Atmos Audio typically refers to Dolby Atmos, an advanced audio technology developed by Dolby Laboratories which is designed to create a more immersive and realistic audio experience for listeners. Unlike traditional surround sound systems that use channels, Dolby Atmos introduces the concept of audio objects.
Sound is treated as individual objects that can move freely around the listener in a three-dimensional space. This means that sound can come from above, below, and all around, creating a more immersive and lifelike audio experience. By adding height channels to the traditional surround sound setup, this allows for a more accurate representation of how sound is perceived in the real world.
While it is commonly used in home theater systems, cinemas, and other entertainment venues, it’s also supported by various streaming services, Blu-ray discs, USB and gaming platforms to deliver a more immersive audio experience for movies, music, and video games.
The key advantages, come particularly in enhancing the immersive and realistic experience of audio playback.
Immersive Sound Experience:
Atmos provides a three-dimensional sound space allowing audio to come from all direction; above, below, and around the listener.
Atmos creates a more immersive experience by placing sound elements in specific locations, making the audio feel more realistic and engaging.
Photo: Pixabay
Height Channels:
Add height channels to the audio setup, allowing for a more accurate representation of sound sources coming from above or below. This adds a new dimension to the audio experience, especially with overhead effects.
Adaptability to Different Speaker Configurations:
Dolby Atmos is flexible and ADAPTIVE in terms of the number of speakers it can use, allowing for different configurations based on the playback system and room setup. Traditional surround sound systems use channels, such as 5.1 or 7.1, to represent the placement of speakers around the listener. Dolby Atmos introduces the concept of audio objects and height channels, expanding the possibilities for speaker placement, whether it’s a full surround sound system with ceiling speakers or upward-firing speakers designed to bounce sound off the ceiling.
Improved Audio Quality:
The technology supports high-quality audio formats, providing improved sound fidelity and clarity.
Photo: Philip Boakye
Object-Based Audio:
Instead of traditional channel-based audio, Dolby Atmos uses an object-based audio approach. This means that audio elements are treated as individual objects that can be precisely placed and moved in the 3Dspace, offering greater flexibility and precision in audio design.
Compatibility Across Platforms:
Dolby Atmos is supported by a variety of entertainment platforms, including home theater systems, soundbars, streaming services, USB, Blu-ray discs, and gaming consoles. This widespread support ensures that users can experience Atmos audio across a wide variety different media.
Enhanced Audio for Music, Movies and Games:
Dolby Atmos is quickly gaining traction in the entertaiment industry, providing a more immersive audio experience in for listeners. Many music, film and video games also support Dolby Atmos, enhancing the overall listening experience with more accurate and dynamic audio positioning
Experience it for yourself using headphones now:
Taylor Hanley and Todd Hooge collaborated on adding Atmos audio to the trailer for the upcoming release of the new Film UNSETTLED (2024).
Taylor Hanley
Director. Cinematographer. Colourist.
Taylor has been working professionally as a cinematographer since 2016. Making his debut in action sports and commercials, Taylor became fluent in working on projects from concept to completion.
After producing and directing an action sports film in 2018 he shifted into documentaries and narrative short films, while also furthering his studies in colour grading. With a background in trades work (specifically electrical) he quickly gained a strong understanding of lighting techniques after working for the local union in the lighting department.
In recent years, Taylor has split his time between colour grading and cinematography work. Now with a strong interest in narrative work, he wants to focus on helping others with short films, while also writing and directing his own narrative projects.
Sonic Forest Studios
Todd Hooge is a Dolby Atmos certified engineer, and has been recording and mixing audio since 2005.
He’s been fortunate enough to work with some of the most talented musicians, engineers, and producers in the business. His work has converted to hundreds of thousands of streams and radio play over the years.Todd’s “always on” passions for technology and the arts have lead him down a path that enables him to create new things on a daily basis. From the creation of the only fully-featured immersive audio facility on Vancouver Island, to co-founder of one the oldest and most respected digital marketing firms in the world, Todd continues to create new things, while making the existing creations more efficient and valuable.
Todd’s professional portfolio includes: immersive audio mixing and mastering, audio engineering and production, session drumming and percussion, several US patents, computer programming, website design, web development and team management. He has successfully planned, produced and administrated several large international web properties, including the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and the United Nations (UN) funded site, “The Communication Initiative”.
Some of the Artists Todd Has Worked With
Todd Hooge, Dolby Certified Atmos Engineer, The Bankes Brothers, Barney Bentall, Jay Semko (Northern Pikes), Tor, Bryan Potvin (Northern Pikes), Craig Northey (Odds), Kevin Kane (Grapes Of Wrath), John Mann (Spirit Of The West), Elijah Woods, Leeroy Stagger, Stacy Earle, Maurice, Northcote, Shaun Verreault (Wide Mouth Mason), S.V. and the Killer B’s, Miesha And The Spanks, Astrocolor, Luca Fogale, Sit Down Servant, The Grapes of Wrath, Acres Of Lions, Vince Vacarro, Jon and Roy, Ocie Elliott, Shari Ulrich, David Gogo, Kytami, Aidan Knight, Steph Macpherson, Billy Jackfish, Dayna Manning, Ryan McMahon, Indio Saravanja, Jason Lowe, Caesha McCollum, Robbie Aylesworth, USS, Matthew Lien, Rick May, Glowed Up Glen, Scotty Hills, Jesse Roper, Neil Osbourne (54-40).
Future Proofing
As Dolby Atmos continues to gain popularity and support, investing in an Atmos-enabled audio system ensures compatibility with future content that takes advantage of this advanced audio technology.
Overall, Dolby Atmos enhances the audio experience by offering a more immersive and dynamic soundstage, making it particularly appealing for audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts, movie lovers, and gamers.
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