Authoring for Dolby
Atmos Cinema
Sound Manual®

Issue 3
Software v1.4

Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
Corporate Headquarters
Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
100 Potrero Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94103-4813 USA
Telephone 415-558-0200
Fax 415-863-1373
www.dolby.com

European Headquarters
Dolby International AB
Apollo Building, 3E
Herikerbergweg 1-35
1101 CN Amsterdam Zuidoost
The Netherlands
Telephone 31-20-651-1800
Fax 31-20-651-1801

Dolby, Dolby Atmos, and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. All othertrademarks remain the property of their respective owners.
© 2014 Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved.

ii®

Issue 3
S14/27504/28314

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualTable of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction to Dolby Atmos Authoring Tools .......................................... 1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7

Dolby Atmos Overview ........................................................................................................ 1
Dolby Atmos System Overview ........................................................................................... 2
Dolby Atmos Metadata Flow with Different Setups ............................................................. 2
Dolby Atmos Monitor Application ........................................................................................ 4
Dolby Atmos Panner Plug-in ............................................................................................... 4
Optional Authoring Tools ..................................................................................................... 5
About This Manual .............................................................................................................. 6
1.7.1 Dolby Atmos Authoring Manuals ............................................................................... 6
1.8 Terminology ......................................................................................................................... 6
1.9 Questions or Feedback for Authoring ................................................................................. 7

Chapter 2 Installing the Dolby Atmos Authoring Tools ............................................. 9
2.1 Installing the Dolby Atmos Tools on a Pro Tools System ................................................... 9
2.1.1 Authorizing the Dolby Atmos Plug-ins ..................................................................... 10
2.2 Installing the Monitor Application on Additional Devices ................................................... 11
2.3 Getting Started (Overview) ................................................................................................ 11

Chapter 3 Setting Up a Pro Tools Session................................................................ 13
3.1 Dolby Atmos Format in Pro Tools ..................................................................................... 13
3.1.1 Dolby Atmos Format and Multichannel Mixing ........................................................ 14
3.1.2 Considerations When Routing Pro Tools Physical Outputs to RMU MADI Inputs .. 15
3.2 Pro Tools Session Requirements ...................................................................................... 16
3.3 Authoring in a Pro Tools Session ...................................................................................... 17
3.3.1 Working with the Bed ............................................................................................... 17
3.3.2 Working with Objects ............................................................................................... 18
3.4 Creating a Pro Tools Session for Dolby Atmos ................................................................. 18
3.4.1 Creating a New Pro Tools Session .......................................................................... 18
3.4.2 Reconfiguring an Existing Session .......................................................................... 19
3.4.3 Working with 23.98 fps............................................................................................. 20
3.5 Configuring I/O Setup ........................................................................................................ 21
3.5.1 Configuring Output ................................................................................................... 22
3.5.2 Configuring Input ...................................................................................................... 23
3.5.3 Bus Mapping ............................................................................................................ 24®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manualiii

3.6 Configuring Tracks and Signal Routing............................................................................. 24
3.7 Considerations for Hearing Dolby Atmos Audio ................................................................ 26
3.8 Working with Multiple Pro Tools Systems ......................................................................... 27

Chapter 4 Using the Dolby Atmos Monitor Application ........................................... 29
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4

