Benefits of Hiring a Music Studio vs. Home Recording

Benefits of Renting a Music Studio vs. Home Recording

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Table of Contents

Benefits of Hiring a Music Studio vs. Home Recording

Introduction

Greetings from Mammoth Sound Studio! Today let’s explore the different facets of musical creativity when it comes to choosing where and how to record. In this article, we’ll delve into the fascinating choice between Renting a Music Studio vs. Home Recording, addressing both the artistic and technical aspects.

Advantages of Renting a Music Studio

A Controlled and Professional Environment

At Mammoth Sound Studio, we are pleased to offer a precisely designed acoustic space. This controlled environment not only optimises recording quality, but also minimises outside interference, allowing you to fully concentrate on your music.

Professional Quality Tools

Our arsenal of high-end equipment is meticulously selected to ensure the best possible recording. From state-of-the-art A/D converters to flat response microphones, every piece of equipment contributes to the technical excellence of our recordings.

You can find out more about the equipment we have in the studio by clicking on the following link: Mammoth Sound Studio Equipment and Facilities

Personalised and Technical Advice

Our producer and music engineer Sam George is not only an expert in the handling of equipment; he is also passionate about the science of sound. At Mammoth Sound Studio, we offer technical advice on things like precise microphone placement, equalisation techniques and the use of effects to get the sound you envision.

Home Recording Option

Exploring the Home Recording Option

Creative Freedom and Technical Limitations

Home recording offers unparalleled creative freedom. However, it is very important to be aware of the associated technical limitations, such as lack of sound isolation and the possible presence of ambient noise. These factors can affect the fidelity of the recording.

Personal Equipment and its Integration

Although you can use your own equipment at home, it is essential to consider its integration with professional equipment. At Mammoth Sound Studio, we welcome the integration of your equipment to customise the setup to your technical preferences.

The Importance of Professionalism

Obviously, recording at home has its pros by providing you with a relaxed environment in your “comfort zone”. However, if your goal is to get a high quality, professional sound, the best choice is to use a professional recording studio. At Mammoth Sound Studio, we strive to provide maximum comfort so that you can fully concentrate on your music.

 

Comparison:
Renting a Music Studio vs. Home Recordin

Aspect

Record in Studio

Record at Home

Environment

Controlled and designed to optimise quality.

Greater creative freedom, but may lack sound isolation.

Equipment

High-end equipment selected for technical excellence.

Use of personal equipment with the possibility of technical integration.

Advice

Technical and artistic advice from sound engineers.

Creative freedom, although there may be technical challenges.

Cost and Efficiency

Transparent Tariffs for Surprise-Free Planning

We understand how important transparent rates are. By choosing Mammoth Sound Studio, you’ll be aware of costs from the start, with no unexpected surprises. We provide tailored planning and budgeting at all times, so you only have to concentrate on your music without additional worries.

Efficient Recording Process

In our professional studio, efficiency is a priority. Equipment setup and teardown is done quickly and effectively, allowing you to focus on your creativity and get the best possible musical performance.

Final Considerations

In short, renting a music studio provides a superior technical and artistic environment. From a controlled acoustic space to technical advice from our team, every element is designed to elevate the quality of your recording. On the other hand, recording at home offers creative freedom, although it can present technical challenges.

At Mammoth Sound Studio, not only do we provide an exceptional technical environment, but we also offer the unique experience of recording with us as if you were in the comfort of your own home. We are here to accommodate your artistic and technical needs, providing a comprehensive recording experience.

If you would like to learn more about our professional recording studio and see our facilities, follow the link below and discover all the services we have at your disposal to make your recording process perfect! ⬇

EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES

FAQs

Sound isolation in a professional studio minimises interference from external sounds, ensuring a cleaner and more accurate recording.

Room acoustics, microphone placement and environmental noise control are key factors that affect the technical quality of a home recording.

Integrating your own equipment allows you to work with familiar tools, offering greater convenience and customisation in the recording process.

Yes, we are open to scheduling a visit for you to see our facilities and discuss your specific needs.

