphones before is that they don't have head tracking, which makes sounds not feel like they are from any particular place around you. If the sound feels like it's (for instance) left of you, when you move your head, the sound moves around with your head, which makes sounds not feel like they come from a specific physical location around you. AirPods (or brands that track your head too) can now adjust the sound to keep the sound coming a specific place around, instead of just a direction. I am pretty sure the processing is on the Apple TV (or on Atmos enabled iPhones, iPads, or Macs). That's probably why they don't currently support multiple AirPods (double the AirPods would equal double the processing). Inherently, it should be possible to have different sound on two different sets of AirPods. My biggest problem is (as you said) that there is no way to get Blu-ray content onto them (even if I lose the lossless audio). Ideally, I would like to have the video quality experience of Blu-rays, and the option to use AirPods for the spatial audio. I do have a dedicated Atmos (and even DTS:X) speaker system, but sometimes I want to watch my stuff quietly (for the others anyway). I feel like Apple should add a feature to the Apple TV, which allows it to accept the audio via eARC, then pass that to the AirPods. Currently, the eARC connection only allows it to pass audio to HomePods. Apple and others say the reason is because the AirPods don't support lossless (which is true), but I am pretty sure Apple techs are smart enough to decode and then compress that audio for the AirPods. I don't really consider the lack of bass an issue on headphones, because I know that they are constrained by physics. Headphones can NEVER have the same bass impact as large drivers. Spatial audio on headphones for me is more as a secondary option. Like IF i want to watch at night and not keep others awake. I think they should increase the time it takes for sound to change its centre point. It re-centres too quickly. That way I can look away for a moment, without fearing the sound will move. I don't understand why its adjustment time is so short anyway. It makes it more adaptable to moving around, but why? It just needs to recentre to the screen, if you don't start the movie by looking at the screen. that's it. iPhones and iPads additionally track itself, so that the sound comes from there, so why does it need to re-centre SO fast?
Hi, Ealan. At 8:25 you mentioned movies sounded better on Apple TV 4K than on your phone. I was wondering, does it happen with Dolby Atmos music too? I mean, does it sound better? Thanks.
@@ealanosborne I tried them and literally returned them because the Yamaha yh-e700a I have sounded more realistic, had no reverb, in my opinion had less bass then Yamaha headphones, and had about the same soundstage or worse. Also the jvc exofield require countless amounts of ear scan, without a proper scan they sound like sh**t. Supposedly from what I've read the AirPods Max should sound better than my Yamaha headphones, but I'll find out Friday when the AirPods Max come in.
Amazing video! I've been testing Dolby Atmos music on my Galaxy Buds2 Pro and honestly this has been a game changer for me. The songs are so much more alive, I can hear details I never could before, and the spacial aspect to it (on certain songs, of course) is incredible! Whispers do sound like someone is actually whispering in my ears, bands sound like each singer/instrument is playing all around me, it's awesome! The instruments and voice separation and clarity are so SO much better. Dolby Atmos was literally the ONLY reason why I subscribed to Apple Music and I couldn't have made a better choice!
2:04 I watched the Legion series, 9.5/10 series btw, highly recommend. The difference it made using AirPods can’t be overstated. The surround sound shifting from ear to ear is incredible, tiny sounds way in the back of the mix you normally miss, the experience is on a whole new level. Has me wanting to setup a multiple device transmitter, so even with a group, everyone can connect their own pair…TV’s should offer the built in ability to connect at least 10, for when you need it, 2 is not enough. At least 6 ya know. Looking in to what would offer best sound quality…there is a brand “Avantree” idk if they are good or not but they offer a transmitter that allows 100 devices, without lag, claims on a 2.4 with 7ms lag.
I genuinely wonder what tech we'll get in the next 5-10 years for home theater over headphones. While I love Atmos, it's not practical or affordable for many people to have all those speakers (and I don't want a soundbar lol). Am also not convinced by ''Dolby Atmos for Headphones' either.
Meh. Most spatial audio songs are garbage, at least for now. Once it becomes more prevalent and more songs are specifically mixed for spatial audio, I’ll be more willing to listen to it more. But for now, it’s still too new to sound all that great (in my opinion).
One thing I'd like to say that the background of your videos look a little grainy. You convinced me to buy a 5.1.2 Klipsch system. I can only do front heights though, would you say it still sounds as sounds comes from above? I really enjoy your content, thanks for your informative videos!
Well, technically if what you’re watching is labeled as “Dolby Atmos,” Apple’s own version of Spatial Audio should support up to whatever configuration. It’s not necessary that it’s capped at 7.1.4 or whatever. 🤷♂️
@@ealanosborne yeah I figured the airpods are using 7.1.4 it's cool for people like me that only have 5.2 or 5.2.2 and not 7.1.4 which is awesome. Do you plan on making another update about the AirPods
Hi Ealan, 7:00 I tried Gravity on my Macbook Pro M1 Max with Airpods Pro 2, and I think the Dolby Atmos in Spatial Audio is a real thing. There's a scene where Sandra Bullock floats through the space ship which is about to explode. As she prepared to pass through a tunnel, there was a low hum from the tunnel ahead. And when she passed through, I could clearly feel the low hum moving from the front to the center, and then to the back. I then replayed it a few times and tried turning my head to the left during the scene, whereupon the low-pitched sound approached from my right, passed through my head, and exited from the left. This is so crazy. I'm really happy Apple truly built a full Dolby Atmos virtual soundstage.
