Atmos in a car, known as “Catmos,” is the latest implement of Dolby’s object-based surround technology. In a car, where most people listen to music, creating convincing surround audio is possible due to fixed listening positions and speaker location compensation. With the removal of engine noise in high-end electric vehicles, the Atmos-enabled systems promise a high-quality mobile surround sound experience. The Rivian R1S SUV boasts a nearly 1,000-watt, 18-driver Dolby Atmos system that offers immersive sound.
Dolby Atmos technology allows sound designers to pinpoint exactly where they want a sound to appear in a theater space. With object-based mixing, sounds can be moved around the space more precisely, including overhead locations, creating a highly immersive audio experience. The Rivian R1S SUV’s Dolby Atmos system features 18 drivers powered by 960 watts of amplification, strategically placed throughout the vehicle to provide a superior listening experience. The in-car entertainment system integrates popular music streaming services like Apple Music and Tidal to offer Atmos-encoded content.
While the car’s fixed listening positions and availability of height speakers make it a suitable environment for surround sound, challenges include road noise and varying listener distances from the speakers. Despite these challenges, the Rivian’s Atmos system delivers pronounced surround sound that is more natural-sounding compared to traditional audio systems. While the system’s performance with high-end car audio systems cannot be fully assessed based on a brief demo, the immersive surround aspect of Atmos in the car is commendable.
The inclusion of Dolby Atmos systems in vehicles by various automakers like Cadillac, Lotus, Lucid, and Rivian signifies a growing trend towards premium audio experiences on the road. However, the high cost of Atmos technology means it is mostly found in premium vehicles like the Rivian R1S, which can exceed $100,000 in price. The potential for Atmos in lower-end vehicles remains uncertain, as the cost of engineering and tuning such systems may not be feasible for budget-friendly models.
Overall, the addition of Dolby Atmos technology, especially in premium vehicles like the Rivian R1S, offers a unique and immersive audio experience for music and movie enthusiasts on the go. While the cost of such systems may be a deterrent for some, the promise of superior sound quality and surround experience makes it a valuable addition for those looking for a premium in-car entertainment experience. The future of Atmos in vehicles remains uncertain, but the demand for enhanced audio experiences on the road may lead to further integration in a wider range of vehicles in the future.
