I find that stereo is plenty for my recordings.
100% true for most of us here. That said a couple of things...first of all any stereo mix with todays technology can be re-mixed in dolby atmos ..What I fing boggling is there are so many types of it...asking the gemini...
How Many iterations types of dolby atmos are there?
There is no single "iteration" number for Dolby Atmos; instead, it is a single scalable technology that exists in several specialized versions adapted for different environments.
The four primary "types" or implementation formats of Dolby Atmos are:
1. Dolby Atmos for Cinema
The original and most powerful version used in commercial theaters.
- Capacity: Supports up to 128 discrete audio tracks and up to 64 unique speaker feeds.
- Structure: Uses a 9.1-channel "bed" for background atmosphere and up to 118 dynamic audio "objects" that move in 3D space.
2. Dolby Atmos for Home Theater
A consumer version that is more compressed and designed to work with home equipment like AV receivers and soundbars.
- Capacity: Supports up to 35 channels (though most home systems use 7 to 11).
- Speaker Layouts: Commonly labeled with three numbers, such as 5.1.2 or 7.1.4. The third number represents the "height" or overhead speakers (e.g., 4 overhead speakers in a 7.1.4 setup).
- Scaling: Can range from a simple 3.1.2 setup to a complex 24.1.10 configuration.
3. Dolby Atmos for Headphones / Mobile
A virtualized version of the technology that works with standard stereo headphones.
Dolby Professional +1
- Binaural Rendering: Uses specialized algorithms (HRTF processing) to trick your brain into hearing sound from above and behind you using only two drivers.
- Applications: Found in smartphones, tablets, and the Dolby Access app for PC and Xbox.
Dolby Professional +1
4. Dolby Atmos for Music
A specialized mixing format for streaming services like Tidal and Apple Music.
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- Purpose: Focuses on spatial separation and dynamic range rather than cinematic sound effects.
- Delivery: Plays back on anything from high-end multi-speaker rooms to regular headphones.
Newest Features:
- Dolby Atmos FlexConnect: A recent feature that allows users to pair their TV's built-in speakers with any compatible wireless speakers placed anywhere in the room, automatically calibrating the sound for that specific layout.
So I am gearing up to get serious with recording hopefully it all comes to fruition. Moving to Logic pro...
I plan to start in stereo but am definitely interested in expanding the set up to some iteration of Atmos...
Watching that video of Niko Bolas that I posted
HERE where he has both a stereo room and an atmos room I am compelled to want to be able to do both Stereo and Atmos in my room.
So back to the stereo thing...stereo can be re mixed into atmos. If you have the multichannel master mix it is pretty easy to implement at a later date...or you can use AI to split the stems in an old stereo recording...
Again asked Gemini how this is done and this is what it said...
How do you convert a stereo band mix into atmos?
Converting a stereo band mix into Dolby Atmos is a multi-step process that requires moving beyond a simple two-channel file to a multi-track "spatial" approach. Professionally, this is done by using
individual stems rather than a single stereo wav file to create a true 3D soundscape.
1. Preparation: Stems vs. Stereo Mix
- Avoid "Upmixing": Simply running a stereo mix through an AI or "upmixer" plugin is generally discouraged by professionals as it often yields poor results and doesn't meet professional delivery standards.
- Export Stems: From your original stereo session, export individual instrument groups (stems) such as Kick, Snare, Bass, Lead Vocals, Guitars, and Reverb/Effects. Ensure these stems have any "mix bus glue" (like compression) removed so you can re-apply spatial dynamics in the Atmos environment.
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2. Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) Setup
You need a DAW that natively supports Dolby Atmos or the Dolby Atmos Renderer.
- Logic Pro: Highly integrated; you can toggle "Spatial Audio" in project settings to immediately enable Atmos features.
- Pro Tools Ultimate/Studio: Requires setting up an internal or external renderer and using the Dolby Music Production Template for routing.
- Other DAWs: Users of Ableton or Reaper can use the Fiedler Audio Dolby Atmos Composer to add Atmos capabilities.
3. Placing the Band in 3D Space
Once your stems are imported into an Atmos session, you categorize them into two types:
- Beds (7.1.2): Best for foundational elements that stay fixed, like Drums and Bass. This anchors the mix to the floor and standard surround speakers.
- Objects: Best for lead elements like Vocals or Guitar Solos. Objects can be placed anywhere—including overhead—and maintain greater spatial clarity during headphone (binaural) playback.
4. Specialized Mixing Techniques
- Binaural Monitoring: Since most listeners use headphones, use the Dolby Atmos Renderer to monitor in "Binaural" mode. This uses HRTF to simulate a 3D room.
- Depth and Height:
- Vocals: Place lead vocals slightly in front and elevated for clarity.
- Percussion: Keep the kick/snare front-centered, but send overhead mics or percussion fills to the height channels.
- Ambience: Route your stereo reverbs to the rear or height channels to create an enveloping "room" feel.
- Loudness Standards: Target an integrated loudness of -18 LUFS for the final Atmos master.
5. Final Export (ADM BWF)
Once finished, you must export an
ADM BWF (Audio Definition Model Broadcast Wave File). This file contains the audio data plus all the "metadata" for where each object moves in the 3D space.
Dolby
Are you currently using a specific DAW like
Logic Pro or
Pro Tools for your band projects?
