In this episode of Sound Systems Podcast, Max Bernstein speaks with Brad Smalling, Chief Executive Officer at Immersify Audio also, Atmos Mixing & Recording and Mastering Engineer at Evergroove Studio, an expert in spatial audio, source separation, and high-end music production. Brad shares how immersive audio experiences are created through object-based mixing, Dolby Atmos, and advanced source separation techniques. The conversation explores how artists and engineers can future-proof their music, remix legacy tracks, and leverage AI-driven workflows without compromising human creativity. Brad also discusses practical considerations for delivering high-quality audio across platforms, including headphones, home theaters, and large-scale venues.
Key Takeaways:
- How spatial audio immerses listeners by placing individual instruments and vocals in a three-dimensional sound field.
- The technical setup of Atmos, including horizontal, LFE, and overhead speaker channels.
- Differences between stereo, upmixing, and true spatial audio workflows, and why upmixing can degrade quality.
- How source separation uses AI and machine learning to extract individual stems from legacy and modern recordings.
- The importance of human listening in evaluating and refining source-separated tracks.
- Practical uses for source separation: Atmos mixes, remixes, sync opportunities, and restoring lost multi-tracks.
- Future-proofing music production for VR, 3D audio, and immersive experiences.
- Considerations for mixing tracks to different listening devices, including phones, headphones, and high-end systems.
Noteworthy Quotes:
- “Spatial audio allows us to immerse the listener, put them in an environment, and really have them experience and feel that music.” – Brad Smalling
- “Upmixing can create a technically Atmos track, but it’s a poor representation of true spatial separation.” – Brad Smalling
- “Source separation uses AI to identify individual instruments, but human listening is still crucial.” – Brad Smalling
- “Most music should be prepared for Atmos to future-proof it for VR and emerging technologies.” – Brad Smalling
- “Even with legacy tracks from the 60s, 70s, or 80s, source separation can give new life without re-recording artists.” – Brad Smalling
- “People are listening to spatial audio on AirPods, Apple Music, and even in cars without realizing it.” – Brad Smalling
Key Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Brad Smalling and the topic of spatial audio
01:17 - What is spatial audio and object-based mixing
02:52 - Comparison between stereo and spatial mixes; workflow considerations
03:55 - Who is the audience for spatial audio
08:45 - How spatial audio works on headphones and head-tracking
12:06 - Preparing legacy tracks for Atmos from original multi-tracks
14:35 - Source separation techniques and AI use
19:03 - Practical uses for source-separated stems
22:39 - Listening across devices: phones, headphones, and studios
23:37 - How to hire Brad’s studio and access spatial audio services
Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.
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