Before Using the Monitor Application ................................................................................ 30
Launching the Monitor Application .................................................................................... 30
Waiting for Room Configuration Message ........................................................................ 31
Enabling Communication with the RMU............................................................................ 31
4.4.1 Enabling Communication from the Pro Tools Computer (Required) ....................... 32
4.4.2 Enabling Communication from Other Devices (Optional) ........................................ 33
4.4.3 Verifying Communication with the RMU .................................................................. 34
4.5 Loading a .dac Room Configuration File (Required) ......................................................... 34
4.5.1 Verifying the Room Configuration File ..................................................................... 36
4.6 Rendering .......................................................................................................................... 37
4.6.1 Rendering to the Dolby Atmos Format .................................................................... 37
4.6.2 Re-rendering to a Surround Format......................................................................... 38
4.7 Monitor Application Operation Modes ............................................................................... 40
4.7.1 Live Mode Monitoring of Pro Tools .......................................................................... 40
4.7.2 Recording a Dolby Atmos Print Master .................................................................... 41
4.7.3 Punching In and Out of a Print-Master Recording ................................................... 42
4.7.4 Playing Back a Print Master ..................................................................................... 43
4.8 Monitoring with the Dolby Atmos Monitor Application ....................................................... 44
4.8.1 Considerations for Hearing Dolby Atmos Audio ...................................................... 45
4.8.2 Selecting a Monitor Application View....................................................................... 46
4.8.3 Monitoring Objects ................................................................................................... 48
4.8.4 Monitoring RMU Outputs ......................................................................................... 53
4.8.5 Monitoring the Room Configuration and Speakers .................................................. 57
4.8.6 Dimming RMU Audio Output ................................................................................... 58
4.8.7 Changing the Gain of RMU Audio Output................................................................ 59
4.8.8 Muting RMU Audio Output ....................................................................................... 59
4.8.9 Monitoring Object Audio Only (Objects Only Mode) ................................................ 59
4.8.10 Clearing Clips in the RMU Output Meters ........................................................... 60
4.9 Monitor Application Keyboard Shortcuts Reference ......................................................... 61
4.10 Monitor Application Controls and Displays Overview ....................................................... 61
4.10.1 Monitor Application Window Header ................................................................... 62
4.10.2 Signal Generator ................................................................................................. 66

Chapter 5 Using the Panner Plug-in to Position Objects ......................................... 69
5.1 General Use of the Panner in Pro Tools ........................................................................... 71
5.2 Special Considerations when Using the Panner ............................................................... 71
5.3 Panner Plug-in Window Controls and Displays ................................................................ 71
5.3.1 Panner Virtual Room ................................................................................................ 72
5.3.2 Object Number Box .................................................................................................. 73
5.3.3 Operation Mode Buttons and Zones Selector.......................................................... 74
5.3.4 X/Y/Z Sliders and Position Displays ........................................................................ 75
5.3.5 Object Size Slider and Level Display ....................................................................... 76
5.3.6 Configuration Options Button ................................................................................... 79
5.3.7 Linking Selector (Stereo Plug-in Only)..................................................................... 80

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Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual

5.4 Inserting a Panner Plug-in in Pro Tools ............................................................................ 80
5.4.1 Manually Assigning an Object Number.................................................................... 81
5.4.2 Inserting Multiple Plug-ins and Automatically Assigning Object Numbers .............. 84
5.5 Controlling the Panner....................................................................................................... 85
5.5.1 Using a Joystick ....................................................................................................... 86
5.5.2 Using a Control Surface or Mixing Console ............................................................. 88
5.5.3 Positioning an Object Using a Mouse ...................................................................... 91
5.5.4 Positioning an Object Using a Keyboard ................................................................. 91
5.6 Operation Modes ............................................................................................................... 91
5.6.1 Bypass (Master Bypass) Mode ................................................................................ 91
5.6.2 Default Mode ............................................................................................................ 92
5.6.3 Using Elevation Mode .............................................................................................. 92
5.6.4 Using Elevation Snap Modes ................................................................................... 93
5.6.5 Recording Metadata from the RMU ......................................................................... 95
5.6.6 Using Speaker Snap Mode ...................................................................................... 99
5.6.7 Zones ....................................................................................................................... 99
5.7 Linking Stereo Panner Plug-in Controls .......................................................................... 100
5.7.1 Stereo Panner Linking Options .............................................................................. 101
5.8 Automating Panner Controls ........................................................................................... 102
5.9 Resizing the Panner Plug-in Window .............................................................................. 103

