Click to Enlarge.
Mercedes-Benz in Paris today said it has launched a new collaboration with Apple Music and Universal Music Group (UMG) that aims to change how music is created and how it’s played back in the car.
The new collaboration, following a previously announced ZYNC streaming deal, adds the integration of Dolby Atmos immersive audio to the optional Burmester® high-end 4D and 3D sound systems*offered in Mercedes-Benz vehicles with the latest MBUX generation. Dolby Atmos will first be available in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as well as the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS and EQS SUV. (See autoinformed.com on: Infotainment: Mercedes-Benz Group and ZYNC)
It’s claimed Atmos adds more space, clarity and depth to music. Dolby Atmos allows composers to place discrete audio elements or objects in a three-dimensional sound field, which goes beyond the capabilities of standard stereo productions. The system adapts to any playback environment, meaning fans can listen to music with unparalleled clarity that matches the artist’s original vision in the studio.
Integrated into the optional Burmester® high-end 4D and 3D sound systems, it has a justifiable claim to be state of the art. Whether you like such art or German opera is a matter of personal taste, of course. At AutoInformed our tastes run toward American jazz and blues, classic rock, real Rock and Roll and Italian opera.
UMG are allowing their recording artists to base their song approval process on how the final mix sounds in a Mercedes-Benz and introduce the seal “Approved in a Mercedes-Benz” as a “gold standard of sound.” UMG plans to set up a studio environment in Sindelfingen, Germany, based on its Capitol Studios’ Studio C, a reference music studio for Dolby Atmos mixing.
This appears to be the first-time music will be available in a non-Apple device. The integration of Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos from Apple Music makes music available in Dolby Atmos accessible for customers of Mercedes-Benz and Apple Music alike.
“Our collaborations with Apple Music and Universal Music Group are truly unparalleled and set a new benchmark by adding music content and platform expertise to our Dolby Atmos-capable Burmester® sound system. Through this exceptional partnership, we are giving our customers the extraordinary in-car audio experience they expect from Mercedes-Benz. Both Apple and UMG share our vision and values and, together with Dolby, we will create a seamless and unique experience for our customers,” says Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group.
*The Burmester® high-end 4D sound system
- 31 speakers, including six 3D speakers that emit their sound from above, 4 near-ear speakers in the front seats, an 18.5-liter subwoofer
- 8 sound transducers (two per seat)
- 2 amplifiers
- 1750 watts power
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Mobile Music – New Mercedes-Benz Dolby Atmos Symphony
Click to Enlarge.
Mercedes-Benz in Paris today said it has launched a new collaboration with Apple Music and Universal Music Group (UMG) that aims to change how music is created and how it’s played back in the car.
The new collaboration, following a previously announced ZYNC streaming deal, adds the integration of Dolby Atmos immersive audio to the optional Burmester® high-end 4D and 3D sound systems*offered in Mercedes-Benz vehicles with the latest MBUX generation. Dolby Atmos will first be available in the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as well as the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS and EQS SUV. (See autoinformed.com on: Infotainment: Mercedes-Benz Group and ZYNC)
It’s claimed Atmos adds more space, clarity and depth to music. Dolby Atmos allows composers to place discrete audio elements or objects in a three-dimensional sound field, which goes beyond the capabilities of standard stereo productions. The system adapts to any playback environment, meaning fans can listen to music with unparalleled clarity that matches the artist’s original vision in the studio.
Integrated into the optional Burmester® high-end 4D and 3D sound systems, it has a justifiable claim to be state of the art. Whether you like such art or German opera is a matter of personal taste, of course. At AutoInformed our tastes run toward American jazz and blues, classic rock, real Rock and Roll and Italian opera.
UMG are allowing their recording artists to base their song approval process on how the final mix sounds in a Mercedes-Benz and introduce the seal “Approved in a Mercedes-Benz” as a “gold standard of sound.” UMG plans to set up a studio environment in Sindelfingen, Germany, based on its Capitol Studios’ Studio C, a reference music studio for Dolby Atmos mixing.
This appears to be the first-time music will be available in a non-Apple device. The integration of Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos from Apple Music makes music available in Dolby Atmos accessible for customers of Mercedes-Benz and Apple Music alike.
“Our collaborations with Apple Music and Universal Music Group are truly unparalleled and set a new benchmark by adding music content and platform expertise to our Dolby Atmos-capable Burmester® sound system. Through this exceptional partnership, we are giving our customers the extraordinary in-car audio experience they expect from Mercedes-Benz. Both Apple and UMG share our vision and values and, together with Dolby, we will create a seamless and unique experience for our customers,” says Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group.
*The Burmester® high-end 4D sound system
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.