Also, would love to see you doing some review with Dune on Apple TV. I'm really curious about how they compressed Dolby Atmos of this film into tiny little AirPods Pro.
Just loved your video and I just love your experience. Couldn't help but to get into the comments section and type something; at least to say: thank u👍🏾 I've been impressed.👌🏾
Haven't tried Atmos for headphones so can't comment on that, but I have been enjoying exploring the spatial audio mixes on iTunes and AzonHD. For the most, I completely agree with your assessment of music mixed for Atmos, particularly with pop/rock. Let preface by disclosing that my listening is in a 7.1.4 home theater and not AirPods. One example is the new release by Disturbed. Spatial audio does nothing to make the listening experience better. In fact, it degrades the sound significantly from the 2 channel mix by shrinking the vocals, spreading the soundstage too thin and even muddying the bass. The same is true for most remixes of older rock/pop albums as well. One positive thing is, unlike the early multichannel mixes that were common with SACD and DVD-A, for the most part they don't do weird things like put instruments behind your that should be in front, or other such oddities. However, with Jazz and many classical mixes, it does take the listening experience to a different, if not occasionally higher level. Depending on the mix, you get a much greater sense of "you are there" in these acoustic recordings versus the artificial studio based mixes of rock and pop. Everything from the solo piano on Leif Ove Andsnes' Dvorak Tone Poems to the enchanting Falkenberg Moon Sympmhony to the excellent Atmos mix of John Williams Violin Concerto #2 with Anne Sophie Mutter display fantastic Atmos augmentation of the performance in my listening room. I can't remember hearing bass, prominent bass, in a violin concerto. You certainly do with Williams VC. I bought the CD and the bass is there, but the Atmos mix adds to it's dynamic but not in an over the top manner. So, as you mention, as the tech and experience of the producers of the mix improves, I think it will only get better. Regarding future of home theater, it isn't the future any time soon. What it will do is improve the quality of "travel theater" but not home theater. The lack of bass and inability to have multiple connections restrict any rival to the home theater experience. Maybe when VR glasses become a common viewing tool for movies they can incorporate the spatial audio and it will be the future, but you still have to solve the low frequency issue.
Thanks for your insight! I agree with your music comments. I did praise jazz and classical in my Atmos music review video I did awhile back. I agree that it adds to the illusion that you’re there live. Really cool effect. My next experiment is to do the same with AirPods Max, to see if having over-the-ear headphones increases the bass extension and adds to the “spatial-ness” of the audio. 😄 🤘
@@ealanosborne Can't wait to hear your assessment of them. Good headphones are great for "hearing" bass, but still not "feeling" it, IMHO. Keep us updated.
its mind blowing good watch a real atmos movie and switch on atmos for headphones from that rreal atmos stream it converts to headphones perfectly.obviously not like speakers in a headphone way it copys the experience perfectly..
Have you tried DTS:X for headphones? is it the same let down as atmos for headphones? My phone is capable of DTSX for headphones but i don't have good enough wired headphones to tell. I just use the quad DAC in the phone for steaming music over loudspeakers and it sounds odd in front stereo. My PC logitech headset software also has dtsx headphone and it sounds interesting to say the least but localizing and pinpointing sounds in most game engines is very impressive with it.
Yeah, same result for DTS:X for headphones. At least about a year ago since I was curious about what it can provide. Maybe it’s improved since then? 🤷♂️
Interesting special near Black Friday xD. i want to get some "dolby atmos headphones" and this might change my mind in getting those earbuds but the price point is a downside for me at 300€. I want something in the 150-200€ range. I also have the LG C1 65" and the new Apple TV 4K 2022 with my cheap PC Logitech z906 5.1 system. You're the man to get advice with this. Any thoughts Ealan?
Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are spatial audio compatible when listening to Apple Music, although I’m not positive if that’s also true with AppleTV 4K. 🤷♂️
i do true atmos and upmix atmos for movies and gaming both surround speakers and headphones its amazing real atmos Down sampled to headphones via access app is wonderful
I am a being Apple Music and AirPods max fan..deeply sad now that my AirPods max having technical issues...but apple AirPods and max are the only headphones/EarPods that made me feely power of dolby atmos and spatial audio ... and now all other companies are following this ..I hope spatial audio headphones can become super affordable ..
Sony also has their version of Spatial Audio called 360 Reality Audio. These headphones still aren’t cheap, but they are less expensive than AirPods Max. 🤷♂️👇👇 howl.me/cmhk3jRGALU
Spatial Audio is older than you think. Gaming PCs had DirectSound3D, A3D, EAX, and much more during the Windows 95 to XP days. And many of these older games had Spatial Audio with 7.1 surround or headphone binaural audio. OpenAL Soft emulates many of these older Spatial Audio games and even bring them to modern games for a fraction of the licensing costs of Dolby Atmos. Older games like Deus Ex, the Thief games, Half-Life 1, Star Wars Battlefront II Classic, and Postal 2 have great 3D audio through headsets. Even 2.5D games like DOOM, Duke Nukem 3D, and Blood have great 3D audio. Too bad OpenAL Soft has not been updated with Dolby Atmos Home Theatre support, and is locked to 7.1. Ironically, spatial audio is rarer in modern games than in older PC games.
because 3d ing with binaural with todays sound and stages would take forever and cost a fortune.the good thing about todays hardware and soft ware is binaurial and surround can be used together and bring amazing 3d sound to headphones much quicker and cheaper and stereo and 4 x speakers and 2.1 systems. atmos also existd yrs ago it was called pro logic 2 z todays syetms can do it far better because the software and processing and general quality of the headphones and speakers are all wide spread
Love your review. Really shows Apple did put effort into a true integration of hardware and software, not just gimmicking and marketing like some "Dolby Atmos filter" on Windows laptop.