Chapter 6 Workflows................................................................................................. 105
6.1 Using Traditional Dolby 7.1 (or 5.1) Mix Audio Files to Create a Dolby Atmos Mix ........ 105
6.2 Using Traditional Dolby 7.1 (or 5.1) Mix Audio Channels and Console Automation toCreate a Dolby Atmos Mix............................................................................................... 112

Index ........................................................................................................................... 121®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manualv

List of Figures

Figure 1-1
Figure 1-2
Figure 1-3
Figure 1-4
Figure 1-5
Figure 1-6
Figure 1-7
Figure 1-8
Figure 3-1
Figure 3-2
Figure 3-3
Figure 3-4
Figure 3-5
Figure 3-6
Figure 4-1
Figure 4-2
Figure 4-3
Figure 4-6
Figure 4-7
Figure 4-8
Figure 4-9
Figure 4-10
Figure 4-11
Figure 4-12
Figure 4-13
Figure 4-14
Figure 4-15
Figure 4-16
Figure 4-17
Figure 4-18
Figure 4-19
Figure 4-20
Figure 4-21
Figure 4-22
Figure 4-23
Figure 4-24
Figure 4-25
Figure 4-26
Figure 4-27
Figure 4-28
Figure 4-29
Figure 4-30
Figure 4-31
Figure 4-32
Figure 4-33
Figure 4-34
Figure 5-1
Figure 5-2
Figure 5-3
vi

Simplified Dolby Atmos Block Diagram .................................................................................. 1
Basic Dolby Atmos System Block Diagram ............................................................................ 2
Basic Setup with Pro Tools Machine Sending Metadata to Dolby RMU ................................ 2
Page Table Control Surface Added to Basic Setup ................................................................ 3
System 5 and System 5 Panner Application or Other Client Application Added to Basic
Setup ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Mixing Console with Automation Engine Added to Basic Setup............................................. 3
Dolby Atmos Monitor Application ............................................................................................ 4
Panner Plug-in, Mono Version ................................................................................................ 5
Basic Dolby Atmos Block Diagram ....................................................................................... 14
Audio Routing Diagram ......................................................................................................... 16
Session Setup Window Configured for Dolby Atmos ........................................................... 19
I/O Setup Output, Configured for Dolby Atmos..................................................................... 22
I/O Setup Bus Mapping, Configured for Dolby Atmos .......................................................... 24
Dolby Atmos Tracks and Track Main Outputs Set to Dolby Atmos Paths ............................ 25
Dolby Atmos Monitor Application .......................................................................................... 29
Dolby Atmos Monitor Application Icon .................................................................................. 30
Waiting for Room Configuration Message in the Default Monitor Application Window ........ 31
Default Monitor Application Window (When Not Communicating from Pro Tools) ............... 32
Dolby Atmos Preferences ..................................................................................................... 33
Successful Connection Between Monitor and RMU Host Name .......................................... 34
Dolby RMU Web Client, Default Window.............................................................................. 35
Setting Management Section of the Maintenance Screen ................................................... 35
Successful Room Configuration in the Monitor Application Main Window ........................... 36
All View in the Monitor Application ........................................................................................ 46
Meters View in the Monitor Application ................................................................................. 47
Objects View Only in the Monitor Application ....................................................................... 48
Object Stream Circles and Stream Information .................................................................... 49
Object Stream Circles and Stream Information .................................................................... 49
Objects View Outline and Front Screen ................................................................................ 50
Rotated Display of Objects View .......................................................................................... 51
Side Display of Objects View ................................................................................................ 51
Overhead Display of Objects View ....................................................................................... 52
Objects View, Yellow and Transparent Fills Shown ............................................................. 52
Objects View, Blue Object .................................................................................................... 53
Rendering to Dolby Atmos Format, Ten Meters Shown ....................................................... 54
Rendering to 7.1 Channels, Eight Meters Shown ................................................................. 55
Rendering to 5.1 Channels, Six Meters Shown .................................................................... 56
Room Configuration in the Monitor Application Main Window .............................................. 57
Room Configuration Indicators ............................................................................................. 58
Successful Connection Between Monitor and RMU Host Name .......................................... 58
Objects Only Mode ............................................................................................................... 60
Monitor Application Window Header ..................................................................................... 62
Successful Connection Between Monitor and RMU ............................................................. 62
Generating Pink Noise to a Speaker (Speaker Icon with a Box) .......................................... 66
Generating Pink Noise to a Speaker (Speaker Icon with a Box) .......................................... 67
Generating Pink Noise to the Rss Speaker Array................................................................. 68
Dolby Atmos Panner Plug-in, Mono Version ........................................................................ 70
Panner Virtual Room Elements ............................................................................................ 72
Default Dolby Atmos Panner Plug-in with No Number Assignment ..................................... 74®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualFigure 5-4
Figure 5-5
Figure 5-6
Figure 5-7
Figure 5-8
Figure 5-9
Figure 5-10
Figure 5-11
Figure 5-12
Figure 5-13
Figure 5-14
Figure 6-1
Figure 6-2
Figure 6-3
Figure 6-4
Figure 6-5
Figure 6-6
Figure 6-7
Figure 6-8