Yes, at Mammoth Sound Studio we offer full post-production and mixing services to complete your recording.

The Power of Immersive Sound in Audio visual Storytelling Recording studio Mammoth Sound Studio

The Power of Immersive Sound in Audio-visual Storytelling

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Table of Contents

The Power of Immersive Sound in Audio visual Storytelling Recording studio Mammoth Sound Studio

Introduction

At Mammoth Sound Studio, we want you to gain an in-depth understanding of the fascinating world of immersive sound and its transformative impact on audio-visual storytelling. In this article, we will explore how «The Power of Immersive Sound in Audio-visual Storytelling» not only adds layers of emotion, but completely redefines the viewer’s experience.

Defining immersive sound

At the heart of our philosophy at Mammoth Sound Studio we understand that Immersive Sound goes beyond the ordinary. It is the magic of delving into every nuance, every detail of sound, to create an experience that goes beyond the visual.

Importance in audio-visual storytelling

In our studio, we have embraced Immersive Sound as the cornerstone of every project. It is not only important; it is essential to weaving stories that resonate and remain in the heart of the viewer, and ultimately, the listener.

The Impact of Immersive Sound

Creating Atmosphere

Imagine a suspenseful scene without the aural tension that immersive sound can provide. This essential component creates the atmosphere necessary to enhance the narrative, where every creak, whisper and echo becomes an element of the narrative. At Mammoth Sound Studio, Immersive Sound doesn’t just create atmospheres; it builds worlds that envelop the viewer from the very first moment.

Enhancing the viewer experience

Immersive Sound not only complements the narrative, but also enhances the viewer’s overall experience, bringing them a deeper level of connection with the story. At Mammoth Sound Studio, we believe in taking our viewers beyond simple observation. Immersive Sound not only enhances the experience; it transforms it into an emotional journey where every effect is felt in the heart.

Technological Tools

Surround sound technologies

From Dolby Atmos systems to 3D sound technologies, the technological tools available enable content creators to deliver exceptional listening experiences. Every tool in our professional recording studio is designed to create three-dimensional sound experiences. In «The Power of Immersive Sound in Audio-visual Storytelling», sound is not just heard; it is felt from every angle, drawing the listener into a unique experience.

High-quality audio equipment

The choice of high-quality audio equipment is essential to ensure the faithful reproduction of every layer of sound, from the softest whispers to the loudest booms. In our studio, the choice of audio equipment is not just technical; it is artistic. Each speaker, each cable, is meticulously selected to bring each sound to life with the utmost fidelity. It is the palette with which we paint unforgettable sound stories.

Case Studies

Notable films using immersive sound

From our studio, we have witnessed how «The Power of Immersive Sound» is an outstanding example of audio storytelling and how it has been elevated to new heights with films such as «Gravity» and «A Quiet Place». Each successful project is not only seen but heard with exceptional clarity and depth.

Examples of series with audio-enhanced audio-visual storytelling

Series like «Stranger Things» have taken full advantage of immersive sound to draw viewers into fantastical worlds. Every musical note and sound effect transports their viewers back to the mysterious 80’s, creating an experience where Immersive Sound is the common thread that weaves the plot.

The Power of Immersive Sound in Audio visual Storytelling Recording studio Mammoth Sound Studio
The Psychology of Sound

Psychological effects of sound on the audience

Sound has the power to influence a viewer’s emotions, from generating anxiety to evoking nostalgia. We understand that sound doesn’t just affect the ears; it affects the mind and the heart. From generating anticipation to evoking deep emotions, every sound is a psychological tool that we masterfully use.

Creating emotional connections

By harnessing the psychology of sound, creators can establish deeper emotional connections between characters and the audience. Our producer understands the psychology of «The Power of Immersive Sound in Audio-visual Storytelling». Each work doesn’t just tell a story; it establishes deeper emotional connections between the characters and the audience. It is the invisible link that binds the viewer to the essence of the narrative.

