For those of us who have only mixed in stereo, setting up a Dolby Atmos studio can be quite a challenge. Of course, one of the first steps to mixing and mastering in Atmos is to invest in an interface that offers at least 10 output channels. You’ll also need speaker calibration tools and other acoustic adjustment features, which are included in some of the models listed in this article. While working with Dolby Atmos is not cheap, we’ve provided Atmos compatible interfaces in various price categories to meet the needs of every budget.
ORIA Immersive Audio Interface
If you’re looking for a relatively easy, midrange entry point into Dolby Atmos mixing, we recommend the Audient ORIA. It’s probably our favorite model, as it tends to be simpler to learn than many other Atmos interface systems on the market, yet it doesn’t hold back on functionality.
Amongst its many features, you can expect 16 analog output channels, letting you build 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 and add EQ and the ability to delay speakers to ensure that audio from every speaker arrives at the mix position at the same time). Additionally, you can select between monitor profiles depending on your mixing situation, like changing between 9.1.6 to stereo. And to keep things simple, you can use ORIA’s iPad Control app as a control hub to have remote access to all the ORIA’s control features.
Apollo x16 Gen 2 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
Universal Audio interfaces have become an industry standard in both recording studios and live performances, mainly because the brand’s gear is some of the most powerful and reliable on the market. And this reputation is reflected in the somewhat substantial price tag of the Apollo x16 Gen 2. Some of the upgrades employed by the Apollo x16 Gen 2 are the improved D/A converters, which feature Dual Crystal Clocking for ultralow jitter at any sample rate.
With respect to immersive audio, The Apollo x16 Gen 2 supports mixing formats up to 9.1.6, allowing you to create 16 channel audio mixes for Dolby Atmos, Auro 3D, Sony 360 Reality Audio, and others. An essential feature of this interface is the Apollo Monitor Correction, powered by Sonarworks. You simply use Sonarworks’s measurement microphone, which comes with the SoundID Reference Speaker and Headphone Calibration Software (available separately), to calibrate your multichannel setup, so that you can trust what you hear. You’ll also have a built-in monitor controller for both stereo and immersive modes.
Finally, the Apollo x16 is notable for its expandability. One can link up to 4 Apollo x16 for 64 channels, which is ideal for interfacing with large-format recording consoles. Or you can stack one x16 with other Thunderbolt Apollo rackmount units and control it all from your desktop using the Apollo Twin or x4.
Symphony Studio Interface
One of the best value midrange options is the Symphony Studio 2x12 from Apogee. It features 12 output channels, allowing you to build up to a 7.1.4 Atmos system. However, if you need more than 12 channels, you can opt for the Symphony Studio 8x16, which will accommodate up to a 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos speaker arrangement. Like the models listed above, the Symphony Studio 2x12 features a built-in monitor controller, allowing you to adjust the levels of all your speakers. The Symphony Studio also offers speaker calibration and room EQ features to give you confidence in the accuracy of your mix.
But the real standout feature of the Symphony Studio 2x12 has to be its incredible sound quality. Using the same top-class AD/DA converters found in the legendary and rather pricey Symphony MkII, the Symphony Studio not only captures remarkably natural and transparent sound but also conveys a rich and highly musical quality, making it a pleasure to listen to.
AudioFuse 16Rig USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface
If you’re on a tight budget, check out the AudioFuse 16 Rig from Arturia. Unfortunately, it has no ability to import room correction data from software like SonarWorks SoundID. However, the individually assignable outputs have gain and delay controls to fine tune your speakers. With 10 output channels, you can configure the interface to support speaker systems up to 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 (though a firmware update is required). Through the included software you’ll also have access to the Immersive Monitoring system, which provides monitor level knobs for each channel, as well as mute and solo buttons for all channel groups. Lastly, with ADAT expansion, you can easily build a larger Dolby Atmos system in the future.
Scarlett 18i20 USB-C Audio/MIDI Interface
An even more affordable solution would be to buy the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, which provides 10 outputs with the option to add more channels via the two ADAT optical connections. You will need to invest in monitor calibration tools separately, but even when adding the SoundID software and microphone, the price tag still comes out cheaper than the rest of the models on this list. Certainly, if you’re just looking for a dependable yet wallet-friendly way to get your Atmos studio up and running, the Scarlett 18i20 is a desirable option.
Avid Pro Tools | HDX Thunderbolt 3 MTRX Studio Rackmount Bundle
For those with loyalty to Avid Pro Tools and for folks with money to spend, check out the Avid Pro Tools MTRX. Know that it takes about 45 minutes just to watch an introductory video about this system. Compared to the ORIA, it’s more challenging to master, and if you just buy the MTRX interface on its own, you’ll also need to buy external accessories (such as Thunderbolt ports). But certainly, for skilled audio engineers who are familiar with Pro Tools and 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 dive in right away.
For more information about the interfaces mentioned in this article, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out our detailed product pages.