Increasing Object Size from the Room Center. .................................................................... 77
Increasing Object Size from a Side Wall .............................................................................. 78
Configuration Options Button ................................................................................................ 79
Dolby Atmos Panner Plug-in for a Stereo Track ................................................................... 80
Configuration Options Button in a Panner Plug-in ................................................................ 82
Object ID Selector in a Panner Plug-in ................................................................................. 83
Renderer Connection Status in the Object ID Section ......................................................... 84
Selecting the Joystick Device ............................................................................................... 88
Configuration Options Button in a Panner Plug-in ................................................................ 97
Recorder Mode Button in a Panner Plug-in .......................................................................... 98
Linking Selector in a Stereo Panner Plug-in, Set to Mirrored ............................................. 101
Basic Dolby Atmos System Block Diagram ........................................................................ 105
I/O Setup Output, Configured for Dolby Atmos................................................................... 106
VCA Master Tracks Assigned to Each Effects and Foley Premix ...................................... 107
Mix/Edit Groups in Pro Tools Groups Window, Active Groups in Gray .............................. 108
Pro Tools Mix Window, Showing VCA Master Tracks Only ............................................... 109
Pro Tools Edit Window, Showing Dialogue Reverb Returns with VCA Master Tracks ...... 111
7.1 Mix Stage Mirrored by Dolby Atmos Mix Stage ............................................................ 112
Dolby Atmos Mix Stage Block Diagram .............................................................................. 113®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manualvii

List of Tables

Table 1-1
Table 1-2
Table 3-1
Table 3-2
Table 3-3
Table 4-1
Table 5-1
Table 5-2

viii

Abbreviations .......................................................................................................................... 6
Dolby Atmos Channel Abbreviations ...................................................................................... 7
Dolby Atmos Specification for Pro Tools .............................................................................. 14
Rendering and Mastering Unit MADI Inputs in a Dolby Atmos System ................................ 15
I/O Setup Specification for Dolby Atmos ............................................................................... 21
Monitor Application Shortcuts Reference ............................................................................. 61
JLCooper MCS-Panner Joystick Switch and Knob Reference for Dolby Atmos Panner ..... 86
Panner Support by Control Surfaces and Mixing Consoles ................................................. 89®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualChapter 1

Chapter 1

Introduction to Dolby Atmos Authoring Tools®

All Dolby Atmos systems include the following primary authoring tools:•

Dolby Atmos Monitor application•

Dolby Atmos Panner plug-in

Use these tools to author sound for digital cinema and to create a print master. You canalso use the Monitor application to play back a print master.
®

The Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit (RMU), the core intelligent component of the
Dolby Atmos audio authoring system, includes preinstalled software for various tasks ina Dolby Atmos authoring workflow. You use the Dolby Atmos Designer application to
calibrate the mix stage and create a room configuration, and you use the Dolby RMU
web client in tandem with the Monitor application to modify Renderer software
operations (for example, to load a room configuration, listen to a Dolby Atmos mix,
record a print master, or play back a print master). See the manual for your Dolby
Rendering and Mastering Unit for detailed information.
For information on additional authoring tools, see Optional Authoring Tools.

