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How to Produce a Dolby Atmos Mix – A Step-by-Step Guide

by Cory /
22/07/2024

Is Dolby Atmos worth the hype? Is the future really immersive? We think so! In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to produce a Dolby Atmos mix. We’ll explain what Dolby Atmos is and why it’s a valuable tool for music producers. You’ll learn why Dolby Atmos isn’t just for films and how it can revolutionise music listening.

To embrace this technology to its full potential, our step-by-step approach will teach you all the essentials you need to know, guiding you through producing a Dolby Atmos mix in your DAW. Get ready to enhance your music production skills and create truly immersive listening experiences.

What is Dolby Atmos?

Dolby Atmos Music is an innovative ‘object-based’ audio format for music production that empowers artists to explore new creative frontiers.

Unlike traditional stereo methods with only two speakers (or “channels” to pan sounds in), the advanced Dolby Atmos format allows mixers to freely position and manoeuvre 118 “objects” in a 3D space, creating tracks that immerse listeners as if they’re inside the music by mimicking how we hear sounds in the real world.

Initially developed for cinema surround sound, Atmos technology has evolved from traditional 5.1 and 7.1 setups by incorporating overhead (height) channels, producing a dome-like audio experience with the audience at its centre. Typical Dolby Atmos system includes seven standard surround channels, one LFE channel, and four overhead channels.

Unlike older surround formats, Dolby Atmos doesn’t rely on a fixed number or configuration of speakers for accurate playback. This flexibility means a wide range of devices, from home theatres and soundbars to game consoles, smartphones, and cars, can support the format.

If you’ve experienced a blockbuster film in theatres, you’ve likely encountered Dolby Atmos’s immersive, three-dimensional sound. Now, this technology is available to musicians and producers, enabling them to create deeply immersive and dynamic music.

Why produce a Dolby Atmos mix?

Producing a Dolby Atmos mix offers numerous benefits for both producers and listeners. Being able to create a mix in Dolby Atmos is a great skill to have if you want to enhance your sound and turn it into an immersive experience.

Firstly, Dolby Atmos allows you to create a deeper connection with your audience. By placing and moving sounds in three dimensions, you can fully realise your artistic vision and bring listeners closer to your music.

This immersive experience lets them hear every detail exactly as you intended, with sounds coming from all directions, including overhead. The expanded audio palette offers more precision, space, and freedom in your mixes, making listeners feel like they’re inside the music.

Moreover, Dolby Atmos provides unmatched freedom in sound placement. Unlike traditional surround sound, which routes audio to specific speakers, Dolby Atmos treats sounds as individual objects that can be placed anywhere within a virtual 3D space.

This approach mirrors how we naturally hear the world around us, allowing for more transparent, immersive, and high-quality mixes. The ability to precisely position sounds enhances the clarity and impact of your music.

Another advantage is the scalability of Dolby Atmos. With over 1.5 billion Dolby Atmos-enabled devices already in consumers’ hands, this technology leads the spatial audio industry.

Unlike traditional surround and other immersive formats, Dolby Atmos doesn’t rely on a fixed number or configuration of speakers, ensuring relatively accurate playback across a range of devices, from home theatres and soundbars to smartphones and headphones, gaming consoles, and cars. This widespread compatibility means your Dolby Atmos mix can reach a very broad audience.

Moreover, Dolby Atmos is rapidly becoming a mainstream way to consume music. It is supported on most music streaming platforms, giving consumers easy access to Atmos-ready music. Notably, 92% of Billboard’s 2023 Year End Top 100 Artists have released music in Dolby Atmos, and many labels are remastering older stereo works into this format to offer a fresh listening experience to existing music catalogues.

Finally, the entry point for creating a Dolby Atmos mix is relatively low. While an ideal setup includes a comprehensive system of speakers, a subwoofer, monitor controls, and an interface, it’s possible to produce high-quality mixes on a budget using headphones and advanced software.

Many digital audio workstations (DAWs) support Atmos mixing, and existing plug-ins for mono and stereo will still function effectively. This makes the transition to Dolby Atmos feasible without needing to break the bank, allowing you to explore this immersive audio technology.

Dolby Atmos listening experience

Studio setup for a Dolby Atmos mix

Okay, now we’ve discussed why it’s a good idea to produce a Dolby Atmos mix, let’s look at what equipment you will need.

ItemWhat to look forRecommendation
MonitorsIn a Dolby Atmos setup, every monitor should tonally match each other. This ensures consistent tonality between every position in the Atmos setup for precise mixing accuracy. The easiest solution to this is to make sure your setup contains the same monitors in every position.