 

Practical Implementation

Tips for audio-visual content creators

  1. Thorough research: Research is the foundation of every project. We understand the specific narrative needs to bring authentic stories to life.
  2. Constant testing: Immersive Sound integration is an ongoing process. Each project goes through constant testing to ensure that every sound contributes to the final experience.
  3. Collaboration: Rapport between sound creators and producers is essential. We work together to ensure that the creative vision is translated into an exceptional sound experience.

Considerations when integrating immersive sound into projects

  1. Compatibility: We ensure that the experience is consistent across all devices. The accessibility of «The Power of Immersive Sound in Audio-visual Storytelling» is a priority.
  2. Sound balance: Each sound effect has a clear purpose. We avoid sound saturation so that each element is a valuable contribution to the narrative.

Future Developments

Innovations in sound technology

We anticipate exciting innovations on the horizon. The integration of sound holography and the expansion of auditory virtual reality are on our minds, promising to take «The Power of Immersive Sound» to even more exciting levels.

Emerging trends in audio-visual storytelling

The use of Immersive Sound as a storytelling tool will continue to evolve, therefore influencing new forms of storytelling. We believe in the constant evolution of this technology. From interactive storytelling to merging sound with augmented reality, it is a real obligation for our studio to explore new ways of creating sound. The use of immersive sound will continue to evolve, influencing new ways of telling and projecting these stories.

Conclusion

At Mammoth Sound Studio, we believe that «The Power of Immersive Sound in Audio-visual Storytelling» is not only a necessary tool in the creation of the future of sound; it is inescapably ART for the ears of the viewer. From the creation of captivating atmospheres to deep emotional connection, every project that leaves our studio carries with it the unique signature of Immersive Sound. We’re here to raise expectations, to make every audio-visual experience more than a story; it’s an unforgettable sonic experience.

Discover how our Dolby Atmos Recording Studio, specially designed for immersive sound recording, can be an excellent choice if you are looking to add to the audio-visual narrative of your project. Follow the link on the button below and find out! ⬇

DOLBY ATMOS RECORDING STUDIO

FAQs

To make the most of immersive sound in your project, it is essential to conduct thorough research into the specific needs of your narrative. In addition, working closely with our experts at Mammoth Sound Studio will ensure effective implementation.

Yes, at Mammoth Sound Studio we offer flexible solutions to suit a variety of budgets. We can customise our technologies and services to meet your specific needs, ensuring a high-quality sound experience.

In our studio, we carefully select high-quality audio equipment to ensure sound fidelity and accuracy. We recommend equipment compatible with technologies such as Dolby Atmos for a complete immersive experience.

Collaboration is essential. You can contact us for a one-on-one consultation. Our team will work with you to understand your creative vision and adapt our technologies to enhance the narrative of your project.

At Mammoth Sound Studio, we are committed to constant evolution. We observe emerging trends, from interactive storytelling to the integration of immersive sound with augmented reality. We are ready to explore new ways of storytelling through immersive sound.

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AN INTRODUCTION TO IMMERSIVE AUDIO

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In the past decade, technological advancements have transformed the way we listen to music. From portable MP3 players to streaming services that offer millions of songs on demand, music has become more accessible than ever before. Now, a new technology is revolutionising the way we experience music: immersive audio, also known as 3D audio. Immersive audio allows the listener to be fully enveloped in sound, creating a more realistic and immersive listening experience. With major streaming platforms like Apple Music and Amazon Music Unlimited now offering immersive audio options, it’s clear that this technology is here to stay. In this article, we will take a detailed look at what immersive audio is, how it differs from other audio technologies, and where you can find it.

The future of music is already here. Immersive audio has arrived and is available on various streaming platforms. In this article, I will explain what immersive audio is, where you can listen to it, and clarify some misconceptions.

Immersive audio is the latest way to experience sound. It is often referred to as 3D audio because sound comes from both above and around you. Unlike surround sound (2D audio), which comes from around but not from above. There are two main technologies that make immersive audio possible: Dolby Atmos and Sony 360. While Dolby Atmos is already available on a wide range of streaming platforms, Sony 360 is limited to just a couple of streaming platforms. In fact, Sony 360 refers to its immersive audio as “Reality Audio.”