1.1

Dolby Atmos Overview
A Dolby Atmos mix consists of three primary elements:•

Bed audio (or bed material): Channel-based premixes or stems (including theirmultichannel panning)•

Object audio (or objects): Mono or stereo soundtrack content that have dedicatedpanning (via Dolby Atmos metadata)•

Dolby Atmos metadata: Panner automation for objects, plus additional metadata

Figure 1-1

Simplified Dolby Atmos Block Diagram

Chapter 1®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual1Introduction to Dolby Atmos Authoring Tools

1.2

Dolby Atmos System Overview®

®

In a basic Dolby Atmos system, one or more Avid Pro Tools machines define the audio
and metadata.
•

Pro Tools multichannel tracks and signal routing define bed and object audio. HighDefinition Multichannel Audio Digital Interface (HD MADI) format interfaces
receive audio from Pro Tools and send it to the Dolby RMU.

•

Panner plug-ins on audio tracks in Pro Tools that contain object audio, along with
their automation playlists, define Dolby Atmos metadata. One or more Pro Tools
machines route metadata directly to the Dolby RMU via Ethernet.

Figure 1-2

1.3

Basic Dolby Atmos System Block Diagram

Dolby Atmos Metadata Flow with Different Setups
The flow of metadata in a Dolby Atmos system is dependent on the type of system setup.
There are four primary Dolby Atmos system setups for sending metadata (and audio) to
the RMU:•

One or more Pro Tools machines sending metadata to Dolby RMU

Figure 1-3

2

Basic Setup with Pro Tools Machine Sending Metadata to Dolby RMU®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualDolby Atmos Metadata Flow with Different Setups•®

Figure 1-4•

Page Table Control Surface Added to Basic Setup

Mixing console (such as an Avid System 5 or AMS Neve DFC Gemini) withsupporting software, or other client application sending metadata to the Dolby RMU(and onward to Pro Tools, which in turn sends all metadata back to the RMU)

Figure 1-5•™

Page table control surface (such as an Avid D-Command or Avid D-Control )added to a system with one or more Pro Tools machines sending metadata to Dolby
RMU

System 5 and System 5 Panner Application or Other Client Application Added to
Basic Setup

Console as automation master; mixing console (such as an AMS Neve DFC Gemini),with automation engine sending metadata to the Dolby RMU, and Pro Tools
recording the metadata (via Recorder mode in Panner plug-ins)

Figure 1-6®

Mixing Console with Automation Engine Added to Basic Setup

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual3Introduction to Dolby Atmos Authoring Tools

1.4

Dolby Atmos Monitor Application
Use the Dolby Atmos Monitor application for audio and visual monitoring of the Dolby
RMU as it renders audio and Dolby Atmos metadata.
The Monitor application provides controls for the RMU renderer. Use it to:•

Change the rendering mode of the RMU between Dolby Atmos and traditional
7.1 or 5.1 channel-based mixes•

Record a print master•

Play back a print master•

Connect a machine to the RMU and its renderer

The Monitor application includes a bar meter, object signal present indicators, and an
object positional display. It also provides the active speaker configuration, whichcontains signal present indicators and speaker mutes. Controls (such as mute andattenuation) are provided for B-chain control.

