What is Dolby Atmos? An Audio Enthusiast's Guide

JBL Blogs

Lifestyle

What is Dolby Atmos? An Audio Enthusiast's Guide

Dolby Atmos is a surround-sound technology that has revolutionised how we experience audio, moving beyond traditional channel-based systems to create a true three-dimensional soundscape. It's an object-based audio format that adds a crucial height dimension to the sound mix, allowing sounds to be precisely placed anywhere in a 3D space, including overhead. This creates a "dome of sound" that makes films, music, and games feel more realistic and engaging. The meaning of Dolby Atmos is simple: it’s about engineering sound to be as lifelike as possible. It's a technology that changes the way we perceive sound, offering a cleaner separation of sound in a mix and allowing you to feel like you’re right there in the recording studio or in the middle of the action while you're sitting in a cinema.

What Does Dolby Atmos Do?

Dolby Atmos is engineered to deliver:

Immersive Sound: It creates a multi-dimensional soundscape that feels incredibly lifelike.
Clarity and Depth: It provides a cleaner separation of sound objects, giving you a greater sense of clarity and depth in the mix.
More Realism: The addition of height and object placement mimics how we naturally hear sound in real life.

How Does Dolby Atmos Work?

Dolby Atmos creates a more realistic audio environment with three key innovations:

Object-Based Sound: Instead of assigning a sound to a specific speaker channel (like a left front or right rear), Atmos treats individual sounds as independent "objects" with their own location and movement data. This allows sound designers to place these objects with precise accuracy anywhere in a three-dimensional space.
Height Dimension: By incorporating overhead speakers or upward-firing speakers, Dolby Atmos allows sounds to come from above you. This is the key that breaks the horizontal limitations of traditional surround sound, creating a complete sonic sphere.
Immersive Dome: The combination of precise object placement and the height dimension creates a complete "dome of sound" that surrounds you. This immersive soundscape makes the audio more engaging and lifelike.

The magic of Dolby Atmos doesn't happen by accident; it's a meticulously crafted process that involves:

Mixing: Sound designers and artists mix audio for movies, TV shows, or music in Dolby Atmos-enabled software. Instead of using a conventional 5.1 or 7.1 mix, they create a foundational bed of up to 7.1.2 channels for ambience and then precisely position up to 118 individual sound objects in a 3D space. That's why the audio file sent to your system doesn't have a fixed number of channels; instead, it contains data that tells your system where the objects should be placed in the room.
Hardware: To reproduce this three-dimensional mix, you need Dolby Atmos-compatible hardware, such as home theatre systems, soundbars, or headphones.
Playback: Your compatible audio device has a built-in renderer that interprets the object-based audio data in real-time. It then sends the sounds to the appropriate speakers in your setup to create the intended immersive effect.

How Is Dolby Atmos Different from Surround Sound and Spatial Audio?

To truly appreciate Dolby Atmos, it’s helpful to understand how it builds upon previous audio formats.

Mono and Stereo: Older formats like mono use a single audio channel, while stereo uses two channels (left and right) to create a wider soundstage. This is decent for separating instruments but lacks a real sense of depth.
Surround Sound (5.1/7.1): This approach integrates additional speakers to deliver a greater sense of direction and depth. A standard 5.1 setup uses a centre speaker, front left/right, and rear left/right speakers, plus a subwoofer. A 7.1 system adds two side speakers.

Dolby Atmos takes surround sound a step further by introducing a foundational bed of up to 7.1.2 channels for ambience and core sound, along with the crucial height channels and sound objects mentioned earlier. It’s not just a horizontal circle of sound; it's a complete sonic sphere, or "dome," that includes the vertical dimension.

As for spatial audio, it's a general term for different forms of immersive sound that can enhance existing stereo mixes. It's not the same as Dolby Atmos, as Dolby Atmos is a specific, proprietary technology that’s part of the sound mixing process from the start.