Hello Elan,i bought my set up on a budget speakers with the receiver that you recommend on many videos and I’m facing a problem the receiver goes overheating when i rise up the volume and loud also it gets shut down after that?! Is this because the receiver weeker than the speakers and cannot handle it or what? This is my set up 👇🏻 Sony str-dh790 Rp-250. Rp-400c R-14 s. Please Elan answer me and help. I searched on the internet and I found nothing Also I forgot to tell you when i try to do the auto calibration there is an error coms up with this number error 35
I have no idea. All those speakers should work fine with the Sony receiver. Which gauge speaker wire are you using? Do you have everything connected to the same power circuit? Maybe it’s a power issue? 🤷♂️
@@ealanosborne I’m using an 18 gauge wire do you that the problem?about the circuit no I’m not putting on the same circuit. The problem comes and gets overheated when I’m turning the volume up to the highest level otherwise it’s working fine whit random heat. I’m really really confused and I don’t know what to do ?!
@@asf7901 Oh wow, I would recommend a 16 gauge wire at the very least. I typically use 14 gauge since it’s more rigid and lasts longer, but 18 gauge may be too thin to get a good signal traveling through.
@@ealanosborne So do you think if i get a 16 or 14 gauge the problem will be solved and no overheating anymore? Do you think the heating from the speaker wire?
@@asf7901 I’m not an expert on electrical engineering, but that might be one of the issues. 🤷♂️ I’ve never had to troubleshoot a problem like you are having, so I’m just trying to make educated guesses, honestly
U rok! I have a Q80t 85"samsung tv- denon arv5750h- klipsch reference set with 2 sub's in front, and want to beef up on a budget. I was going to take the rear speaker's and use above tv as the atmos ,get the bigger size for the rear sides and 2 more sub's for the rear. Will that be the best upgrade or what would you suggest?thank you much, I am a disabled vet, I cannot drive so I garden and watch movies.looking at govee and texturing back wall to pimp it out a li'l bit more.u da man
Yes, you can definitely switch the speakers around to your liking, mounting the smaller speakers up high for Atmos effects. 4 subwoofers would of course help pressurize your listening space more evenly, around furniture and such, so that might be a good call. I think that would be the best upgrade for quite some time. After that, maybe a 9 channel receiver. Once that home theater bug bites, it's hard to ignore it. :)
Iv'e deff. Been bitten. It is a lot to soak up to get the best but you have really helped me to have something to make me smile. Thank you and keep spreding the word.
@@johngrove8042 Onkyo TX-RZ840, or its updated version, the RZ50. Denon x3700h or its updated version x3800h. Pioneer VSX-LX505. But I know they’re much more expensive, hence being eventual upgrades. 😁👍
Thank you for the video - if you have a Sonos soundbar, now you can get Atmos/Spatial Audio with Sonos Ace and you will be able to listen to PS5 gaming, Blu-Ray Trued HD, Apple TV 5k, anything that passes through HDMI
Agree to some (especially about future of DSP), disagree on some. On Iphone at least on music I found a better sound than Apple TV4k, because you could have some eq compensation, even using a cool audiogram, all which are missing in TVOS. Bass effect I found very credible with Airpods Maxx, which can handle very well rapid and deep bass (like in the beginning of The Edge of Tommorrow or Ender's Game). Height effects... I didn't find any good, either on Atmos/Airpods or on my Denon 2800+Dali Alteco Dolby Atmos on front speakers. Maybe the only way to experience true height effects are with in-ceiling or high on the wall. But I found your video extremely interesting and honest (I'm sick of promotion-reviews of others), thanks!
Had to turn off atmos for Apple Music. Atmos and hip hop/rap do not mix well. As you mentioned the vocals are disconnected and the songs are overall not as loud/punchy like lossless.
Seriously. Hip hop arrangements do not translate well when space is added. Bass is supposed to hit hard, beats in general are supposed to be prominent in the mix/in your face, along with the vocals. Just doesn’t work with spatial audio
@@ealanosborne when the song switched it was a drastic difference in volume. I honestly thought something was wrong with my system and took a few minutes to figure out what happened. Once I turned it off on ATV4K volume was back to normal. Love your content!
Ealan, a few things. Bc of this video last night i bought Gravity from the apple store for $5 and watched the entire film through my airpod pro 2s connected to my apple 4k tv on an 85” tv using the spatial audio feature. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have a 5.2.2 setup calibrated with Dirac from an RZ-50 with five Monolith THX mini towers and a pair of Polk in-ceilings that i normally use. But I was surprised at how good the airpod pros were. I didn’t know the streaming version of Gravity was in Atmos. I had the issue of dialogue coming from the wrong direction as well but i think its caused by turning your head too far and the pods getting out of directional sync. It loses where the front is. By facing forward and then pausing the video and then playing it again it re-synced and worked correctly. Minus the low end feedback that your mentioned this is a damn good experience. And so freaking efficient. A large screen, Apple 4k, and airpod pros are all a person needs for a great experience. As an aside, If you have the airpod pro 1s I recommend you look to upgrade to the 2s. Its a noticeable jump in improvement. And the other features make them superior too. Lastly, i streamed Oblivion through the Movies Anywhere app and the volume was way too low compared to the Apple movie which had the volume at about an 80% level. Not sure why. Apple may giving volume preference to their own movies. Thanks for the video.
