Hans-Martin Buff Wins 2025 Grammy for “Best Immersive Audio Album” with Peter Gabriel’s “i/o”
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Jayson Tomlin
Los Angeles, CA (February 2nd, 2025) — Celebrated recording engineer and music producer Hans-Martin Buff has been awarded the prestigious “Best Immersive Audio Album” Grammy for his innovative work on Peter Gabriel’s album “i/o.” This accolade marks a significant milestone in Buff’s illustrious career, which spans over three decades and includes collaborations with iconic artists such as Prince, Mousse T., and the Scorpions.
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards was held at the Peacock Theater and the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. The “Best Immersive Audio Album” category, established in 2019, honors the recording engineers and producers behind the nominated albums. Buff’s win is a testament to his exceptional talent, as he triumphed over four other nominees, including new Dolby Atmos mixes of classics by Roxy Music and Ray Charles.
Residing in Southern Germany, Buff has been a pioneer in the field of immersive music since 2018. His collaboration with Peter Gabriel began in 2021 at the renowned Real World Studios in England’s West Country. Buff describes the experience as unparalleled in creative freedom, emphasizing the unique potential of 3D audio: “Why would anyone want to make music that’s merely the shadow of something else?”
Peter Gabriel, a music legend in his own right, fully supported Buff’s vision. Buff recalls Gabriel’s encouragement: “I don’t care at all if your mix is anything like the stereo mixes, as long as it’s great.” The album “i/o” features three distinct versions: the “Dark-Side” mix by Tchad Blake, the “Bright-Side” mix by Mark Spike Stent, and Buff’s “In-Side” Mix, each offering a unique auditory experience.
Buff’s dedication to immersive music is further exemplified through his work with msm-studios in Munich and Berlin, Germany. He describes the experience of 3D music as a “sonic revelation” and is committed to sharing this emotionally powerful form of music with a wider audience.
Immersion in 3D sound
Immersive music, often called 3D Audio or spatial music, creates a unique auditory experience by surrounding the listener with sound from all directions. Unlike traditional stereo sound, which comes from a single direction, immersive music envelops you with sound from the front, sides, behind, and above, offering a truly encompassing audio experience.
Immersive music can be enjoyed in several ways. It can be experienced through sound systems equipped with multiple speakers, innovative soundbars, or using regular headphones. This type of music is predominantly available in the Dolby Atmos format. It can be found on Blu-ray discs and through various streaming services, such as Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Tidal, although it is not yet available on Spotify.