Currently (as of March 2023), Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, TIDAL, and Deezer are the platforms offering an immersive listening experience. Amazon Music Unlimited and TIDAL offer both Dolby Atmos and Sony 360, Deezer offers only Sony 360, and Apple Music provides Spatial Audio, which is its own version of Dolby Atmos. In other words, both immersive audio technologies are available on three streaming platforms. However, Dolby Atmos has much wider commercial adoption due to its various applications described earlier. Dolby Atmos was first commercially used in cinema in 2012 and became available for music in 2019. Sony 360 was also introduced in 2019.

It’s worth clarifying the term Spatial Audio. As mentioned earlier, this is Apple’s proprietary term used to refer to immersive audio. However, it has been adopted more broadly and is generally used to refer to immersive audio. The correct term, unless specifically referring to spatial audio streaming from an Apple device, is immersive audio.

There are a couple of significant differences between surround sound and immersive audio. As we’ve mentioned, with surround sound, all the speakers around you are at the same level, usually in a 5.1 or 7.1 configuration. This means you have five or seven speakers around you and a subwoofer. With Dolby Atmos, height speakers are introduced that are placed above you. Typical configurations are 7.1.4 and 9.1.6, with seven or nine surround sound speakers, one LFE, and four or six speakers above you.

However, the biggest difference between the two formats lies in adaptability. With surround formats, sound must be assigned to a specific speaker. So, if you listen to a 7.1 mix on a 5.1 system, any sound assigned to the two surround speakers you don’t have will be lost. With Dolby Atmos, the mix you hear adapts to your listening setup. In other words, the mix can be scaled up to a 9.1.6 system or down to a pair of headphones. No information is ever lost due to the listening system. This is crucial because it makes the technology accessible to the general public affordably through headphones. A complex setup is not required.

When an immersive mix is rendered for headphones, something called Binaural Audio is used. This makes the immersive mix sound as good as possible on headphones. Obviously, headphones don’t have any height elements, but Binaural Audio does its best to simulate this experience. This technology is constantly improving, so the Binaural listening experience will only get better.

To conclude this article, I want to briefly mention 8D audio. 8D audio doesn’t exist. It’s a term that has been invented for use as a marketing gimmick. 8D audio simply uses 3D immersive audio technology.

GLOSSARY

Also known as 3D audio, it enables the listener to fully immerse themselves in the sound, creating a more realistic and enveloping auditory experience.

Technology that uses multiple speakers to create a sound field that surrounds the listener.

A surround sound technology that introduces high speakers positioned above the listener, creating a more enveloping sound experience.

An immersive audio technology that is limited to a couple of digital streaming platforms (DSP) and is marketed as “Reality Audio.”

Online music streaming services that offer users access to an extensive music library.

Apple’s proprietary term used to refer to immersive audio.

A subwoofer that produces low-frequency sounds, adding depth and bass to the overall sound experience.

A technology that utilizes a special recording technique to create a sense of 3D stereo sound, making the immersive mix sound as good as possible on headphones.

A term that has been coined for marketing purposes and simply utilizes 3D immersive audio technology.

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HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT RECORDING STUDIO

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There are several factors to consider when selecting the right studio to work with. Let’s go through them.

The first thing to consider is the size of the studio, and in particular, the size of the live room. If you want to make a live recording rather than a multitrack one, you need to ensure the studio has a live room that is large enough to comfortably accommodate your ensemble. Is the size of the studio capable of capturing the type of sound you desire? Of course, conversely, you don’t want to be in a room that is far too large for your ensemble either.

After the size, you need to know if the studio has enough physical channels to record everything you need. This is most applicable if you want to do a live recording. You would expect even the smallest studios to be capable of recording 16 channels simultaneously, although a minimum of 24 simultaneous channels is more standard. In larger studios that work on an analogue console, the channel count is less likely to be an issue.

In addition to channel count, you may want to consider the quality of the equipment available at the studio, such as microphones, preamps, and outboard gear. This can affect the overall sound quality of your recording. The acoustics of the studio can also have a significant impact on the final sound of your recording. Consider whether the room has been acoustically treated to provide a neutral and balanced sound.