Directionality and delay are very important when mixing Atmos. With monitors in up to nine positions in a studio, you need to ensure the audio is accurately reaching the listening position correctly, and all at the same time. This helps reduce any phase issues caused when the audio reaches you at different times from different monitors.

Room acoustics are incredibly important with Atmos studios, so controlling the frequency response of each speaker is vital for consistent sound.
Affordable: Presonus Eris Pro 4

The coaxial design delivers an ultra-wide sweet spot that’s optimised for phase alignment in any setup.
Premium: Genelec 8330APM Bi-Amplified Smart Active Monitor

The Smart Active Genelec speakers provide a fantastic option to optimise performance in challenging spaces by individually calibrating each speaker in any system.
N.B. The minimum speaker configuration for Atmos is 7.1.4. That’s a lot of speakers, so choose what your budget allows for.
SubwooferThe subwoofer in Atmos is designed for a slightly different application than stereo. It takes care of all LFE channels in your mix, where all low frequencies from every source are routed.

There is less importance on the sub in an Atmos setup to be the same make and matching model as your satellite speakers as its purpose is only to process the low frequencies.

For practical reasons, it’s important to figure out how you want your monitors and subwoofer together. Some subs house physical connectivity for several speakers, whereas others are designed for traditional stereo inputs and only have physical inputs for a Left and Right pair.

For subs with only two physical inputs, you'll need to introduce a signal splitter to your setup.
Affordable: PreSonus Eris Sub 8BT (2nd Gen) Subwoofer

The adjustable crossover filter makes it work well with just about any speaker make or model to fine-tune your low-end.
Premium: Genelec 7360A SAM Studio Subwoofer

Includes network connectivity to automatically tune your sub to matching Genelec SAM speakers.
HeadphonesTraditional stereo headphones will not deliver the true Dolby Atmos experience in full, as they lack all the channels needed.

It is possible, by using some advanced software (more on this later), to simulate the experience of Dolby Atmos with traditional stereo headphones, though there will be additional software and mixing requirements when doing this.
Audeze Maxwell
Audio Interface/Monitor ControllerWhen managing your monitors, you have two options: a stand-alone monitor controller or an interface that doubles as a monitor controller. You can either integrate the interface with the monitor controller or use a separate monitor controller.

For a 7.1.4 system, an interface needs at least 12 outputs to connect all your speakers. Interfaces usually provide inputs and outputs in multiples of eight.

A 16-output interface is a common choice for an Atmos mixing setup. It offers additional outputs for secondary monitors or headphone amps.

Audio interfaces typically lack the ability to control the volume of up to 13 monitors independently. Therefore, using a dedicated monitor controller alongside the interface can be advantageous for precise volume control of multiple monitors.
Audient ORIA

The Audient ORIA provides a tactile solution for systems up to 9.1.6, with the ability to function as an interface and standalone monitor controller simultaneously to streamline your workflow.
SoftwareThe most basic of all software you will need to produce in Atmos is a DAW. This is your digital workstation where all information from the track audio to the Atmos rendering is performed.

Though possible to mix Atmos using only a DAW, its native plug-ins, and the Atmos Renderer, third-party plug-ins can improve workflow and sound quality. Existing third-party plug-ins still function in mono or stereo, even in Atmos. When moving an object between speakers, it remains a mono source, so processors like compression and EQ operate the same way.

When panning objects in a virtual space, a reverb should feed all Atmos bed channels and height channels. An Atmos-compatible reverb plugin is therefore essential in creating the space and depth needed to match the setup multichannel playback.

Surround panners are another necessity for Atmos mixing, offering features beyond those of typical DAW panners. With many on the market, these are easily implemented in your workflow.

Utility plug-ins, such as upmixing/downmixing tools, and metering tools like Nugen Audio Halo, are also highly beneficial in Atmos and other immersive formats.
DAW:

Cubase Pro 13

Cubase Pro features its own built-in Dolby Atmos Renderer, allowing you to freely produce in Atmos with ease.
Plugins:

Dolby Atmos Production Suite

The Dolby Atmos Production Suite offers a comprehensive solution for mixing, editing, and sound design in music production. This lightweight setup can be configured with just a laptop and headphones, allowing you to edit and pre-mix content for Dolby Atmos projects.
Embody Immerse Spatial Audio Production Suite, 10yr

Generates customised HRTFs to allow you to virtually emulate the sound of sitting in an Atmos room for accurate monitoring and referencing.
NUGEN Paragon

A highly customisable reverb with support for up to 9.1.4 channels, letting you determine how reverb from each channel interacts with each other.
Sound Particles Space Controller Studio

Control panning movement from your mobile device via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
NUGEN Halo Upmix with 3D extension

Stereo to 5.1, 7.1 and 3D upmixer delivering all the control you need to fine-tune your 3D surround mix to perfection.
CalibrationIn the Atmos realm, 'calibration' is an all-encompassing term that refers to bass management, time alignment, level management, and corrective equalization.