There are also different types of spatial audio for different purposes and devices. Some spatial audio formats use head tracking to make the audio react to your head movement, creating a sense of a fixed soundstage in the room. But it’s not the same as Dolby Atmos.

How Is Dolby Atmos Different from Surround Sound and Spatial Audio?

What Do I Need to Experience Dolby Atmos?

To experience Dolby Atmos at home, you need a combination of compatible hardware and content.

Hardware: The easiest and most popular way to start is with headphones, a Dolby Atmos soundbar, or Dolby Atmos WiFi speakers like those from JBL, which provide a complete, all-in-one system to enjoy any form of media.
Content: You need to be watching or listening to content that has been mixed in Dolby Atmos, such as:

Movies & TV: This content is available on popular streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. You can also find it on 4K Blu-ray discs.
Music: You can find this experience on streaming platforms like Apple Music, Amazon Music, and TIDAL HiFi from selected artists.
Gaming: There are some games available with Dolby Atmos, and more games are being produced to provide an even wider immersive experience.

Searching for the perfect sound? JBL has everything you need. From the best soundbars to home speakers, you'll find the right gear to create an immersive sonic experience in any space. Shop now at JBL Australia!

More from JBL

The Best Outdoor Speakers for Aussie Adventures: JBL Charge 6 & Flip 7 Discover the best outdoor speakers Australia has to offer! JBL Charge 6 & Flip 7 portable speakers deliver 24+ hours of playtime for your adventures.

What is Spatial Audio? JBL’s Guide to Immersive 3D Sound Ever wished you could be more present in your favourite music, movies, or games?

Soundbar vs Speaker: Which One’s Right for You? When choosing between a soundbar and speakers, the decision comes down to what matters most: convenience or customisation, simplicity or sound precision.

JBL Tour Pro 3: The Best Earbuds for Airplane Travel Finding the perfect travel headphones can feel like navigating a crowded airport terminal — noisy, uncomfortable, and full of distractions.

What is Dolby Atmos? An Audio Enthusiast's Guide Dolby Atmos is a surround-sound technology that has revolutionised how we experience audio, moving beyond traditional channel-based systems to create a true three-dimensional soundscape.

Air Conduction vs Bone Conduction: Which Headphones Suit You? Hunting for the perfect headphones? It all starts with how you hear your tunes.

JBL Live 3 Series: The Best Earbuds for Everyday Use Get ready to experience sound that moves you wherever life takes you!

JBL Christmas Gift Guide: Presents That Rock 'n' Roll 'Tis the season to spread joy and cheer! And what better way to do that than with the gift of legendary JBL sound?

What is Dolby Atmos? An Audio Enthusiast's Guide We’ve all been there: you’re mid-run, deep in a podcast, or just trying to get through the daily commute when one of your earbuds makes a break for it.

Are Soundbars Better Than Speakers for PCs? TL;DR, no, soundbars are typically not better than dedicated speakers for a PC, as speakers (especially gaming speakers) typically provide superior sound quality The Best Portable Speaker For Your Lifestyle A portable speaker is one of those items that, once you have one, you’ll never know how you managed without it.

How to Prepare for a Party with JBL: Gearing Up for Epic Celebrations Get ready to throw a party that will have everyone talking! This checklist, powered by JBL, covers everything you need for an epic celebration. Whether you're planning a birthday bash, a holiday gathering, or a casual house party, there's always a buzz of excitement and anticipation.

JBL Gift Ideas: Find the Perfect Audio Gift for Every Occasion Ditch the ordinary and surprise your loved ones with the gift of JBL — the soundtrack to unforgettable experiences.

How to Become a DJ in Australia: Your Guide to Rocking the Decks From Sydney to Perth, Aussie dancefloors are calling! From pumping clubs playing house and hardstyle to beachside bars spinning chilled-out indietronica, the scene is vibrant and always growing, so exciting opportunities await aspiring DJs who want to share their music with the world.

What to Gift on Father's Day 2025: The Ultimate Audio Guide for Dads Dads. They might not always say it, but in their own weird, goofy ways, they love us fiercely. So, for a dad who has everything and offers everything, what else can we give this Father’s Day that truly hits the mark?