Figure 1-7

1.5

Dolby Atmos Monitor Application

Dolby Atmos Panner Plug-in
Use the Dolby Panner plug-in to position audio objects (such as effects) in a threedimensional audio field. Panner plug-ins are inserted on each Pro Tools mono or stereo

4®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualOptional Authoring Tools

track designated for an object. Plug-in panner position and other Dolby Atmos metadata
can be written to Pro Tools automation playlists. Pro Tools sends the automation
metadata to the RMU (via Ethernet), along with audio from Pro Tools outputs to the
RMU (via MADI), for rendering during monitoring or print-master recording.

Figure 1-8

1.6

Panner Plug-in, Mono Version

Optional Authoring Tools
Depending on your Dolby Atmos system and workflow, you may also use optional
authoring tools:•

Local Renderer Plug-in Suite: The Dolby Atmos Local Renderer plug-in suite (or local
renderer) lets you create, edit, and monitor Dolby Atmos material in a mix room oredit suite that is not configured with a Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit (RMU).
See the manual for your Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit.

•

Avid System 5 console: For systems with Avid System 5 mixing consoles, you can doeither of the following:••

Use the System 5 Panner EUCON application from Dolby. This application
provides support for mapping x- and y-axis positioning of a Dolby Atmos object
to joysticks on an Avid System 5, as well as mapping the panner controls of each
Dolby Atmos object to a dedicated channel strip (or panner strip). See the System
5 Panner Application for Dolby Atmos Manual.

•

Use the System 5 v6.0 software update from Avid. This update has direct RMU
communication enabled. See your console documentation.

AMS Neve DFC console: See your console documentation.

®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual5Introduction to Dolby Atmos Authoring Tools•

1.7

Harrison MPC or Trion console running the IKIS automation engine: See yourconsole documentation.

About This ManualThis manual provides information for getting started with Dolby Atmos authoring tools
in a Dolby Atmos system:•

Introduction to Dolby Authoring Tools•

Installing the Dolby Atmos Authoring Tools•

Setting Up Pro Tools Sessions•

Using the Dolby Atmos Monitor•

WorkflowsThis manual is for engineers, sound designers, and others who use Dolby Atmos tools for
authoring sound for digital cinema and to create a print master.

1.7.1

Dolby Atmos Authoring Manuals
Use the primary Dolby Atmos authoring manuals in the following order:

1.8•

What's New in Dolby Atmos Mixing Tools: Refer to this manual for update installation
instructions, new features and improvements, and known issues for Dolby Atmos
mixing tools.

•

Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit Manual for Cinema User Manual: Refer to thismanual to install and connect your Dolby RMU hardware interface in a Dolby Atmos
authoring system for cinema, and then set up and use RMU software preinstalled on
the Dolby RMU.

•

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual: Refer to this manual to create andwork with Dolby Atmos material by using Dolby Atmos tools and other authoring
software.

Terminology
The following table lists abbreviations used throughout this document.
Table 1-1

Abbreviations

Abbreviation
LTC

Linear timecode

MADI

Multichannel Audio Digital Interface

M&E

Music and Effects

RMU

Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit®

6

Definition

®

SDDS

Sony Dynamic Digital Sound

UI

User interface®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualQuestions or Feedback for Authoring

The following table lists channel notations used in this document.
Table 1-2

Dolby Atmos Channel Abbreviations

Abbreviation

1.9

Channel

L

Left

R

Right

C

CenterS

Surround

Ls

Left Surround

Rs

Right Surround

Lsr

Left Surround Rear

Rsr

Right Surround Rear

Lss

Left Side Surround

Rss

Rear Side Surround

Lts

Left Top Surround

Rts

Right Top Surround

LFE

Low-Frequency Effects

Questions or Feedback for Authoring
If you have questions or comments about this document, please contact technicalpublications (documentation@dolby.com).
If you have technical questions about this product, please contact
CinemaSupport@dolby.com.

®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual

7Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Installing the Dolby Atmos Authoring Tools®

The Dolby Atmos authoring tools installer includes:••

Primary authoring tools:•

Dolby Atmos Monitor application.

