Spinnin' Records

ARK360º has had the privilege of working with Spinnin’ Records on over 100 tracks, collaborating with top artists such as Alok, Au/Ra, and many others. One of our standout projects was the transformation of their smash single "Side Effect" into Spatial Audio. The challenge was twofold: we had to maintain the commercial appeal and energy of the track while delivering a spatial audio mix that enhanced the listening experience across a variety of platforms.

Given Spinnin' Records' track record of producing high-energy, chart-topping music, the pressure was on to not only meet but exceed their expectations. The artist and label were looking for a way to make the track stand out further in an increasingly competitive digital market. With the rise of platforms like Apple Music and Tidal pushing Spatial Audio, the expectation was clear: the mix had to be cutting-edge and ready for streaming success.

 

Our Five-Stage Formula for Exceptional Spatial Audio:

 

Stage 1: Sourcing Materials and Establishing Workflow
The first step in any project is establishing a smooth collaboration with the label, ensuring we receive the correct assets and data. With over 100 tracks already in our history with Spinnin' Records, we had refined a streamlined process for quickly gathering multitracks, stems, and the necessary metadata. For "Side Effect," we liaised directly with the label and artist to ensure we had the perfect set of stems that allowed for maximum flexibility and creative freedom. This early engagement allowed us to identify any potential challenges before they arose.

 

Stage 2: Preparing and Verifying Tracks for Spatial Audio
Once the assets were in hand, we meticulously verified each stem and multitrack, ensuring that the materials were properly organised for a seamless Spatial Audio mix. We worked directly with the artist and their team to understand the desired artistic intent for the track. This collaborative approach enabled us to plan the sound placement and create a spatial design that would best represent the energy and dynamics of "Side Effect" in the 360° sound space. The challenge here was making sure the track maintained its original vibrancy while introducing new spatial elements that would surprise and engage listeners.

 

Stage 3: Mixing in the Spatial Audio Environment
With the tracks properly prepared, we began the mixing process in our state-of-the-art Spatial Audio environment. This was where the magic happened. We applied advanced techniques such as dynamic panning, spatial effects, and sound movement to breathe new life into the track. For "Side Effect," we placed elements like vocals, bass, and synths within the 360° sound field, enhancing the spatial depth and creating a sense of motion and energy. One of the challenges was ensuring that the mix remained clear and focused, despite the addition of multiple spatial layers, while keeping the energy intact that fans loved in the original version.

 

Stage 4: Critical Listening and Quality Control
As with any high-stakes project, critical listening was essential to ensure that the spatial mix was effective across all devices and environments. We listened to the track through high-end speakers, headphones, soundbars, mobile phones, and other common playback systems. This step was crucial to test how the spatial elements would translate to different listening experiences, ensuring the track would deliver its full impact whether fans were listening on a premium system or a portable device. A particular challenge here was maintaining the energy and punch of the track without losing clarity in more constrained listening environments.

 

Stage 5: Final Quality Check and Delivery
Once the critical listening phase was complete, we conducted a final quality check to ensure the mix met both technical and artistic standards. This involved verifying the Spatial Audio file’s compatibility with streaming platforms like Apple Music, Tidal, and others that heavily promote the format. After final tweaks, we delivered the track in the required format, ready for distribution. For "Side Effect," the outcome was a spatial audio track that captured the song’s core energy while offering listeners a fresh, captivating experience.

 

Outcome:
The spatial mix of "Side Effect" was a game-changer for both the artist and the label. Not only did the track stand out as a cutting-edge example of Spatial Audio, but it also gained traction across streaming platforms that promote spatial content. Fans were able to experience the track in a new, engaging way, and with the added spatial depth, "Side Effect" was able to generate more buzz on platforms like Apple Music, Amazon Music and Tidal where Spatial Audio tracks have been shown to garner more listener engagement.

By partnering with Spinnin’ Records and using our refined five-stage process, ARK360º delivered a track that wasn’t just a remix—it was a new way of experiencing music. The project further solidified our relationship with Spinnin’ Records and allowed us to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible with Spatial Audio.

 

ARK360º: Your Partner in Transforming Hits into Spatial Audio Masterpieces
At ARK360º, we take pride in our ability to blend creativity and cutting-edge technology to produce exceptional Spatial Audio mixes that elevate tracks to new heights. Whether it’s for a chart-topping single or a high-profile album, our five-stage formula ensures that every project gets the attention it deserves, delivering results that resonate with both artists and listeners alike.