Liam Gallagher

Delivering Exceptional Spatial Audio for
Liam Gallagher’s Live MTV Unplugged
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ARK360º was tasked with producing a spatial audio mix of Liam Gallagher’s live MTV Unplugged album, recorded at Hull City Hall in the UK. The challenge was to bring listeners into the venue, providing them with a truly immersive experience as if they were sitting in the front row of the iconic live performance. As one of the early projects in our Spatial Audio catalogue, we were eager to demonstrate the potential of the format and showcase how it could transform live recordings.
Working closely with the label and the original mix engineer, we aimed to enhance the live experience by incorporating spatial elements that would make the listener feel as though they were physically present at the event. The project demanded that we not only stay true to the original performance but also take full advantage of spatial audio technology to bring the audience into the heart of the live sound.
Our Five-Stage Formula for Exceptional Spatial Audio:
Stage 1: Sourcing Materials
The first step was to gather all necessary materials from the original live recording, including multitracks, stems, and any additional audio elements. Working in collaboration with the label and original mix engineer, we ensured we had all the necessary assets to create an authentic and accurate spatial audio mix. This stage was crucial for ensuring that the integrity of the original recording was preserved while allowing us to enhance the experience with the unique benefits of spatial audio.
Stage 2: Verifying Stems and Preparing the Mix
Once we had all the materials, our team of engineers meticulously verified the stems and prepared them for spatial mixing. Given the live nature of the project, we paid close attention to the timing and acoustics of the performance, ensuring each element of the track could be properly placed in the 360º space. This included adding additional ambience mics to enhance the sense of space and atmosphere, giving the listener the feeling of being enveloped by the live sound.
Stage 3: Mixing in the 360 Reality Audio Environment
The next phase was the actual mixing process. Our engineers worked in the spatial studio environment, utilising spatial panning and movement to place elements of the performance all around the listener. By carefully positioning different instruments, vocals, and audience sounds within the 360º space, we were able to recreate the experience of being in the front row of the live show. The spatial audio technology allowed us to capture the unique acoustics of Hull City Hall, enhancing the realism and presence of the live performance.
Stage 4: Critical Listening Across Multiple Platforms
To ensure the spatial mix sounded exceptional across all devices, we conducted extensive listening tests across a range of platforms, from our high-end speakers to consumer headphones, soundbars, TVs, and mobile phones. This phase was essential for ensuring the mix translated effectively across all playback systems while maintaining the immersive quality of the spatial audio. The goal was to provide listeners with an engaging and consistent experience, no matter their listening setup.
Stage 5: Final Quality Check and Rendering
The final step in the process was a thorough quality check to ensure that every element of the mix met our high standards. Once the mix was perfected, we rendered the final spatial audio files, preparing them for release. This included optimising the audio for streaming platforms and ensuring the spatial elements were accurately preserved in the final product. The result was a live album that transported listeners to the front row of Liam Gallagher’s unforgettable performance.
Outcome:
The final spatial audio mix of Liam Gallagher: MTV Unplugged was a success, offering listeners an unparalleled live experience that was both dynamic and authentic. Thanks to our five-stage formula, we were able to capture the essence of the live performance while enhancing the listener’s connection to the event. The use of spatial audio technology allowed us to create a truly engaging experience, with fans able to hear the subtle details of the performance, such as the ambient sounds of the venue and the interactions between Gallagher and the audience.
By leveraging spatial audio, we brought a whole new audience into the live space—one that might not have had the opportunity to attend the concert in person. The project demonstrated the power of spatial audio to elevate live recordings, offering listeners a sense of immersion and presence that was previously unattainable.