Photo Credit: Sweetwater
Creating music that feels as immersive as it sounds when it is originally created is possible through object-based audio formats like Dolby Atmos. Want to learn more about the format? Read on to see how it works and what you’ll need to get started in your studio.
Dolby Atmos enables sound engineers to reproduce a fully 3D soundfield that includes height information. This information is what enables Dolby Atmos music to feel as if it is coming at you or surrounding you as you listen. The Dolby Atmos format itself isn’t dependent on having a specific setup either, so a wide variety of devices can playback Dolby Atmos audio.
As a musician, you may be wondering how Dolby Atmos tracks are configured and how you can create 3D music for your fans to enjoy. Let’s take a look at how Atmos tracks are arranged to create the three dimensional sound. We’ll also take a look at some of the recommended hardware you’ll need to get your music studio Dolby Atmos-ready.
Dolby 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound configurations with a vertical or height dimension help create the 3D soundstage. Instead of outputting music to 2, 6, or 8 channels only, it instead resembles a spatial audio field where music objects can be positioned and moved in real-time so listeners perceive audio as intended. Playback systems in Dolby Atmos Systems include up to 64 channels for re-creating lifelike sound.
Creating a Sound Stage with Dolby Atmos
The three-dimensional soundstage is possible due to the concept of audio objects, rather than specific speakers. Dolby Atmos treats sounds as individual objects that can be placed anywhere in a 360-degree field with pinpoint precision. Sound engineers are not limited to horizontal, lateral, or vertical axes.
In Dolby Atmos, every specific sound defined as an audio object has dedicated metadata. This information tells playback systems how to process information for the proper sonic reproduction of a 3D audio recording across a wide range of devices – from mobile homes, to home theaters, to game consoles and sound systems.
How Dolby Atmos Works
Producing audio projects with Dolby Atmos still includes foundational sound mixing tools like ambience stems, center dialog, and other static elements. Ten channels are reserved for the base layer, with an additional 118 channels for audio objects. This gives musicians a total of 128 channels to work with on a Dolby Atmos track.
The Dolby Atmos soundstage allows sound engineers to put music in specific locations. Want the drum kit and lead vocalist right out front? It’s possible. Pan the guitars from left and right, but add verticality to it so it feels as though the instruments are above the listeners. Here’s the basic breakdown of the process for Dolby Atmos music creation.
- Create your mix in your selected Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
- Use 3D panning to position your tracks (up to 128 tracks).
- The Dolby Atmos Renderer converts your object-based mix for monitoring.
- The Renderer can be standalone or built-in to selected DAWs.
- Once rendered, the Dolby Atmos audio outputs up to 22 speakers.
- It features binaural rendering for headphones, for accurate surround sound.
Dolby Atmos is Gaining Traction
Surround sound has always been something of a niche in the music industry because you traditionally needed a good audio setup to enjoy it. But Dolby Atmos rendering is changing that, since it takes the delivery factor out of the equation entirely. As long as the device supports Dolby Atmos, it can play the track. Companies like Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Netflix are some of the biggest driving forces behind adoption for the new format.
Music artists are also embracing Dolby Atmos thanks to the support from Apple Music. Artists like Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Olivia Rodrigo, and Ariana Grande have released mixes specifically for Dolby Atmos. Hundreds of classic songs from Elton John, Pink Floyd, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and The Beatles have also been remixed in the new format.
What does a musician need for recording Dolby Atmos audio?
Getting started with Dolby Atmos audio production requires a basic setup. Part of that basic setup is a properly sized room. Dolby recommends a minimum length, width, and height for recording rooms to create the best digital soundstage.
Dolby Atmos Room Size Minimums
- Length – 11.5 feet
- Width – 10 feet
- Height – 8 feet
Dolby Atmos Room Size Recommended
- Length – 21 feet
- Width – 18 feet
- Height – 10 feet
Studio Monitors
Dolby also recommends a 7.1.4 speaker configuration as the minimum for Dolby Atmos music production. The company says a 9.1.4 or 9.1.6 studio monitor configuration is best for optimal results. That means you’ll need a minimum of 11 studio monitors plus an LFE speaker to get Dolby Atmos music production up and running. Sweetwater recommends all speakers be the same brand and model to help ease setup troubleshooting.
Software
Once your music production space is ready, you’ll need a Dolby Atmos compatible DAW. Both Avid Pro Tools Ultimate and Steinberg Nuendo include a built-in Dolby Atmos audio panner. If you’re more familiar with another DAW, you may need to download the free Dolby Atmos Music Panner plugin. You’ll also need the Dolby Atmos Mastering Suite, which is a set of software tools designed to allow production facilities to create, edit, mix, and master Dolby Atmos content.
Computers & Laptops
For commercial Dolby Atmos music production, you’ll need at least two computer workstations. You’ll need one to run your source DAW and a dedicated system to run the Dolby Atmos Renderer software included with the Dolby Atmos Mastering suite. Home studios may be able to get by with a single workstation, but commercial setups definitely need two.
Hardware
You’ll need an audio interface with enough input and output to route 128 channels from your source DAW to the rendering workstation. You’ll also need a bidirectional, 128-channel MADI or Dante interface. Finally, Sweetwater recommends several monitor management options to accommodate your full music production rig. These include the JBL Intonato 24, Yamaha MMP1, Focusrite RedNet R1, or GraceDesign m908.