Everything You Need to Know About Dolby Atmos

Those who use sound in movies, music, video games and other settings want to create an immersive experience for their listeners, and Dolby Atmos helps by generating high-quality sound. Experts in audio finishing can use this technology to position sound at exact points, whether it plays through multiple speakers or a set of headphones. 

What Is Dolby Atmos?

Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology first used in 2012. The technology builds on earlier 5.1 and 7.1 setups from Dolby, adding audio overhead to create a dome of sound encompassing viewers. This advanced system allows those who produce sound to make the experience more natural and realistic, so listeners don't notice the special effects. 

How Does It Work?

Dolby Atmos works differently than traditional channel-based systems. Instead of sending audio to individual speakers at specific times, this technology allows sound designers to store and distribute over 100 audio tracks with metadata that describes the position and volume. This capability enables users to place sounds and voices at exact points and move them around to create a convincing 3D experience. 

Audio finishers can assign sounds to a place rather than a speaker, as Dolby Atmos treats sounds as objects. This process creates greater flexibility, allowing audio tracks to adapt to a particular environment, even with different sound setups. 

Where Is This Technology Used?

Dolby Atmos technology began in cinemas, using systems of up to 400 speakers to deliver sound to particular areas. The technology grew in theaters, so thousands currently use Atmos. Now, the technology exists outside of theaters. Home setups can use Atmos-enabled receivers and speakers or soundbars. Some TVs even include built-in Dolby Atmos capabilities without the need for external speakers. 

This technology exists in a similar form in headphones, earbuds and phone sound systems today. Viewers watching movies or listening to music on phones or tablets can get a surround sound effect. 

Because of its widespread use, from cinemas to earbuds, those who provide audio finishing services often use Dolby Atmos. Films and shows released on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, Vudu and Netflix all use this surround sound technology. Many well-known movies and TV shows use Dolby Atmos, as well, including:

  • “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes”

  • “Oppenheimer”

  • “Barbie”

  • “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”

  • “Ted Lasso”

  • “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”

  • “Stranger Things”

Future Dolby Atmos Use

While Dolby Atmos is currently popular in cinema and TV, it may expand elsewhere. Additional uses include:

  • Virtual reality

  • Music

  • Vehicles

Atmos currently has limited usage in these applications, but it will likely continue to grow. The future may also bring more affordable hardware, like speakers, soundbars and wireless speakers that utilize Atmos to create an immersive experience. 

Turn to Motion Picture Enterprises for Audio Finishing

Dolby Atmos revolutionizes the sound experience in every application, from movies in the cinema to TV shows on a smartphone. Today's film producers should rely on experts who can provide Dolby Atmos surround sound mixing services. 

MPE is an industry-leading provider of sound-mixing services in New York, with a portfolio ranging from network TV shows to independent films. We operate Dolby Atmos Certified Sound Mix Studios for premium sound services. Get in touch online for additional information or a consultation. 

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