Make no mistake. Mixing for Dolby Atmos can be a difficult and pricey endeavor. Unfortunately, even for audio professionals, the learning curve for using Dolby Atmos creation technology is quite a bit tougher than knowing which tools to buy. That said, a great way to start dipping your toes into this stuff is to become familiar with the Atmos production gear currently available on the market.
Dolby Atmos Audio Interfaces
One of the most challenging steps to starting your Dolby Atmos studio journey is finding an appropriate audio interface that is relatively affordable and not impossible to learn. So, especially if you’re just beginning or trying to build a setup in a home studio, we recommend the Audient ORIA. It’s much easier to use than most other Atmos interface systems on the market, yet it doesn’t skimp on functionality, providing a solid foundation for a true-blue Dolby Atmos studio setup.
Amongst its numerous features, you’ll find 16 outputs for either analog or digital monitor systems, allowing you to run up to a 9.1.6 setup. You’ll also have built-in DSP calibration (mic included) to help calibrate your speakers (e.g. change levels, add EQ and the ability to delay speakers to ensure that audio from every speaker arrives at the mix position at the same time). In addition, you can switch monitor profiles depending on your mixing situation, like changing between 9.1.6 to stereo, for instance. And to keep things simple, you can use ORIA’s iPad Control app as a control hub to gain remote access to all of ORIA’s control features.
For those who are partial to Avid Pro Tools and who also have plenty of money to spend, take a look at the Avid Pro Tools MTRX. Be warned that it takes about 45 minutes just to watch an introductory video about this system. Relative to the ORIA mentioned above, it’s challenging to master, and if you just buy the MTRX interface on its own, you’ll also be required to purchase external accessories (such as a thunderbolt chassis). But certainly, for skilled audio engineers who are setting up in a professional studio, the MTRX is a popular choice. If you want your Pro Tools system to be ready to go out of the box, consider the HDX Thunderbolt 3 MTRX Studio Rackmount Bundle, which has everything you need to get started right away.
Dolby Atmos Studio Monitors
You’ll also likely invest in an immersive audio monitoring setup. The IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII Immersive Bundle 11 is a compact and wallet-friendly speaker system that includes eleven speakers and a reference microphone for speaker calibration. The speakers are designed to deliver precise and uncolored sound with a flat frequency response to ensure accurate monitoring.
Dolby Atmos Audio Production Software
As for DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), you have several great options. And it’s likely that the latest version of the DAW that you’re already familiar with has Dolby Atmos support. Avid Pro Tools is one of the leaders in Dolby Atmos supporting software. You can get the new Pro Tools Studio 1 Year Subscription for just under 300 bucks, which features surround mixing capabilities for multichannel mixing in Atmos and Ambisonics. A more affordable option would be the Presonus Studio One 7, which is optimal for those who plan on primarily mixing music tracks in Dolby Atmos. Although it does have some basic video editing capabilities, a software like the Steinberg’s Nuendo 13 is a more appropriate solution for those taking on serious film and TV projects, as it includes features like comprehensive dialog editing, broader compatibility with respect to immersive audio formats, and several other options necessary for producing audio content for cinemas and home theaters.
Headphones
If you’re not ready to invest in a set of Dolby Atmos speakers, you can start with headphones. Just make sure you have a high quality, neutrally balanced model with broad and accurate imaging. Open-back headphones tend to be the best option because they deliver the most expansive soundstage. The Steinberg Nuendo 13, mentioned above even has some advanced technology, called the VST Ambidecoder, that can set up ultra-precise monitoring for mixing spatial audio on whichever headphones you choose to use. Among the reference headphones that we recommend for mixing are the open-back, Sennheiser HD-490 PRO Plus and the Sony MDR-MV1. And if you’re an audiophile who wants to go all out, invest in the Audeze MM-500 Planar Magnetic Headphones, which not only delivers an incredibly transparent and spacious sound profile, but is also a pleasure to listen to in terms of its musicality and tonal richness.
Of course, there are a number of other factors to consider when building your Dolby Atmos system, such as room acoustics, optimal use of space, wiring logistics and more. But now that you have explored some of the basic components required to set up your surround system, we’re hoping we’ve offered a clearer path to your immersive audio mixing goals.
For more information about the Dolby Atmos studio products listed, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out the detailed product pages. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all your comments and questions.
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