For monitors that don’t feature their own built-in calibration, a software-based monitor calibration package is advantageous.

If speakers cannot be placed equidistantly from the listener, delays must be applied so that audio from all speakers arrives simultaneously. Even identical speakers will sound different due to the unique characteristics of the room.

In an Atmos setup, speakers are typically positioned at varying distances, mounted differently, and have distinct reflection paths. This variation occurs even in rooms with excellent acoustic treatment.

To achieve uniform sound across all speakers, equalization (EQ) is essential. This ensures consistent audio quality, making the movement of sound objects around the room seamless.
SoundID Reference for Multichannel

This package includes a measurement microphone and provides step-by-step instructions for taking the necessary room readings. It then calculates the appropriate delays and EQ curves. After completing the measurements, you can load the data into the SoundID Reference plug-in, which should be placed in your DAW's master chain after the Renderer.

How to produce a Dolby Atmos mix

Creating a Dolby Atmos mix can seem daunting, but breaking it down into clear, manageable steps can make the process much more approachable. Here, we’ll walk you through each stage of producing a Dolby Atmos mix, ensuring you have all the information you need to create immersive, high-quality audio.


How to prepare your DAW for a Dolby Atmos mix

Cubase Pro 13First and foremost, you need to ensure that your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is set up correctly for Dolby Atmos. The Dolby Atmos Production Suite is compatible with several popular DAWs, including Pro Tools Ultimate, Logic Pro, and Cubase Pro. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

  1. Install the Dolby Atmos Production Suite: Begin by downloading and installing the Dolby Atmos Production Suite on your computer. This software includes all the tools you need to create, edit, and mix in Dolby Atmos.
  2. Configure audio drivers: For Mac users, set your audio driver to Core Audio. For Windows users, ASIO is the preferred driver. This configuration ensures that your DAW can communicate effectively with the Dolby Atmos Renderer.
  3. Set up Dolby Audio Bridge: The Dolby Audio Bridge is a crucial component that connects your DAW to the Dolby Atmos Renderer. In your DAW’s settings, select Dolby Audio Bridge as the playback engine. This will route your audio through the Dolby Renderer, allowing you to manage spatial audio processing seamlessly.
  4. Adjust session settings: Dolby Atmos mixes require specific session settings for optimal performance. Set your sample rate to 48kHz and your bit depth to 24-bit or 32-bit float. These settings provide the best audio quality and ensure compatibility with Dolby Atmos standards.
  5. Assign input and output devices: Ensure that your input and output devices are correctly assigned in your DAW’s audio settings. This step is crucial for accurate monitoring and playback of your mix.

By following these initial steps, you’ll have your DAW ready for Dolby Atmos mixing, providing a solid foundation for your project.


How to use the Dolby Atmos Production Suite in your DAW

With your DAW prepared, it’s time to dive into the Dolby Atmos Production Suite. This suite includes various tools that will help you manage and render your Dolby Atmos mix effectively.

  1. Launch the Dolby Atmos Renderer: Open the Dolby Atmos Renderer software alongside your DAW. This application will handle the spatial audio processing and allow you to monitor your mix in real-time.
  2. Configure the Dolby Atmos Renderer: In the Dolby Atmos Renderer, go to the preferences menu. Here, you’ll need to set your audio input device to Dolby Audio Bridge and your audio output device to your sound card. Ensure the sample rate is set to 48kHz, this is the standard setting for most Dolby Atmos projects.
  3. Enable Binaural Mode (optional): If you’re mixing on headphones like the Audeze Maxwell, enable the headphone-only mode in the Dolby Atmos Renderer. This setting activates binaural mixing, providing a simulated 3D audio experience on headphones. You can further adjust the binaural settings in the headphone tab.
  4. Set up I/O configuration in your DAW: In your DAW, go to the I/O setup and ensure all audio channels are correctly routed to the Dolby Atmos Renderer. This setup will typically include configuring the bus tab to align with the renderer’s outputs.
  5. Link DAW and renderer: Establish a connection between your DAW and the Dolby Atmos Renderer. Navigate to your settings menu, select the Dolby Atmos tab, and enable the connection. Verify that the connection status is good, and that object and audio recording links are active.