The next factor to consider is the studio’s location. Is it easily accessible for all your musicians, or is it difficult to get to? Is it well-located in an urban centre with local amenities, or is it isolated? These factors are more important the longer your session is. For example, if you’re working on an album for a month, you’ll probably want to be somewhere well-connected as there will be long periods of time where you’re not required in the studio. If recording a song over one or two days, perhaps the local amenities are less important.

Have you got a specific timeline for your project? Studios can get booked up months in advance, and some will be much busier than others. You should consider whether the studio can accommodate your schedule, including any long recording sessions or flexible working hours.

Do you require additional services, other than recording? Does the studio offer services such as mixing, mastering, or immersive audio? You may also want to find out whether the studio has additional facilities such as a lounge, kitchen, or accommodation.

What sort of relationship have you established with the studio and the recording engineer? Do they seem to understand the needs of your project, or do they want to impose their desired method of working upon you? Are they treating you and your project individually, and making you feel valued? Most importantly, are they willing to have a conversation with you, offering their expertise and experience, and discussing the most appropriate way to achieve the sound you want? Ultimately, it should feel like the right fit for you.

What can you find out about the reputation of the studio? Do they actively display reviews and testimonials from previous clients on their website and social networks? Do you know anyone else that has recorded there that you can talk to about their experience? If you can’t find any reviews from previous clients, this should be a warning.

Ultimately, your decision may simply come down to budget. It goes without saying that the cheapest isn’t always the best, but you may have a finite budget that you cannot exceed. This may dictate what studios you can and cannot afford. On this subject, are the studios you’re talking to being transparent about how they budget? Are they telling you clearly what is and is not included in their price? Ensure you know if they are quoting you including or excluding VAT.


GLOSSARY

A room within a studio used for recording live performances.

A type of recording where each instrument or sound source is recorded on a separate track.

The number of inputs available for recording simultaneously.

A type of mixing console that uses analogue circuitry to process and mix audio signals.

Device used to amplify microphone signals before they are recorded.

External hardware used for processing audio signals, such as compressors and equalisers.

The properties of a room or space that affect the way sound behaves.

The process of combining and balancing individual tracks to create a final mix.

The process of preparing a final mix for distribution, including adjusting levels, EQ, and compression.

Audio that creates a three-dimensional sound field.

The person responsible for capturing and recording the audio.

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WHAT EQUIPMENT MUST A RECORDING STUDIO HAVE?

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This is an interesting question. Truthfully, the answer is that a recording studio doesn’t need that much equipment. Here are the essentials:

  1. These days, most recording studios are based around a computer. A powerful machine that can handle the workload that is required of it is top of the list.
  2. A DAW is next. Ultimately, studios can record using whatever DAW they wish. Whether it’s Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Reaper, Cubase, Studio One, or any of the other options out there, they all essentially do the same thing.
  3. The studio needs a way of getting the sound into the computer. This could be an all-in-one audio interface that takes care of the analogue-to-digital conversion as well as the amplification of the sound. Or it could be separate preamps that then feed an A/D converter that sends the sound to the computer.
  4. Of course, a studio must have microphones. What sorts, and how many, are dependent on the size of the studio and the sort of work they do. Included with this, we can bundle in microphone stands and cables too.
  5. A studio must have headphones and a way of allowing the performers to monitor themselves as they record.
  6. Monitors are essential to be able to listen to and mix the recorded material.

Ultimately, this is it. That’s all you need to record. Of course, within just those six points, there is an enormous range available. Does the studio work on a Mac Pro from 2012, or does it work on a modern Mac Studio? Does it have a range of boutique preamps and high-end A/D converters, or does it have a cheaper, all-in-one audio interface solution? Does it have high-end monitors, or something more budget? There are so many things that differentiate one studio from another, even when considering just these six fundamental requirements.

