As spatial sound technologies are becoming more widely available, hands-on experimentation and experience become crucial for artists, music professionals, and audiences alike to be able to attune to the growing possibilities of this epistemic shift in music. In partnering with several spatial sound initiatives for a number of years, CTM has aimed to highlight Berlin’s growing importance as a European hub for spatial audio. The thematic thread The Fifth Ear highlights our ongoing engagement in providing access to these new technologies, and immersion into live spatialised listening experiences.

The Fifth Ear thematic strand aims to connect to local and international partners and specialists working in the field, and offer opportunities for artists and cultural producers to get to know these technologies and expand their skills and knowledge in this area. At CTM 2026, this is made possible through cooperation with d&b Audiotechnik, Ambrio Sound, Urbiks Music, Ableton, Forecast, Haus der Visionäre, and further partners.

In collaboration with d&b audiotechnik, d&b Soundscape, Ambrio Sound, Ableton, Haus der Visionäre, and Urbiks Music.