How to configure audio tracks for Atmos mixing

Music studioConfiguring your audio tracks for Atmos mixing is a critical step that sets the stage for spatial audio creation. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Create an object bed: Start by creating an object bed in your DAW. This involves setting up auxiliary tracks corresponding to each speaker configuration in your Atmos setup. For a 7.1.4 system, create tracks for the front (left and right), centre, side (left and right), rear (left and right), and height channels (front and rear).
  2. Assign tracks to outputs: Assign these auxiliary tracks to the appropriate outputs on the Dolby Atmos Renderer. For example, the front channels might be routed to outputs 1 and 2, the centre channel to output 3, and so on. This configuration ensures that audio is directed to the correct speakers.
  3. Label and organise tracks: Clearly label each track to avoid confusion during the mixing process. Proper organisation is crucial, especially when working with multiple audio sources and complex routing.
  4. Import audio stems: Import your audio stems into your DAW. These stems should be the individual audio elements (such as vocals, instruments, and effects) that you’ll be mixing. Route each stem to the appropriate auxiliary track based on its desired spatial position.
  5. Verify routing and panning: Use the DAW’s surround panning tools to position each audio element within the 3D space. Verify that the routing is correct by checking the Dolby Atmos Renderer to see if the audio signals are reaching the intended outputs.

How to use Atmos effects and spatial audio techniques in your mix

Using effects and spatial audio techniques can greatly enhance your Dolby Atmos mix. Here’s how to effectively incorporate these elements:

  1. Apply surround reverbs: Surround reverbs are essential for creating an immersive environment. Choose a reverb plugin that supports surround sound, such as NUGEN Paragon. Apply reverb to elements that benefit from a sense of space, like vocals and ambient sounds. Ensure the reverb feeds all the Atmos bed channels and, if applicable, the height channels.
  2. Use surround panners: Surround panners allow you to move audio objects within the 3D space. Tools like Sound Particles Space Controller Studio offer advanced panning capabilities. Experiment with moving sounds dynamically around the listener to create an engaging audio experience.
  3. Binaural settings for headphones: When mixing for headphones, adjust the binaural settings to simulate the 3D audio experience. Set the distance and positioning of audio elements to create a realistic sense of space. Monitor how your mix translates to Binaural headphones; using plugins such as Embody Immerse Spatial Audio Production Suite, 10yr is ideal for referencing your mix.
  4. Dynamic spatial effects: Incorporate dynamic spatial effects like panning sweeps, circular movements, and automated position changes between monitors. These effects can add excitement and depth to your mix, making it more engaging for the listener.

How to balance and fine-tune your Atmos mix

Neumann KH 120II Active Studio Monitor, BlackBalancing and fine-tuning your Dolby Atmos mix is crucial to achieving a polished final product. Here’s how to approach this step:

  1. Set initial levels: Start by setting the levels for your object bed. Ensure that the primary audio elements, such as vocals and lead instruments, are at appropriate levels. Adjust the volume of supporting elements to create a balanced mix.
  2. EQ and compression: Apply EQ and compression to individual tracks as needed. Use EQ to carve out frequencies and ensure clarity. Compression can help control dynamics and ensure consistency across different audio elements. Normal “mono” plugins will suffice for this as they are working with individual “objects” in an Atmos mix.
  3. Blend height channels: Pay special attention to the integration of height channels. These channels should blend seamlessly with the horizontal speakers to create a cohesive sound field. Adjust the levels and EQ of height channel elements to ensure they complement the overall mix.
  4. Monitor on speakers and headphones: Regularly switch between monitoring on speakers and headphones. This practice ensures that your mix translates well across different listening environments. Adjust the mix as needed based on what you hear in each context.
  5. Check phase and compatibility: Verify the phase relationships between channels to avoid phase cancellation issues. A combination of critical listening, phase meters, and other tools can be used to ensure that your mix is compatible with stereo and surround playback systems.
  6. Reference tracks: Compare your mix to reference tracks in similar genres. Plugins like Melda MCompare support eight-channel surround files to reference against,  letting you identify any discrepancies and make adjustments to match professional standards.

How to export from your DAW

Exporting your Dolby Atmos mix involves several steps to ensure it meets the necessary standards and formats for distribution.