There are other things that many would consider to be essential, although they come below the six items outlined above:

Un sistema de copia de seguridad
Una conexión a Internet fiable
Un micrófono de referencia
Cables y adaptadores
Dante Master Clock
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  1. A backup system – It’s important to have a backup system in place to prevent data loss in case of a computer crash or hard drive failure. This could be an external hard drive or a cloud-based storage solution.
  2. A reliable internet connection – In today’s world, many musicians collaborate remotely. A reliable internet connection is crucial for sending and receiving large files, communicating with clients, and collaborating with other musicians.
  3. A reference microphone – A reference microphone can be used to measure and calibrate the room’s acoustics to ensure that the recordings are as accurate as possible.
  4. Cables and adapters – It’s important to have a variety of cables and adapters on hand to connect all the equipment in the studio.
  5. Pop filters and windshields – These can be used to reduce unwanted noise and improve the quality of vocal recordings.
  6. Comfortable seating – A recording session can often last for hours, so comfortable seating for musicians and producers is important to prevent discomfort and fatigue.

Of course, when you look beyond the essentials, there are many things that make a studio individual. I’ll list some important ones for you to consider:

  1. Acoustic treatment – absorption, diffusion, bass traps, reflection filters
  2. Monitor stands and/or isolation pads
  3. External hardware – equalizers, compressors, consoles, etc.
  4. Power conditioning
  5. Direct boxes
  6. Master clock
  7. House instruments – drum kit, cymbals, guitars, amplifiers, piano/keyboards

GLOSSARY

Digital Audio Workstation, software used for recording and editing music and audio.

Equipment used to get sound into the computer, including analog-to-digital converters and amplifiers.

An external hard drive or cloud-based storage solution used to prevent data loss in case of a computer crash or hard drive failure.

Used to measure and calibrate a room’s acoustics for accurate recordings.

Absorption, diffusion, bass traps, and reflection filters used to optimize a room’s acoustics.

Used to protect equipment from power surges and noise.

Used to connect instruments with unbalanced outputs to a mixing console or audio interface.

Used to synchronize digital audio equipment for accurate recordings.

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WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PIECE OF EQUIPMENT IN A RECORDING STUDIO?

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Recording studios like to show off all the equipment they have, especially regarding microphones and outboard equipment. But what is the most important piece of equipment in the studio?

It’s a bit of a trick question. Because the most important piece of equipment in a studio is the room, or the rooms. Firstly, the acoustic character of the live room is vital. A bad-sounding live room will ruin any record. The live room should have some life and character to it, whilst also being controlled. A totally dead live room will sound flat and boring, but an out of control one will be impossible to tame, meaning everything you record will be wet and washed-out. Any recording studio that is proud of their live room should be happy to give you a tour, let you see and hear it, and judge for yourself if it’s going to be a good fit for your music.

Of course, after the live room comes the control room. The control room’s sound should be much dryer and more controlled. You need the most honest reflection of what you’ve recorded here. The room shouldn’t colour or distort how you hear what you’ve recorded. Therefore, it makes sense that the control room should be acoustically treated. The studio should be able to talk about the character of the room, the treatment devices that have been installed and the reasons why they have been selected.



Only after you’ve got two great-sounding rooms can you consider an actual piece of equipment. But without doubt, the most important physical piece of equipment in a recording studio is the monitors. Good studios will have different monitoring systems to listen through. They won’t be limited to just one. You should be able to ask the studio what monitors they have, and they should be proud of them. If the studio only has a cheap pair of 400 € monitors, you should be wary. Whilst theoretically it is possible to produce good mixes on cheap monitors, when working with someone professional it is fair that you expect them to work with professional equipment. As monitors are the most important piece of equipment in the studio, they should be prioritised. And if they haven’t been, you should question this.

GLOSSARY

The process of optimising a room’s acoustics by using materials to absorb or diffuse sound waves.

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WHY IS DOLBY ATMOS THE FUTURE OF MUSIC?

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To answer this question, we need to understand how Dolby Atmos works in comparison to previous surround formats.