I’m a pescatarian. Although if I’m eating out at a restaurant, I almost always get the vegan option if they have it. And not “just because.” I had to change my diet a few years ago when my digestive system suddenly decided it wasn’t going to properly handle dairy and red/white meat anymore. Getting older is fun. 😄
Airpods are the worst earpods on the market. I own two pairs - the latest generation of AirPod and AirPod pros. The sounds it very mediocre for the price and neither pair will stay in my ears when sitting perfectly still. Worthless.
@@dextermorgan1 - sorry dexter - looks like I hit a nerve. Reading comprehension is not your thing so I'll try again just for you, pay attention this time. I have two totally different models. Airpods and Airpods Pros. I bought the AirPods first and had a problem with them falling out - no rubber tips.The Apple Fan boys say, "oh yeah get the Airpod Pro's they come with multiple ear tips - it will totally solve your fitment problems". And it totally didn't - same issue - they fall out sitting in a chair. Does it make sense now?
so how about other earpods from other brands for watching movies with spatial? :) which is better, than these? keep in mind airpods are special for spatial audio for movies, not necessary for music, also try airpods with apple TV 4K 2022, it will give you 10X better quality, than just with phone, just like the guy said in the video.
Pretty exciting stuff. It's hard to imagine my little AirPods actually becoming some sort of HT replacement, but who knows what technology can do 10 years from now. Even if it never can replace, imagine being able to sit on an airplane with your phone and having an actual home theater experience!
RIGHT?! 🤘
its actually a replacement even now for watching movies at night :-)
or at least close to a dedicated home theatre. Even if they are like a couple or maybe several hundred pound speaker system, that'd be insane.
I have a aairpods max it gave me 1 year of home cinema feel...until it failed recently
@Ealan Osborne In case you didn’t know, you can turn off the head tracking which is what makes the sound stay in front of you even if you turn your head. Also you might not have had Spatial Audio on your phone turned on as it can be turned off. You long press the volume slider to see the options for spatial audio. I’ve listened to things on my iPhone with spatial audio and I found them very similar to the Apple TV 4K.
There are a few Atmos Music songs that I enjoy a whole lot through airpod pro 2s. Rush’s “Tom Sawyer” and Billie Eillish’s “Ocean Eyes” (I dont even like Eliish but this song on airpod pros is demo worthy in my experience bc of how the chorus vocals were produced). Give those two a try.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Billie Eilish's Xanny is one of the best ones imo, I ALWAYS get chills all over my body, it's amazing!
That’s like 7 months ago, there’s a whole lotta music, whole albums with Dolby Atmos compatibility now.
Wait...shed theater? Have you done a tour of your home theater(s)?
I have several videos documenting the DIY building of said theater. Check them out! 😁
Cool video. From TvOs 17 onwards, multiple airpods support spacial audio.
Your content is so interesting, educational and entertaining!
Thank you very much! 🤘
The very fact that you are looking at a TV helps with the location of the sound !
Thanks for the advice about bluray
You’re welcome! 😁
Sounds like the future is bright for a different kind of audio experience.
A 12" sub might not be the only option for bass extension. I wonder how it would sound/feel if these earbuds were paired with Bass Shakers (ie. transducers, mounted to seating areas)? Still not audible to others, but definitely has all the "feels" of a super low bass thumping experience.
Hey, that’d be cool too! 🤔
headphones with haptic are a thing
Still No Surround sound like 5.1 sound tho. Just fixed speaker position with wide sound stage.
I wonder if these would work with a woojer vest. I’ve never tried one but I’ve heard they are pretty cool and then you might not even need a sub
I’ve tried this with the (overly expensive) AirPods Max and agree the spatial audio plus AppleTV combo is really well implemented. Also totally agree that being able to add a subwoofer or bass shakers would be great albeit maybe impossible
Do you happen to have AirPods Pro AND Max? Wondering if using Max would be even better than just Pros… 🤷♂️
@@ealanosborne I don’t have the AirPods Pro but I do have the Beats Fit Pro and can say that the AirPods Max offered a bigger soundspace and slightly thumpier base. The best headphones for movies I’ve listed to so far are the JVC Exofields which work with AppleTV & 4K Blurays. Also pricey however, maybe you’d be able to get a review unit that’d be cool. I tried linking a post to AVS where I compared the AirPods Max to the JVC but RUclips didn’t like the external link
@@Bobi816 Sweet! Thanks for the headphone recommendation! 🤘
The AirPods Max with iPad Pro is all the home theater I need. I get Dolby Vision with a million to one contrast. And I don’t need to use the living room. I have the tablet on a vesa desk mount in my office desk. And it’s so good and the headphones does enough atmos for my shows and movies. Mostly shows on AppleTV+. Which is all mixed in Dolby Vision and Atmos.
Hell yeah! 🤘
@@ealanosborneAirpods max is amazing for substituting home theater in the night with apple tv 4k.. Do you have any suggestions for using it with zappiti for playing 4k bluray content? it does connect via bluetooth but i am not sure if it reproduce dolby atmos when connected to zappiti via bluetooth..(for night viewing ofcourse)
@@DaarioNeharis I'm not 100% positive, but I imagine you're still going to get the best Spatial Audio experience if it's an Apple product connected to another Apple product.
