{"id":7263,"date":"2021-11-10T17:16:30","date_gmt":"2021-11-10T16:16:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.classical-music.com\/?p=159933"},"modified":"2021-11-10T17:29:15","modified_gmt":"2021-11-10T16:29:15","slug":"how-to-build-your-own-atmos-surround-sound-system","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcmusicmagazine\/rss_feed\/how-to-build-your-own-atmos-surround-sound-system\/","title":{"rendered":"How to build your own Atmos surround-sound system"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Chris Haslam\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 10 November 2021 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Th<\/span>e Metropolis Studios<\/a> in West London has built a Dolby-Certified 3D audio recording facility \u2013 with results that have left me in audio nirvana.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Cinephiles are well used to the all-encompassing effect of 360-degree Dolby Atmos surround-sound, but experiencing it with musical recordings was a revelation \u2013 one which, with Dolby, Apple and Amazon Music now offering Dolby Atmos-compatible surround-sound audio mixes, I\u2019m keen to replicate at home.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Dolby Atmos?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Dolby Atmos is surround-sound technology designed for cinema that envelops the viewer with audio from every angle, thanks to up- and\/or down-firing, in-ceiling and traditional surround-sound speakers. The effect can be eerily realistic; if it rains on screen, it sounds like you\u2019re getting wet.<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you build your own Atmos surround-sound system?<\/span><\/h2>\n

To build your own Atmos surround-sound system, you need an Atmos-compatible TV or AV receiver (Sony and Denon make these) and then, depending on space (and budget), surround-sound speakers or a compatible soundbar. Having HDMI ports is essential, and if you\u2019re using a soundbar<\/a><\/strong>, your TV needs an eARC (enhanced audio return channel) port.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re after a seamless look or dedicated cinema room, flush-fitting designs like the Lithe Audio Pro Series Wi-Fi Ceiling Speakers (from \u00a3599) \u00a0perform brilliantly, but most Atmos speaker packages incorporate upward-firing drivers into their front speakers, bouncing sound off the ceiling and towards your listening position to trick your ears into thinking sound is coming from overhead. You can also upgrade existing surround-sound speaker bundles with add-on Atmos speakers for brands including Monitor Audio and KEF (richersounds.com<\/b><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n