Spotify has introduced a new feature titled “Exclusive Mode for Windows PCs.”
The feature allows audiophiles to achieve bit-perfect playback by taking sole control of their computer’s audio device.
Rolled out on March 18, the feature bypasses Windows’ system mixer, which typically resamples audio and mixes system sounds, to deliver music exactly as it was mastered.
When enabled, exclusive mode prevents the operating system from changing sample rates, adding notification sounds, or adjusting the volume level before the audio reaches an external DAC or audio interface.
In a statement, Spotify explained: “Without exclusive mode turned on, your computer can change the sound before it reaches your DAC by resampling it, mixing in other system sounds, and changing the volume.”
To try the feature, users must have a premium account. After subscribing to the premium level, look for output in the playback menu in settings.
Select their external audio device and turn on “exclusive mode”.
Users are also encouraged to disable Automix, Crossfade, Equalizer and Normalize Volume for optimal results.
The mode is not available for music videos or podcasts. Additionally, when active, other applications are unable to play audio through the selected device until the user turns off the feature.
It is important to note that the exclusive feature only improves the audio, but does not improve the audio quality, which remains at 320 kbps Ogg for desktop streaming.