Have you tried that max? Surely that will give a lot more bass
That’s my next experiment…although I’m not about to spend $500 just for science. Hopefully I can get a hookup somehow 😄
I bought the AirPod pro 2 few months ago I love it for movies it's much better than my 2.1 set up apart from the bass
Would love to see you try with the new AirPod pro 2
Super useful video, just one question. If you want to connect 2 pairs of AirPods Pro 2 to your Apple TV 4K, will you both be able to listen in Dolby atmos? You said spatial audio is not possible with 2 people listening but not sure if that also includes Dolby atmos. Thanks a lot.
I would be very interested to have your opinions a similar video using AirPods Max and also the upcoming Sonos Ace instead.
This sounds weird but in a good way, turn your head it still sounds like it coming from the TV at least the speech from the center, and the Dolby Atmos affects are surprising effective, this sounds better than 90 percent of the Atmos music I’ve heard so far. Great video👍🏾
Awesome tech. Apple's idea of tracking your head is amazing. A problem with other spatial audio headphones before is that they don't have head tracking, which makes sounds not feel like they are from any particular place around you. If the sound feels like it's (for instance) left of you, when you move your head, the sound moves around with your head, which makes sounds not feel like they come from a specific physical location around you. AirPods (or brands that track your head too) can now adjust the sound to keep the sound coming a specific place around, instead of just a direction.
I am pretty sure the processing is on the Apple TV (or on Atmos enabled iPhones, iPads, or Macs). That's probably why they don't currently support multiple AirPods (double the AirPods would equal double the processing). Inherently, it should be possible to have different sound on two different sets of AirPods.
My biggest problem is (as you said) that there is no way to get Blu-ray content onto them (even if I lose the lossless audio). Ideally, I would like to have the video quality experience of Blu-rays, and the option to use AirPods for the spatial audio. I do have a dedicated Atmos (and even DTS:X) speaker system, but sometimes I want to watch my stuff quietly (for the others anyway).
I feel like Apple should add a feature to the Apple TV, which allows it to accept the audio via eARC, then pass that to the AirPods. Currently, the eARC connection only allows it to pass audio to HomePods. Apple and others say the reason is because the AirPods don't support lossless (which is true), but I am pretty sure Apple techs are smart enough to decode and then compress that audio for the AirPods.
I don't really consider the lack of bass an issue on headphones, because I know that they are constrained by physics. Headphones can NEVER have the same bass impact as large drivers. Spatial audio on headphones for me is more as a secondary option. Like IF i want to watch at night and not keep others awake.
I think they should increase the time it takes for sound to change its centre point. It re-centres too quickly. That way I can look away for a moment, without fearing the sound will move. I don't understand why its adjustment time is so short anyway. It makes it more adaptable to moving around, but why? It just needs to recentre to the screen, if you don't start the movie by looking at the screen. that's it. iPhones and iPads additionally track itself, so that the sound comes from there, so why does it need to re-centre SO fast?
Hi, Ealan. At 8:25 you mentioned movies sounded better on Apple TV 4K than on your phone. I was wondering, does it happen with Dolby Atmos music too? I mean, does it sound better? Thanks.
Have you tried the jvc exofield headphones?
I have not! Thanks for the heads up! 🤘
@@ealanosborne I tried them and literally returned them because the Yamaha yh-e700a I have sounded more realistic, had no reverb, in my opinion had less bass then Yamaha headphones, and had about the same soundstage or worse. Also the jvc exofield require countless amounts of ear scan, without a proper scan they sound like sh**t. Supposedly from what I've read the AirPods Max should sound better than my Yamaha headphones, but I'll find out Friday when the AirPods Max come in.
Are air pods spatial audio supported on Apple TV 4K (1st generation)?
Spatial Audio became available with tvOS 15.1, so if your Gen 1 ATV 4K has OS version 15.1 or later, you should be good 👍
Amazing video!
I've been testing Dolby Atmos music on my Galaxy Buds2 Pro and honestly this has been a game changer for me. The songs are so much more alive, I can hear details I never could before, and the spacial aspect to it (on certain songs, of course) is incredible! Whispers do sound like someone is actually whispering in my ears, bands sound like each singer/instrument is playing all around me, it's awesome! The instruments and voice separation and clarity are so SO much better. Dolby Atmos was literally the ONLY reason why I subscribed to Apple Music and I couldn't have made a better choice!
That's great! I know it has some way to go before it's at its peak, but the music that DOES work sounds incredible!
but its only music, he is talking about movies, what u cant do with Galaxy Buds2, this is exactly why im saying Appe is way better, than Samsung.
2:04 I watched the Legion series, 9.5/10 series btw, highly recommend. The difference it made using AirPods can’t be overstated. The surround sound shifting from ear to ear is incredible, tiny sounds way in the back of the mix you normally miss, the experience is on a whole new level. Has me wanting to setup a multiple device transmitter, so even with a group, everyone can connect their own pair…TV’s should offer the built in ability to connect at least 10, for when you need it, 2 is not enough. At least 6 ya know. Looking in to what would offer best sound quality…there is a brand “Avantree” idk if they are good or not but they offer a transmitter that allows 100 devices, without lag, claims on a 2.4 with 7ms lag.
Whoa! Thanks for sharing this! 🤘🎉
I genuinely wonder what tech we'll get in the next 5-10 years for home theater over headphones. While I love Atmos, it's not practical or affordable for many people to have all those speakers (and I don't want a soundbar lol). Am also not convinced by ''Dolby Atmos for Headphones' either.
