Fiedler Audio Dolby Atmos Composer is a groundbreaking plugin that brings Dolby Atmos mixing capabilities to virtually any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). This innovative tool enables music producers, sound designers, and audio engineers to create immersive Dolby Atmos mixes regardless of their DAW’s native multichannel support. The plugin consists of two main components: the Dolby Atmos Composer, which is inserted on the master channel, and the Dolby Atmos Beam, which is placed on individual tracks. This setup allows users to bypass their DAW’s mixer functions and route audio directly to the Composer along with 3D panning information. The Composer supports speaker layouts up to 9.1.6 and offers ADM file export, built-in downmix options, and integrated loudness measurement. It’s designed to streamline the Dolby Atmos workflow, making it accessible to a broader range of audio professionals.
Pros:
• Enables Dolby Atmos mixing in DAWs without native support
• Intuitive interface with comprehensive monitoring options
• Seamless integration with Fiedler Audio’s Spacelab reverb plugin
Cons:
• High GPU usage when plugin interfaces are open
The Dolby Atmos Composer boasts an impressive array of features that cater to the needs of modern immersive audio production. At its core, the plugin allows users to create, edit, and export Dolby Atmos mixes in the ADM BWF format, which is the industry standard for Dolby Atmos content. The plugin’s interface is divided into several sections, each dedicated to specific aspects of the Atmos mixing process.
The Monitoring section is particularly noteworthy, offering support for various speaker configurations and a binaural mode for headphone monitoring. This flexibility allows users to work on Atmos projects even without access to a full multichannel speaker setup. The plugin also includes a personalized HRTF (Head-Related Transfer Function) option for more accurate binaural rendering.
Object creation and manipulation are made simple with the Dolby Atmos Beam plugin. Users can easily switch between bed (channel-based) and object-based audio, with the ability to position sounds anywhere in the three-dimensional space. The 3D object panner in the Beam plugin provides intuitive control over sound placement.
The Composer plugin includes a comprehensive set of tools for loudness measurement and management, ensuring that mixes comply with broadcast standards. It also features built-in downmix capabilities, allowing users to quickly check how their Atmos mix translates to various formats, from stereo to 5.1 surround.
One of the standout features is the plugin’s modular architecture, which allows for the integration of additional processing tools. The gravitas MDS (Mastering Dynamics System) plugin, for instance, can be used as a module within the Composer, providing sophisticated dynamics processing that takes into account all spatial information from the Dolby Atmos mix.
The plugin’s export capabilities are robust, allowing users to create ADM files that can be played back on Dolby Atmos-enabled devices or imported into other Atmos-capable software. Additionally, the Composer can import and play back ADM files, enabling users to review and potentially modify existing Atmos mixes.
Integration with Fiedler Audio’s Spacelab reverb plugin adds another layer of sophistication to the Atmos workflow. Spacelab is a multichannel, immersive reverb that can connect directly to the Dolby Atmos Composer, allowing for the creation of realistic and enveloping 3D reverb effects within the Atmos mix.
When compared to similar plugins, the Fiedler Audio Dolby Atmos Composer stands out for its versatility and DAW-agnostic approach. While some DAWs like Pro Tools Ultimate offer native Dolby Atmos support, they often come with significant cost and hardware requirements. The Dolby Atmos Production Suite, another alternative, is more focused on post-production workflows and lacks some of the music-oriented features of the Composer. The Composer’s ability to work within DAWs that don’t natively support extended channel widths sets it apart from many competitors. This makes it an attractive option for producers who want to work with Atmos but don’t want to switch their primary DAW. Additionally, the integration with other Fiedler Audio plugins like Spacelab and gravitas MDS creates a more cohesive ecosystem for immersive audio production than many alternatives offer.
This plugin is best for:
• Music producers looking to create Dolby Atmos mixes in their preferred DAW
• Sound designers working on immersive audio projects
• Audio engineers transitioning from stereo to Atmos workflows
• Studios seeking a cost-effective entry into Dolby Atmos production
The Fiedler Audio Dolby Atmos Composer represents a significant step forward in democratizing Dolby Atmos production. By bringing Atmos capabilities to a wide range of DAWs, it opens up new creative possibilities for audio professionals who might otherwise be limited by their software choices. The plugin’s intuitive interface and comprehensive feature set make it accessible to both Atmos newcomers and experienced immersive audio engineers. While the high GPU usage when the plugin interfaces are open is a concern, the overall performance and functionality of the Composer are impressive. Its integration with other Fiedler Audio plugins creates a powerful ecosystem for immersive audio production. For those looking to enter the world of Dolby Atmos mixing without overhauling their entire workflow, the Dolby Atmos Composer offers a compelling and flexible solution.