Dolby Atmos vs. Surround Sound What's the Difference

Dolby Atmos has made its way into the whole thing. From TV dramas and brand ads to music streaming platforms, it is set aside for blockbuster films.

On the other hand, with the help of traditional surround sound, it offers a rich spatial experience. Plenty of producers and artists these days typically ask the same question:

Is Dolby Atmos truly better than other sound? Or is this new format just a chase for hype?

Since the immersive sound demand is rising each day, mostly on many platforms such as Apple Music and Netflix.

On the other hand, immersive sound can now be found almost everywhere. From your TV, to your local cinema, or even your phone.

Have you thought about what makes it unique? In what way is it different from others?

All of your questions will be answered in the next section. So, let's jump to the post.

Key Takeaways

1. Surround sound is still a solid, reliable option for high-quality audio in home theatres, providing balanced 2D dipping without requiring complex installations.’

2. Dolby Atmos takes the experience to 3D, making it superb for cinephiles and audiophiles seeking cutting-edge realism, mostly with compatible material.

3. Atmos' transition from channel-based to object-based audio enables more precise sound design and device flexibility.

4. While Atmos demands greater investment in equipment, its flexibility (e.g., operating on headphones) makes it future-proof as more media embraces it.

5. Finally, if you value simplicity and proven performance, remain with surround; for full immersion, then choose Atmos.

What is Dolby Atmos?

Dolby Atmos is basically a new-gen spatial audio format, and it goes far beyond traditional surround sound.

Rather than locking sound to certain speakers, Atmos enables them to freely move in a three domain of dimensional sound space with overhead.

After that, the Atmos renderer adapts to the playback system. Then it dynamically mixes. It does not matter if it is a cinema, a TV soundbar, or even headphones.

As a result, this format is flexible, and it is for 1 reason. Because it became the best and new delivery standard for a lot of streaming services and also firm distributors.

Traditional Surround Sound: Still helpful, But Fixed

Surround sound is a name that surrounds you with sound to increase your audio experience.

While there are only two audio sources, stereo sound systems such in left or right. On the other hand, surround sound systems utilize many speakers that play audio from every direction.

Further, it is better than stereo, offering a more immersive and richer experience. It offers dialogue-heavy content, action sequences, and a score.

However, there are some limits to surround sound.

• Audio can only move horizontally inside the speaker setup.

• No overhead sound is possible.

• Mix does not scale well between playback devices.

• Channel count is set, usually six or eight.

Whereas this sound is commonly used and valued. But in contrast to Dolby Atmos, it lacks the spatial flexibility.

What are the main differences between Dolby Atmos Vs Surround Sound?

Although the main focus of both systems is to increase immersion far beyond stereo. Also, they used different methods that differ from each other.

1. Format Type:

Surround sound is created on a fixed channel design. On the contrary, Dolby Atmos is basically an object-based sound. It enables more than 128 sound objects to be put, and it has the ability to move freely in 3D space.

2. Adaptive playback

A surround sound is typically fixed and locked to the speaker as they designed to be. But the Dolby Atmos has the ability to adjust the playback setting.

Whereas it keeps the aim of the spatial, it does not matter if it is a 7.14 theatre or a pair of headphones. To record an audio or need any help, consult with the vocal recording studio in Karachi. They will help you solve all your issues.

3. Speaker requirements

Surround sound normally requires 5-7 speakers with a subwoofer. While Dolby Atmos needs the gear of Atmos-compatible speakers with height or upward-firing speakers.

Also, it has a range of support for 34 plus channels if you purchase a premium plan.

4. Content and Use Cases

The surround sound is simpler to set up for common use, and it is ideal for a lot of media. But a Dolby Atmos is normally use for streaming services such as Blu-rays and music platforms. Also, the process of Atmos is tricky and needs certain encoding.

5. Immersion level

Surround sound offers huge immersion via directional audio. However, the problem is that it feels flat without height.

On the other hand, Dolby Atmos provides extreme immersion, making a realistic 3D

Key Benefits of a Surround Sound

• It has the ability to expand sound for the duration of the room for a broader audio experience.

• The surround sound is easily set up in any device, even without complex setups

• It is best for those users who are looking for increased audio, and they do not need multiple speakers placed in certain positions.

Main Perks of Dolby Atmos

1. Dolby Atmos has accurate audio positioning for a more realistic and immersive experience.

2. It enables sound designers to place sound accurately in a 3D space. In this way, a helicopter can fly above your head, and a whisper can come from behind.

3. Dolby Atmos offers a huge, modest edge by locating enemies with great precision, and it can create environmental sound.

If you still have any confusion about both of these sounds, reach out to the best recording Studio in Pakistan.

Final Note:

Dolby Atmos is not only a buzzword. But it is a format that delivers real creative and technical perks. It can easily be used in a TV, film, music, and branded content.

As compared to traditional surround sound, Atmos has a lot of options, a wide spatial canvas, bigger adaptability, and a huge immersive experience.

Komal Fatima is the name that pops into an artist's mind when they are looking for an expert to help them with their queries. She has been working at Classy Studio PK for the past few years.