Interesting video! Might have to try that out since I already own them. What are you thoughts on using spatial audio for music on Spotify?
Meh. Most spatial audio songs are garbage, at least for now. Once it becomes more prevalent and more songs are specifically mixed for spatial audio, I’ll be more willing to listen to it more. But for now, it’s still too new to sound all that great (in my opinion).
One thing I'd like to say that the background of your videos look a little grainy. You convinced me to buy a 5.1.2 Klipsch system. I can only do front heights though, would you say it still sounds as sounds comes from above? I really enjoy your content, thanks for your informative videos!
Yeah, front heights are still cool. It creates the “wall of sound” that makes it seem like your TV is gigantic. 😁🤘
Amazing work as always. Maybe try some other high end headphones and see if you get the same experience!
Do you think the AirPods Pro support a 7.2.4 or 9.2.4? I wish they would let you know what configuration the airpods use because I have the pro 2
Well, technically if what you’re watching is labeled as “Dolby Atmos,” Apple’s own version of Spatial Audio should support up to whatever configuration. It’s not necessary that it’s capped at 7.1.4 or whatever. 🤷♂️
@@ealanosborne yeah I figured the airpods are using 7.1.4 it's cool for people like me that only have 5.2 or 5.2.2 and not 7.1.4 which is awesome. Do you plan on making another update about the AirPods
@@Lowkey_nxthxn I hope to do an update when I get my hands on some AirPods Max headphones. But they’re so expensive! 😭😄
just missing that we can not make 2 language output by series/movie
Hi Ealan, 7:00 I tried Gravity on my Macbook Pro M1 Max with Airpods Pro 2, and I think the Dolby Atmos in Spatial Audio is a real thing.
There's a scene where Sandra Bullock floats through the space ship which is about to explode. As she prepared to pass through a tunnel, there was a low hum from the tunnel ahead. And when she passed through, I could clearly feel the low hum moving from the front to the center, and then to the back.
I then replayed it a few times and tried turning my head to the left during the scene, whereupon the low-pitched sound approached from my right, passed through my head, and exited from the left.
This is so crazy. I'm really happy Apple truly built a full Dolby Atmos virtual soundstage.
Whooooaaaa! That’s really cool! 🎉🙌
I have tested the AirPod Pro 2 with Atmos on Apple TV and the height channels sound weak to me. Are the height channels better on AirPod Max?
Don’t know yet. Wish I could afford a
$450 experiment. 😄
About the same, just a little better.
Also, would love to see you doing some review with Dune on Apple TV. I'm really curious about how they compressed Dolby Atmos of this film into tiny little AirPods Pro.
Just loved your video and I just love your experience. Couldn't help but to get into the comments section and type something; at least to say: thank u👍🏾
I've been impressed.👌🏾
Thank you very much! 😁
Haven't tried Atmos for headphones so can't comment on that, but I have been enjoying exploring the spatial audio mixes on iTunes and AzonHD. For the most, I completely agree with your assessment of music mixed for Atmos, particularly with pop/rock. Let preface by disclosing that my listening is in a 7.1.4 home theater and not AirPods. One example is the new release by Disturbed. Spatial audio does nothing to make the listening experience better. In fact, it degrades the sound significantly from the 2 channel mix by shrinking the vocals, spreading the soundstage too thin and even muddying the bass. The same is true for most remixes of older rock/pop albums as well. One positive thing is, unlike the early multichannel mixes that were common with SACD and DVD-A, for the most part they don't do weird things like put instruments behind your that should be in front, or other such oddities. However, with Jazz and many classical mixes, it does take the listening experience to a different, if not occasionally higher level. Depending on the mix, you get a much greater sense of "you are there" in these acoustic recordings versus the artificial studio based mixes of rock and pop. Everything from the solo piano on Leif Ove Andsnes' Dvorak Tone Poems to the enchanting Falkenberg Moon Sympmhony to the excellent Atmos mix of John Williams Violin Concerto #2 with Anne Sophie Mutter display fantastic Atmos augmentation of the performance in my listening room. I can't remember hearing bass, prominent bass, in a violin concerto. You certainly do with Williams VC. I bought the CD and the bass is there, but the Atmos mix adds to it's dynamic but not in an over the top manner. So, as you mention, as the tech and experience of the producers of the mix improves, I think it will only get better.
Regarding future of home theater, it isn't the future any time soon. What it will do is improve the quality of "travel theater" but not home theater. The lack of bass and inability to have multiple connections restrict any rival to the home theater experience. Maybe when VR glasses become a common viewing tool for movies they can incorporate the spatial audio and it will be the future, but you still have to solve the low frequency issue.
Thanks for your insight! I agree with your music comments. I did praise jazz and classical in my Atmos music review video I did awhile back. I agree that it adds to the illusion that you’re there live. Really cool effect.
My next experiment is to do the same with AirPods Max, to see if having over-the-ear headphones increases the bass extension and adds to the “spatial-ness” of the audio. 😄 🤘
@@ealanosborne Can't wait to hear your assessment of them. Good headphones are great for "hearing" bass, but still not "feeling" it, IMHO. Keep us updated.
its mind blowing good watch a real atmos movie and switch on atmos for headphones from that rreal atmos stream it converts to headphones perfectly.obviously not like speakers in a headphone way it copys the experience perfectly..