With formats such as 5.1 and 7.1, sounds get assigned to a specific channel. For example, if you’re watching a movie and there’s a person on-screen speaking, that dialogue will be assigned to the centre channel. If someone speaks off-screen to the left, that will be positioned in the left-side surround speaker. The issue with these surround formats is that they’re channel-based. This means that every sound has to be assigned to output from a specific channel. Therefore, you can only listen to that mix on a speaker configuration with the right number of channels for that mix. If you try to listen to a 7.1 mix on a 5.1 system, whatever content was in the two channels you don’t have will be lost.

To answer this question, we need to understand how Dolby Atmos works in comparison to previous surround formats.

With formats such as 5.1 and 7.1, sounds get assigned to a specific channel. For example, if you’re watching a movie and there’s a person on-screen speaking, that dialogue will be assigned to the centre channel. If someone speaks off-screen to the left, that will be positioned in the left-side surround speaker. The issue with these surround formats is that they’re channel-based. This means that every sound has to be assigned to output from a specific channel. Therefore, you can only listen to that mix on a speaker configuration with the right number of channels for that mix. If you try to listen to a 7.1 mix on a 5.1 system, whatever content was in the two channels you don’t have will be lost.

Enter Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos is not a channel-based format. It is object-based. What this means is that rather than assigning a sound to output from a specific channel, it is assigned a position in a virtual 3D space. These virtual positions can be replicated on any listening device that is Atmos-enabled. The device will decode the Atmos metadata and decide where it’s best to position sounds for your specific listening configuration. So whether you’re listening on a 9.1.6 system or a pair of headphones, you can listen to the same mix. A specific mix for your speaker configuration is no longer required.

The addition of height speakers to the previous surround formats takes the listening experience from a 2D one, with all speakers positioned on the same level, to a 3D one, with the sound fully immersing the listener. The ability to adapt the immersive mix into a binaural render to experience in headphones is the key factor here. This binaural technology, which is constantly developing and improving, makes immersive audio accessible on a consumer level. It means it can be experienced by anybody, anytime; not just those with an expensive speaker configuration.

This is why it’s the future of music. Immersive audio is available to everyone already, with no additional expense required. If you have a subscription to Apple Music, Deezer, TIDAL, or Amazon Music, then you can already experience it via your headphones. And the immersive experience will only get better as the binaural rendering technology improves.

From a musician’s perspective, this is really exciting. For 60 years, artists have been writing and recording songs knowing they can only be experienced two-dimensionally. But now there’s a whole extra level of creativity that can be explored. Voices and sounds can be moved around the listener; they are no longer tied to the strict boundary between the left and right channels. Dolby Atmos also has very strict rules for loudness levels, and songs that exceed the level will be rejected by DSPs. This is in contrast to stereo mixes where, although there are loudness guidelines provided by DSPs, they can be exceeded without meaningful consequence. This means that things don’t need to be compressed or limited so aggressively because creating a super-loud mix isn’t a factor. But also because there are so many places to position things in the virtual 3D space, things don’t need to be EQ’d so aggressively either because frequency masking is far less of an issue.

It’s also true that DSPs that already support Dolby Atmos are prioritising it on their platforms. For example, Apple Music is now only playlisting songs that have a Spatial Audio mix available.

So, all this means that if you want to future-proof your music, an Atmos mix is essential.

GLOSSARY

An immersive audio technology that allows sound to be positioned in a virtual 3D space instead of assigned to a specific channel, making it accessible on any listening device that is Atmos-enabled.

Traditional surround sound formats that assign sounds to specific channels, requiring a speaker configuration with the same number of channels to experience the mix.

A sound mixing technique where sounds are assigned to specific channels.

A sound mixing technique where sounds are assigned a position in a virtual 3D space, making it possible to replicate the sound on any listening device.

The ability to position sound in three-dimensional space, allowing the listener to feel fully immersed in the sound.

The process of adapting an immersive mix into a format that can be experienced through headphones.

The perceived loudness of a sound, which can be measured in LUFS.

Digital Service Providers, such as Apple Music, Deezer, TIDAL or Amazon Music, that offer streaming music services to consumers.

A feature in Apple Music that allows listeners to experience Dolby Atmos mixes.

A phenomenon where one sound can make it difficult to hear another sound in the same frequency range.