A New Dimension: Above & Beyond Reimagine Their Legacy in Spatial Audio
Electronic music icons Above & Beyond have partnered with Apple Music to deliver a groundbreaking installment of the platform’s acclaimed *One Mix* series. Departing from the conventional DJ set format, the legendary trio has curated an immersive, hour-long experience entirely in Spatial Audio, inviting listeners to rediscover their expansive discography through a revolutionary sonic lens.
### Beyond the Stereo Field: A Technical Deep Dive
Rather than simply stitching together a standard retrospective, Jono Grant, Paavo Siljamäki, and Tony McGuinness took a meticulous approach to this project. The group returned to the original multitrack master sessions for tracks that have defined their career over the last 25 years. By deconstructing these foundational files, they were able to re-engineer the soundscapes for a three-dimensional environment.
This process unearthed intricate harmonies, subtle synth textures, and hidden rhythmic layers that are frequently obscured in traditional stereo playback. Much like restoring a classic film to 4K resolution, the Spatial Audio treatment breathes new life into these anthems, providing a sense of physical space and clarity that was previously unattainable.
### Two Decades of Sound, Reimagined
The mix serves as a comprehensive journey through the group’s evolution, spanning from the foundational energy of their *Tri-State* era to the more recent, expansive soundscapes found on *Bigger Than All Of Us*.
“This is a retrospective mix featuring music of ours from the last 25 years, from ‘Tri-State’ to ‘Bigger Than All Of Us,’ and all points in between,” the trio shared. “It’s been very revealing to deep dive into old projects, remembering the parts that aren’t so obvious in the stereo mix, that become players in the Spatial Audio mix.”
### The Rise of Immersive Audio in Dance Music
The adoption of Spatial Audio-often powered by Dolby Atmos-is rapidly changing how fans consume electronic music. According to recent industry data, streaming platforms are increasingly prioritizing immersive formats, with major labels reporting that tracks mixed in spatial formats see higher engagement rates among audiophiles. By utilizing this technology, Above & Beyond are not just revisiting their past; they are setting a new standard for how legacy electronic catalogs can be preserved and experienced in the modern streaming era.
