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An Introduction
This is an article written for those who have recently become interested in Dolby Atmos. We discuss the differences and possibilities of the format, and provide an overview of the equipment. We will also share other useful information on how to mix music for Dolby Atmos. For more advanced users, we recommend either reading the three linked articles below, or contacting us directly so that we can assist you in the process of converting your studio to being Atmos compatible. We also offer courses both remotely and on-site.
- Loudness in Dolby Atmos in Logic Pro: A step-by-step-guide
- Mixing in Dolby Atmos: Workflow from start to finish
- Export master files from Atmos projects in Logic Pro
How Dolby Atmos distinguishes itself – What are the possibilities?
To release your music in the Dolby Atmos format, the music must also be mixed and adapted for the format. What separates a finished Dolby Atmos mix from traditional stereo-mixed music is primarily the experience of the listener feeling as if they are inside the room where the music is taking place. When music is mixed in stereo, the sound can be perceived as coming from two (or three) directions – left, right (and center). Dolby Atmos, on the other hand, allows the mixing engineer to also place sounds behind and above the listener, in addition to of course placing them to the left, right, and directly in front. Instead of being limited to two static channels (as in stereo), Atmos mixing gives you 128 channels (in Atmos these are called “objects”) at your disposal. These channels are also movable and can be positioned anywhere in the virtual space – this means 360 degrees of mixing freedom as well as the ability to move sounds vertically.
At the time of writing, Dolby Atmos supports 128 objects within a single song. This provides incredible freedom. For example, you can place guitars behind the listener, vocals and drums in front, and at the same time have a choir and a thunderstorm moving across the ceiling. The possibilities are endless!
Read more about KMR’s Dolby Atmos services
Equipment for Working in Dolby Atmos
For perfect sound reproduction, Dolby Atmos requires a 7.1.4 system. This is a speaker configuration consisting of seven speakers at ear level around the listener, one subwoofer, and four ceiling-mounted speakers. However, it is possible to create a mix with just a pair of regular headphones thanks to a technology called binaural audio. This technique tricks the ears into believing they are hearing sounds “outside” the headphones. It is still a developing technology that continues to improve over time.
Mixing a song entirely in headphones is not recommended. This is because there are elements that binaural audio cannot reproduce as accurately as a 7.1.4 system can. However, it can be a good alternative for someone who wants to experiment with mixing in Dolby Atmos. It is also wise for a mixing engineer to keep track of how the mix sounds in headphones, since the majority of listeners will experience the music that way.
In addition to having the proper hardware (a 7.1.4 speaker system and an audio interface that supports Dolby Atmos), the right software is required. Today, there are music programs such as Pro Tools and Logic Pro that support the format. However, we still believe it is wise to acquire Dolby’s own software (primarily Dolby Atmos Renderer). This has the advantage of making it possible to work with immersive sound in software that has no native Atmos support, such as Ableton.
The Easiest and Cheapest Way to Work in Dolby Atmos
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A music program with Dolby Atmos support
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Dolby Atmos Renderer
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Headphones
This is not a recommended way to work in headphones if you’re operating at a professional level. However, it’s a fantastic way to start thinking about the format. If you’re using Logic, you technically don’t need Dolby Atmos Renderer, but we still recommend it. The tool allows you to export versions of your mix that you can listen to on your phone – along with a range of other smart features.
If you’d like to learn more, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help. And keep an eye on our website, as we’ll continue sharing articles about Atmos!
KMR is Dolby Certified
At KMR Studios, all music is handled in the Logic Pro X program, which fully supports the Atmos format. Additionally, we have the tools and software developed by Dolby themselves to process audio in Dolby Atmos. Dolby has been involved in designing our Studio A and has calibrated the room, ensuring that the results from KMR Studios meet internationally high-quality standards.
Read more about KMR’s Dolby Atmos services
Learn More About Dolby Atmos
Sound Revolutions – From Mono to Atmos
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The Difference Between Dolby Binural and Apple Spatial Audio
File formats can be confusing, especially in spatial music. Let us help you understand the [...]
Export master files from Atmos projects in Logic Pro
This article gives you detailed information on how to export master files from Logic Pro [...]
Loudness in Dolby Atmos in Logic Pro: A step-by-step-guide
This article is great for those who want to learn more about how loudness measuring [...]
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OUR PORTFOLIO
Over the past few years, KMR Studios has released hundreds of songs by a wide range of artists. To make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for, we’ve organized the music into various playlists. Click the link below to explore our music by format (stereo or Dolby Atmos) or genre.
