5.1 vs. Dolby Atmos... What's the Difference? - Dolby Atmos Masterclass Ep. 1 | ADAM Audio

Summary

In this video, engineer Rob Burrell from Nashville, Tennessee, delves into the technical fundamentals and basic concepts of mixing in Dolby Atmos. He contrasts it with traditional 5.1 surround sound, highlighting the limitations of 5.1 in creating accurate spatial audio. Dolby Atmos, with its advanced mathematical algorithms, allows for precise placement of sound objects in a three-dimensional space, ensuring consistent audio experience across various playback formats, from cinema systems to personal headphones. Burrell explains the use of beds and objects in Dolby Atmos, showcasing its revolutionary impact on audio engineering.

Takeaways

• 🎙️ Rob Burrell is an engineer from Nashville, Tennessee, who discusses the basics of mixing in Dolby Atmos.
• 🔊 Traditional 5.1 surround sound has limitations, with five speakers and two discrete surround channels, which can cause phasing issues when panning audio sources.
• 🚀 Dolby Atmos uses advanced mathematical algorithms developed by rocket scientists to solve phase problems and allow for 3D audio placement.
• 📍 Atmos enables the placement of audio objects anywhere in a three-dimensional space, creating an immersive listening experience.
• 🎬 Whether in a cinema with many speakers or using headphones, Dolby Atmos ensures objects maintain their position in the soundstage.
• 🛏️ A basic Atmos 'bed' consists of a 7.1.2 setup with additional height speakers, providing a foundation for object placement.
• 🔄 Atmos supports 128 assignable audio objects that can be precisely positioned and remain consistent across playback systems.
• 🎧 The Dolby Atmos format can upscale to a large cinema system or downscale to personal devices like AirPod Pros.
• 🎼 Mixing in Atmos offers greater creative freedom, allowing for unique placements like a guitar player on the listener's shoulder.
• 📉 The transition from 5.1 to Atmos represents a significant leap in audio capabilities, moving beyond the limitations of traditional surround sound.
• 🔧 The Dolby Atmos engine is responsible for the real-time decoding and placement of audio objects in a 3D space.

Q & A

Who is Rob Burrell and what is his profession?

Rob Burrell is an engineer based out of Nashville, Tennessee.

What is the main topic of discussion in the script?

The main topic of discussion is the fundamentals and basic concepts of mixing in Dolby Atmos.

How does the 5.1 speaker setup differ from Dolby Atmos?

The 5.1 setup consists of five speakers and two surround channels, while Dolby Atmos allows for a three-dimensional placement of sound objects, including height channels.

What problem does Dolby Atmos solve that was present in the 5.1 setup?

Dolby Atmos solves the phase problems that occurred when panning a source between speakers in the 5.1 setup, providing a more consistent experience for all listeners.

What is a 'bed' in the context of Dolby Atmos?

A 'bed' in Dolby Atmos is a 7.1.2 setup, which includes left, center, right speakers, left and right surrounds, left and right rear surrounds, a subwoofer channel (LFE), and two height speakers.

How many assignable sound sources, or 'objects', does Dolby Atmos allow for?

Dolby Atmos allows for 128 assignable sound sources or 'objects'.

How does Dolby Atmos handle the positioning of sound objects across different playback systems?

Dolby Atmos uses real-time math and decoding to ensure that sound objects maintain their position regardless of the number of channels used for playback.

What is the significance of the math written by Dolby's engineers?

The math written by Dolby's engineers allows for the precise placement and movement of sound objects in a three-dimensional space, ensuring consistency across different playback formats.

How does Dolby Atmos enhance the creative possibilities for sound engineers?

Dolby Atmos enhances creative possibilities by allowing sound engineers to place sound objects anywhere in a three-dimensional space, creating immersive and personalized listening experiences.

Can Dolby Atmos be experienced on personal devices like AirPod Pros?

Yes, Dolby Atmos can be experienced on personal devices like AirPod Pros, as the format uses real-time math and decoding to maintain object positioning.

What is the advantage of Dolby Atmos over the traditional 5.1 setup for cinema experiences?

Dolby Atmos offers a more immersive and three-dimensional sound experience, with the ability to place sound objects anywhere in the listening space, as opposed to the limited channel-based setup of 5.1.