Best AirPod Alternatives: Top JBL Earbuds for Every Listener Looking for earbuds that deliver exceptional sound, innovative features, and style all their own? Look no further than JBL — the perfect alternative to AirPods and AirPods Pro.

Best Headphones for Studying and Work for Ultimate Concentration Whether you're in a bustling office or a packed cafe, unwanted noise can kill your productivity.

What Are the Best Speakers for a House Party? From the chilled-out vibes of a backyard barbecue playlist to the heart-thumping beats that get everyone on the dance floor, music sets the tone for an unforgettable house party.

What Is the Best Mother's Day Gift? Unwrap These Top Picks Finding that perfect present can sometimes feel like a quest, but fear not!

Open-Ear, In-Ear, Over-Ear, On-Ear, and Open-Back: Which Headphones to Choose? The perfect pair of headphones can make a difference between an ordinary day and an extraordinary one.

PC Gaming Accessories: Find the Perfect Headset with JBL Your headset isn't just an accessory, it's your weapon in the virtual battlefield.

JBL & Auracast™: Share the Vibe, Not the Earbuds Ever been stuck sharing one earbud with a friend, desperately trying to catch the lyrics of your favourite song?

How To Clean Your Wireless Headphones And Earpads For music lovers, headphones are more than just an accessory; they're an essential part of daily life, providing a private sanctuary of sound. However, with this frequent use comes a downside

Noise Cancellation or Noise Reduction: Find the Right Sound From bustling city streets to crowded offices, the world can be a noisy place.

The Best Soundbar For Your TV & Home Audio Soundbars have become commonplace in many homes and offices thanks to their premium sound quality, ease of use, and sheer aesthetic appeal.

JBL Soundbar: How to Fix an HDMI ARC That’s Not Working We're all aware of the pivotal role an HDMI ARC plays in facilitating a seamless connection for our audio-visual devices. It may thus be puzzling when your audio fades off quickly, or the speaker remains silent after you’ve connected your sound bar to the TV.

Choosing the best headphones for kids

Children have delicate ears, so it’s vital to find the right headphones to protect their hearing. Find how to choose the best headset for your child with JBL AU.

Tips on choosing the best gaming headset Whether it’s Call of Duty, Fortnite, Red Dead Redemption, or something more under the radar, choosing the right gaming headset can make all the difference to your performance.

How do noise-cancelling headphones work? Noise-cancelling headphones have changed the game when it comes to headphones. As well as playing your favourite music or podcast, they can diminish or erase the sounds around you.

How To Choose The Best Headphones For Running Headphones can improve your performance and enjoyment on a run. Here’s what to look for in the best running headphones for you, from fit to water resistance.

How To Connect JBL Soundbar To TV This quick guide will run you through how to connect a JBL Soundbar to TV with an HDMI cable, an optical cable, and with Bluetooth connectivity

All about wireless headphones Wireless headphones have been popular from the moment they were released, but now as more and more phone brands remove the headphone jack, wireless is becoming a necessity as well.

Amidst a world cluttered with noise, what if you could create your own sound sanctuary? Here, you command the auditory elements, shaping them to resonate in harmony with your mood, your thoughts, and your very being.

On-Ear vs Over-Ear Headphones: Specs, Performance, Use-Cases & More When it comes to audio fidelity, the debate often lands on one crucial choice: are on-ear or over-ear headphones better?

5 tips to make the most
of your time at home Right now a lot of us are suddenly sitting at home and cant go to the office to work. There are many advantages to working from home, such as not having to travel, working in your pajamas and setting your own time table.

Music in the shower? Go for Waterproof!

Would you like to have your music in the shower? Or do you want to listen to a podcast in the bath?

The best outdoor speaker

As soon as the first rays of sunshine appear, we all like to sit outside and enjoy the sun. With a drink in your hand, you can sit in your garden, in a park, on the beach or on a terrace.