Introduction
The world of audio production is evolving rapidly, and immersive sound has become a new industry standard. Our latest project involved designing and implementing a cutting-edge Dolby Atmos studio for a client looking to enhance their audio production capabilities. This project challenged us to create an acoustically pristine environment that meets the highest standards of immersive audio technology.
Project Scope & Goals
The client initially had a mini-theatre space and approached us to build a professional studio without fully demolishing the existing structure. However, After thorough consultations, we decided to go beyond their initial vision and integrate a full Dolby Atmos system, a decision that brought about new challenges, including budget considerations and working within the constraints of the existing space. But with careful designing and hand-picked equipment, we were able to create a perfect setup that maintained top-tier quality while staying within budget.
Our main objectives included:
- Designing a studio layout optimized for immersive sound.
- Ensuring accurate speaker placement and calibration for optimal spatial audio.
- Addressing acoustic treatment to minimize unwanted reflections and resonances while keeping the room live as the client wanted.
- Integrating the latest cutting edge equipment and technologies.
Design & Implementation
Our approach to this project involved careful planning and collaboration with the client to ensure all technical and creative needs were met. Key steps included:
- Acoustic Treatment & Room Design: We implemented bass traps, diffusers, and absorption panels to create a balanced listening environment. The room’s dimensions and materials were carefully analyzed to prevent coloration and distortion.
- Speaker Layout & System Calibration: The studio was equipped with a 7.1.4 speaker configuration, following Dolby Atmos guidelines. Precise speaker positioning and alignment were crucial for ensuring accurate sound imaging.
Equipment selection:
We selected a combination of Kali Audio LP and IN series monitors, with the powerful Kali WS 2 subwoofer for the LFE. We chose Kali Audio speakers due to their great performance, accurate frequency response, and affordability without compromising on quality.
- LCR: IN8
- Ls & Rs: LP6
- Lrs & Rrs: LP8
- Ltf & Rtf: LP6
- Ltr & Rtr: LP6
- LFE: WS 12
The heart of the Studio is the Audient ORIA Immersive Audio Interface and Monitor Controller. The flexibility and Atmos-ready workflow makes it a great choice for Dolby Atmos Studio setups. Thanks to its inbuilt DSP, the need for additional speaker management is eliminated. ORIA’s iPad Control App makes this interface a great monitor controller as well.
For seamless mixing, we chose the Softube Console 1 Fader mk3 fader controller, offering hands-on control with an intuitive interface. The entire setup is powered by a spec’d-out Apple Mac Mini M4, selected for its processing power and efficiency.
Overcoming Challenges
One of the biggest hurdles was adapting the existing space to meet the high acoustic standards required for Dolby Atmos. We tackled this by optimizing speaker angles, reinforcing the studio’s sound isolation, and making strategic adjustments to the acoustic treatment. Additionally, integrating the new system with the client’s existing workflow required careful planning to ensure compatibility and ease of use. Thanks to our expertise and the premium yet cost-effective equipment choices, we successfully delivered a high-end solution without exceeding the budget.
Final Results & Client Feedback
Upon completion, the Dolby Atmos studio exceeded expectations. The client praised the immersive quality of the sound and the precision of the installation. With this new setup, they can now produce high-quality spatial audio content that meets industry demands.
Conclusion
At Signalova, we are committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions, combining technical innovation, thoughtful design, and high-quality execution to meet the unique needs of every project. This Dolby Atmos studio project demonstrates our expertise in delivering tailored solutions that balance performance, cost-efficiency, and industry standards. As immersive audio continues to shape the future of content creation, we stand ready to help clients achieve the highest standard of sound excellence.
Are you looking to upgrade your studio to Dolby Atmos? Contact Signalova today to bring immersive audio to your creative space!