Amazing video
Thank you very much! 🤘
@@ealanosborne your welcome
Have you tried DTS:X for headphones? is it the same let down as atmos for headphones? My phone is capable of DTSX for headphones but i don't have good enough wired headphones to tell. I just use the quad DAC in the phone for steaming music over loudspeakers and it sounds odd in front stereo. My PC logitech headset software also has dtsx headphone and it sounds interesting to say the least but localizing and pinpointing sounds in most game engines is very impressive with it.
Yeah, same result for DTS:X for headphones. At least about a year ago since I was curious about what it can provide. Maybe it’s improved since then? 🤷♂️
Interesting special near Black Friday xD. i want to get some "dolby atmos headphones" and this might change my mind in getting those earbuds but the price point is a downside for me at 300€. I want something in the 150-200€ range. I also have the LG C1 65" and the new Apple TV 4K 2022 with my cheap PC Logitech z906 5.1 system. You're the man to get advice with this. Any thoughts Ealan?
Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are spatial audio compatible when listening to Apple Music, although I’m not positive if that’s also true with AppleTV 4K. 🤷♂️
i do true atmos and upmix atmos for movies and gaming both surround speakers and headphones its amazing real atmos Down sampled to headphones via access app is wonderful
Ojalá todas las películas de netflix tengan spatial audio
I am a being Apple Music and AirPods max fan..deeply sad now that my AirPods max having technical issues...but apple AirPods and max are the only headphones/EarPods that made me feely power of dolby atmos and spatial audio ... and now all other companies are following this ..I hope spatial audio headphones can become super affordable ..
Sony also has their version of Spatial Audio called 360 Reality Audio. These headphones still aren’t cheap, but they are less expensive than AirPods Max. 🤷♂️👇👇
howl.me/cmhk3jRGALU
Spatial Audio is older than you think.
Gaming PCs had DirectSound3D, A3D, EAX, and much more during the Windows 95 to XP days.
And many of these older games had Spatial Audio with 7.1 surround or headphone binaural audio.
OpenAL Soft emulates many of these older Spatial Audio games and even bring them to modern games for a fraction of the licensing costs of Dolby Atmos.
Older games like Deus Ex, the Thief games, Half-Life 1, Star Wars Battlefront II Classic, and Postal 2 have great 3D audio through headsets. Even 2.5D games like DOOM, Duke Nukem 3D, and Blood have great 3D audio.
Too bad OpenAL Soft has not been updated with Dolby Atmos Home Theatre support, and is locked to 7.1.
Ironically, spatial audio is rarer in modern games than in older PC games.
Thanks for the history behind this! Really cool! 🤘😎
because 3d ing with binaural with todays sound and stages would take forever and cost a fortune.the good thing about todays hardware and soft ware is binaurial and surround can be used together and bring amazing 3d sound to headphones much quicker and cheaper and stereo and 4 x speakers and 2.1 systems. atmos also existd yrs ago it was called pro logic 2 z todays syetms can do it far better because the software and processing and general quality of the headphones and speakers are all wide spread
Good job ❤👏👏✨!
Here would be a cool idea, ear bud size speakers top, front n back in over the ear headphones, Atmos...unless its made already.
Here's another cool idea, how about a motorcycle helmet with 5.1.4 Dolby atmos for homecinema? xD
@@xCyAx lol, as long as the visor is vr and has mini subwoofer built inside the helmet.
Love your review. Really shows Apple did put effort into a true integration of hardware and software, not just gimmicking and marketing like some "Dolby Atmos filter" on Windows laptop.
Hello Elan,i bought my set up on a budget speakers with the receiver that you recommend on many videos and I’m facing a problem the receiver goes overheating when i rise up the volume and loud also it gets shut down after that?!
Is this because the receiver weeker than the speakers and cannot handle it or what?
This is my set up 👇🏻
Sony str-dh790
Rp-250.
Rp-400c
R-14 s.
Please Elan answer me and help.
I searched on the internet and I found nothing
Also I forgot to tell you when i try to do the auto calibration there is an error coms up with this number error 35
I have no idea. All those speakers should work fine with the Sony receiver. Which gauge speaker wire are you using? Do you have everything connected to the same power circuit? Maybe it’s a power issue? 🤷♂️
@@ealanosborne
I’m using an 18 gauge wire do you that the problem?about the circuit no I’m not putting on the same circuit.
The problem comes and gets overheated when I’m turning the volume up to the highest level otherwise it’s working fine whit random heat.
I’m really really confused and I don’t know what to do ?!
@@asf7901 Oh wow, I would recommend a 16 gauge wire at the very least. I typically use 14 gauge since it’s more rigid and lasts longer, but 18 gauge may be too thin to get a good signal traveling through.
@@ealanosborne
So do you think if i get a 16 or 14 gauge the problem will be solved and no overheating anymore?
Do you think the heating from the speaker wire?
@@asf7901 I’m not an expert on electrical engineering, but that might be one of the issues. 🤷♂️ I’ve never had to troubleshoot a problem like you are having, so I’m just trying to make educated guesses, honestly
U rok! I have a Q80t 85"samsung tv- denon arv5750h- klipsch reference set with 2 sub's in front, and want to beef up on a budget. I was going to take the rear speaker's and use above tv as the atmos ,get the bigger size for the rear sides and 2 more sub's for the rear. Will that be the best upgrade or what would you suggest?thank you much, I am a disabled vet, I cannot drive so I garden and watch movies.looking at govee and texturing back wall to pimp it out a li'l bit more.u da man
Yes, you can definitely switch the speakers around to your liking, mounting the smaller speakers up high for Atmos effects. 4 subwoofers would of course help pressurize your listening space more evenly, around furniture and such, so that might be a good call. I think that would be the best upgrade for quite some time. After that, maybe a 9 channel receiver. Once that home theater bug bites, it's hard to ignore it. :)
Iv'e deff. Been bitten. It is a lot to soak up to get the best but you have really helped me to have something to make me smile. Thank you and keep spreding the word.