  1. Select the entire session: Highlight the entire session in your DAW to ensure that all audio elements are included in the export.
  2. Access bounce options: In your DAW, go to the bounce menu and select the appropriate options. Choose Dolby Atmos as the file type and enable the creation of a master file and re-renders.
  3. Configure export settings: Configure the export settings to include a binaural mix. This mix is crucial for headphone listeners, providing a simulated 3D audio experience. Set the channels to binaural and name the preset accordingly.
  4. Export ADM BWF file: The ADM BWF file is the master file for Dolby Atmos mixes. Export this file to ensure compatibility with streaming services and playback systems.
  5. Create MP4 for client review: Convert the ADM BWF file to an MP4 format for client review. This file can be played on iOS devices and provides a convenient way for clients to preview the mix.
  6. Check loudness and compliance: Use tools like the Dolby Atmos Renderer to check the loudness levels of your mix. Ensure it meets the standard -18 LKFS loudness specification. Adjust the mix if necessary to comply with this requirement.
  7. Final quality control: Perform a final quality control check by importing the master file into a tool like Dolby Atmos Album Assembler. Verify the loudness, phase, and overall quality of the mix. Make any final adjustments before distribution.
  8. Distribute the mix: Once you’re satisfied with the final mix, distribute it to the appropriate channels. This may include uploading to streaming services, sending to clients, or preparing for physical media production.

How to listen to a Dolby Atmos mix

Listening to a Dolby Atmos mix transforms your music experience, immersing you in a spatial sound environment where every detail is revealed with unparalleled clarity. Unlike traditional stereo, which is limited to left and right channels, Dolby Atmos places sound all around you, creating a three-dimensional audio space.

To enjoy Dolby Atmos music in the most convenient way, you’ll need a compatible streaming service. As of March 2024, Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music offer extensive Dolby Atmos catalogues. These platforms make it easy to access a wide range of tracks specifically mixed for Atmos.

Next, let’s talk about the equipment you’ll need. An increasing number of smartphones and tablets now support Dolby Atmos without requiring any additional hardware, making listening on the go incredibly easy. Simply use any set of wired or wireless headphones, and make sure your device supports spatial audio and the streaming app you use can handle Dolby Atmos playback.

The Audeze Maxwell is a fantastic wireless option, boasting up to 80 hours of battery life and ultra-comfortable design.

For those who enjoy listening through speakers, there are several wireless options available. Sonos, for example, offers the Sonos Arc, Beam Gen 2 soundbars, and the Era 300 Smart Speaker. These devices can stream Dolby Atmos music directly from Amazon Music via the Sonos app. Such setups are great for filling a room with immersive sound without the need for complex installations.

However, if you’re aiming for the highest fidelity and most accurate playback, consider setting up a dedicated speaker layout. An immersive speaker setup might include configurations like 5.1.4, 7.1.4, or even 9.1.4. These setups involve placing multiple speakers around the listener, including overhead speakers, to fully envelop you in sound.

For instance, a 5.1.4 system has five speakers at ear level, one subwoofer, and four overhead speakers, while a 7.1.4 system adds two more speakers at ear level for an even richer experience.

For the perfect setup, consider the PreSonus Eris Pro 6 and Eris Sub 8BT Subwoofer, ideal due to their symmetrical coaxial speaker design which projects audio in precise directions for a truly immersive experience, and control all of them with the Audient ORIA.

Audient ORIA Interface & Immersive Monitor Controller for Dolby Atmos

FAQs

Is Dolby Atmos good for mixing?

Dolby Atmos is excellent for mixing, providing the ability to place and move sounds in three dimensions. This enhances precision and space around the listener, providing a more immersive listening experience.


How many speakers do I need for Dolby Atmos mixing?

To mix in Dolby Atmos, a 5.1.4 layout is recommended. This setup includes five speakers on the listener plane, one subwoofer, and four overhead speakers. For better results, a 7.1.4 layout is preferred, adding two more speakers on the listener plane while larger studios may use a 9.1.6 configuration.


What do you need to listen to Dolby Atmos?

To listen to Dolby Atmos, you need an audio system that supports it. This includes a Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar, speaker system, or AV receiver. Additionally, ensure your device, streaming service, and content are all compatible with Dolby Atmos for the optimal listening experience.

Final thoughts

Embracing Dolby Atmos can revolutionise the way your audience experiences music, creating a truly immersive soundscape. Although it might seem daunting, Dolby Atmos is becoming more and more mainstream, and this guide on how to produce a Dolby Atmos mix should provide all the information you need. That being said, it’s an emerging technology, meaning there will be more information to come in the future!

Remember, over a billion consumer-grade devices now support Dolby Atmos, making its adoption inevitable. Use this guide to help you get started and tailor your approach based on your needs.

Experimenting with Dolby Atmos will not only enhance your production skills but also offer listeners a unique and engaging way to enjoy music. Dive in and explore the potential of this innovative audio format.

 

Content Writer - High Tech

I'm an experienced content editor and copywriter with a passion for music and technology. When I'm not writing engaging blogs or comprehensive product descriptions, I spend my time working with bands and musicians as a producer and mixing/mastering engineer.

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