Mercedes-Benz recently announced the launch of a new collaboration with Apple Music and Universal Music Group (UMG) to transform the way music is created and consumed. Many recording artists base their approval of a track mix on how it sounds when played in the car. Understanding this, Mercedes-Benz, Apple Music, and UMG have established the in-car audio experience as the benchmark for music production and playback quality.
The collaboration between these three iconic brands enhances the integration of Dolby Atmos immersive audio in the Burmester® high-end 4D and 3D sound system option offered in Mercedes-Benz vehicles with the latest MBUX generation.
According to a recent survey conducted by Mercedes, more than 76% of drivers stated that having a realistic spatial sound is either “important” or “rather important” to them.
UMG is enabling their roster of musicians and recording artists to base their song approval process on how the final mix sounds in a Mercedes-Benz, introducing the seal “Approved in a Mercedes-Benz” as a touchstone of sound quality. In addition to its collaboration with Mercedes and Apple Music, UMG also plans to set up a studio environment in Sindelfingen, Germany, based on its iconic Capitol Studios’ Studio C, one of the world’s top music studios for Dolby Atmos mixing.
Available for the first time in a non-Apple device, Apple Music’s native integration of Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos makes Dolby Atmos music easily accessible for Mercedes-Benz and Apple Music customers alike – ensuring that tracks “Approved in a Mercedes-Benz” can be enjoyed in the way they are intended to be.
“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,” says Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “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.”
Although the Burmester Premium 3D sound system already currently offers a superior listening experience, the unique High-End 4D sound system utilizes speaker-like resonators that feature sound massage with surround speakers integrated into the vehicle’s seats.
The Burmester high-end 4D sound system includes the following features:
- 31 speakers, including six 3D speakers that emit sound from above, with four near-ear speakers in the front seats, and an 18.5-liter subwoofer
- Two amplifiers
- 1750 watts power
- Eight sound transducers (two per seat)
For the first time, Apple Music’s Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos is now available natively in-vehicle for Mercedes-Benz drivers who are already subscribed to Apple Music.
“Sound quality is incredibly important to Apple Music which is why we are so excited to be working with Mercedes to make Spatial Audio on Apple Music available natively in the car for the first time,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s Vice President of Apple Music and Beats. “Spatial Audio is revolutionizing the way artists create, and fans listen to music, and it’s an experience that is impossible to explain in words; you have to hear it for yourself to appreciate it. Together with Mercedes, we now have even more opportunities to bring wholly immersive music to our subscribers all over the world.”