Not everything that will be popular with all dramas, and some tracks are lost (or more certainly obtained) in translation. Reverb is an element that the mixer is occasionally unsure about how to handle in some older tracks. Elton John’s “Softness” Tall castle It feels strange that it is out of place, obviously not an extra verb to be isolated. As with any mix, it all boils down to choice, not all equal. Still, almost everything I hear sounds good or more common, and I sound better when scattered in the Optiq system.
Speaking of the system, you may be wondering if any Good stereo tracks sound good on a sound system as great as the Optiq. After bounce back and forth, I can clearly say no. While the stereo track sounds great, no one can have clarity, punch holes or immersion on Dolby’s atmospheric counterparts. I didn’t mistakenly think of a random stereo track for Atmos once. The closest is Phil Collins’ “In the Sky Tonight” which expanded in space as the drums entered. By contrast, Peter Gabriel’s stereo “sledgehammer” sounds flat. (Sorry, OG Genesis fans, I’m equally surprised.)
It cannot be exaggerated, part of the blank sound canvas provided by the Whisper-Quiet interior of the Optiq EV. You have to goose to really feel the full Atmos music effect, and loud cars with engine engines won’t achieve the same effect, especially given that they tend to be messy with the lower end. Amazon music locks on the dashboard and is filled with tracks that are within reach, while Cadillac’s fabulous supercruising handheld driving system offers a relaxing way to fall into the music, making each drive a unique moment.
Challenges still exist
Photo: Ryan Waniata
While Optiq is a miracle in terms of amazing Atmos music delivery, like the speaker setup I’ve seen at Wynn, it’s also a barrier to entry. I’m talking about classic rock for a reason: Not everyone can afford the new Cadillac (not me, of course). Dolby said more than 25 automakers have announced plans or have entered the Atmos music portfolio, from Mercedes-Benz to Hyundai Genesis. Currently, most people are like any new technology.
There are also some more affordable ways to have similarities in my Optiq experience, including some speaker bars and standalone speakers that let you play Atmos music directly, such as the Sonos Arc Ultra (9/10, wired recommendation) and the Sonos Era 300.
But even if Atmos Music has expanded to over 20 streaming services (Spotify is a well-known holder), it may be harder to turn it to Dolby Atmos Soundbars crowd than you might expect. Airplay added Atmos streaming to HomePod last year, but third-party support failed. Amazon’s Echo Studio Atmos speakers have stopped. Dolby said some equipment added casting, but the company cannot provide numbers or models.
Ecosystems like Atmos Music take time to collect Steam. As new software and hardware options expand, there are always obstacles. The most striking thing about Optiq is its ease of access, thus helping me move from casual listeners to definite Atmos music demons. Hope Atmos music continues. The music is ready and the medium is ready, and now let’s hand it over to people.