Can you recomend a 9 channel?
@@johngrove8042 Onkyo TX-RZ840, or its updated version, the RZ50. Denon x3700h or its updated version x3800h. Pioneer VSX-LX505. But I know they’re much more expensive, hence being eventual upgrades. 😁👍
I havn't checked prices but will prob. Stick with the upgraded denon. It has been bely, bely good to me.ha,ha.
For the most part I enjoy 2 channel music but holy crap Billie Eilish is Atmos sounds fantastic!
I hear you =)
Thank you for the video - if you have a Sonos soundbar, now you can get Atmos/Spatial Audio with Sonos Ace and you will be able to listen to PS5 gaming, Blu-Ray Trued HD, Apple TV 5k, anything that passes through HDMI
Oh that’s right! 🎉
@ will you test that in the future? Maybe? Please?
Agree to some (especially about future of DSP), disagree on some. On Iphone at least on music I found a better sound than Apple TV4k, because you could have some eq compensation, even using a cool audiogram, all which are missing in TVOS. Bass effect I found very credible with Airpods Maxx, which can handle very well rapid and deep bass (like in the beginning of The Edge of Tommorrow or Ender's Game). Height effects... I didn't find any good, either on Atmos/Airpods or on my Denon 2800+Dali Alteco Dolby Atmos on front speakers. Maybe the only way to experience true height effects are with in-ceiling or high on the wall. But I found your video extremely interesting and honest (I'm sick of promotion-reviews of others), thanks!
Thanks for your insight! 🤘
Had to turn off atmos for Apple Music. Atmos and hip hop/rap do not mix well. As you mentioned the vocals are disconnected and the songs are overall not as loud/punchy like lossless.
Seriously. Hip hop arrangements do not translate well when space is added. Bass is supposed to hit hard, beats in general are supposed to be prominent in the mix/in your face, along with the vocals. Just doesn’t work with spatial audio
@@ealanosborne when the song switched it was a drastic difference in volume. I honestly thought something was wrong with my system and took a few minutes to figure out what happened. Once I turned it off on ATV4K volume was back to normal. Love your content!
Ealan, a few things. Bc of this video last night i bought Gravity from the apple store for $5 and watched the entire film through my airpod pro 2s connected to my apple 4k tv on an 85” tv using the spatial audio feature. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have a 5.2.2 setup calibrated with Dirac from an RZ-50 with five Monolith THX mini towers and a pair of Polk in-ceilings that i normally use. But I was surprised at how good the airpod pros were. I didn’t know the streaming version of Gravity was in Atmos. I had the issue of dialogue coming from the wrong direction as well but i think its caused by turning your head too far and the pods getting out of directional sync. It loses where the front is. By facing forward and then pausing the video and then playing it again it re-synced and worked correctly. Minus the low end feedback that your mentioned this is a damn good experience. And so freaking efficient. A large screen, Apple 4k, and airpod pros are all a person needs for a great experience. As an aside, If you have the airpod pro 1s I recommend you look to upgrade to the 2s. Its a noticeable jump in improvement. And the other features make them superior too. Lastly, i streamed Oblivion through the Movies Anywhere app and the volume was way too low compared to the Apple movie which had the volume at about an 80% level. Not sure why. Apple may giving volume preference to their own movies. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for letting me know about the improvements between Gen 1 and Gen 2. I may be getting Gen 2 if I see a holiday deal that I can't pass up. :)
Love your videos, however my inner Dodger fan is offended lol.
😄 🤘
FUTURE! - Squidward Tentacles -
No subwoofer. Keep the tin cans.
Play at 1.5 speed as he talks toooooo sloooow!!
Blasphemy 🤣😭
first!
No. I don't want to listen to home theater through IED. Nope.
Odd question and you don’t have to answer. Are you vegan?
I’m a pescatarian. Although if I’m eating out at a restaurant, I almost always get the vegan option if they have it. And not “just because.” I had to change my diet a few years ago when my digestive system suddenly decided it wasn’t going to properly handle dairy and red/white meat anymore. Getting older is fun. 😄
Airpods are the worst earpods on the market. I own two pairs - the latest generation of AirPod and AirPod pros. The sounds it very mediocre for the price and neither pair will stay in my ears when sitting perfectly still. Worthless.
So, the fist pair sucked, so you bought another pair? Makes perfect sense...
@@dextermorgan1 - sorry dexter - looks like I hit a nerve. Reading comprehension is not your thing so I'll try again just for you, pay attention this time. I have two totally different models. Airpods and Airpods Pros. I bought the AirPods first and had a problem with them falling out - no rubber tips.The Apple Fan boys say, "oh yeah get the Airpod Pro's they come with multiple ear tips - it will totally solve your fitment problems". And it totally didn't - same issue - they fall out sitting in a chair. Does it make sense now?
so how about other earpods from other brands for watching movies with spatial? :) which is better, than these? keep in mind airpods are special for spatial audio for movies, not necessary for music, also try airpods with apple TV 4K 2022, it will give you 10X better quality, than just with phone, just like the guy said in the video.