•

Dolby Atmos Panner plug-in.

Optional authoring tools:
System 5 Panner application. See the System 5 Panner Application for Dolby Atmos
Manual.

•2.1

Installing the Dolby Atmos Tools on a Pro Tools System
®

®

®

®

You must install the authoring tools on an Apple Mac OS X computer running an®
®
Avid Pro Tools |HDX or |HD system qualified for Dolby Atmos.
Note:

The Monitor application located on the Pro Tools computer system isrequired for establishing communication between Panner plug-ins in
Pro Tools and the RMU. See Communicating from the Pro Tools System.
Following installation, the Monitor application can be installed on
additional devices for dedicated (or secondary) monitoring.

The Dolby Atmos authoring tools installer includes a 64-bit version of the Panner plug-in
and a 32-bit version. The 64-bit Panner is required for Dolby Atmos systems with Avid
Pro Tools 11.2.1 running on Mac OS X 10.9.4 (Mavericks). The 32-bit version of thePanner is included for Pro Tools 10.3.9 systems running on Mac OS X 10.8.5 (MountainLion). For full requirements, refer to your Dolby Content Services representative.
To install the Dolby Atmos authoring tools:
1.

Quit Pro Tools if it is running.

2.

If updating, quit the Dolby Atmos Monitor application if it is running.

3.

Double-click the DolbyAtmosTools installer package.

4.

Follow the onscreen instructions.
When installation is completed, the tools and their supporting files are written to
disk.

File (and File Name)

Location After Installation

Dolby Atmos Monitor (Dolby Atmos
Monitor.app)/Applications/Dolby folder

Chapter 2®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual9Installing the Dolby Atmos Authoring Tools

File (and File Name)
Dolby Atmos Panner plug-in(Dolby Atmos Panner.aaxplugin)

Location After Installation
The Pro Tools Plug-Ins folder for AAX format plug-ins

System 5 Panner application (system5panner) /Applications/Dolby folder

After installation has completed, verify that the Dolby Atmos Panner plug-in license is on
a USB iLok attached to the Pro Tools system.
The licenses authorize your system to use the Dolby Atmos plug-ins. See
Authorizing the Dolby Atmos Plug-ins.
Note:

2.1.1

The System 5 Panner application can coexist on a™
computer with a Pro Tools session open, but EUCON
mode must be disabled in Pro Tools (in Setup > Peripherals> Ethernet Controllers). For example, use a Pro Tools
computer dedicated to video, which does not require
System 5 control of Pro Tools. For more information, see
the System 5 Panner Application for Dolby Atmos Manual.

Authorizing the Dolby Atmos Plug-ins
Dolby Atmos plug-ins use PACE iLok antipiracy software. The Dolby Atmos Pannerplug-in license stored on a USB iLok key (not supplied) authorizes your system to use thePanner plug-in.
Insert the iLok into an available USB port before opening Pro Tools. The iLok key mustremain in the USB port while Pro Tools is in use.
The iLok License Manager, downloadable from the iLok website (www.ilok.com), enables
you to manage the licenses for all of your iLok-protected applications in one place.
To register your license:

101.

Make sure you have a physical iLok USB smart key (not supplied) and that it isinserted on a USB port on your computer.

2.

If you do not have an existing account, go to www.ilok.com and follow the directions tosign up for a free account.

3.

If you do not have iLok License Manager installed on one of your computers, go to
www.ilok.com and follow the directions to download it.

4.

Launch the iLok License Manager.

5.

In the iLok License Manager window, sign in to your account.

6.

Click (highlight) your account name in the navigation bar.

®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualInstalling the Monitor Application on Additional Devices

7.

View the available licenses for your account and drag the licenses to your iLok.
®

Note:

If you have been given license codes for your Dolby applications, use theiLok License Manager to load the licenses to your new or existing iLok
key.

iLok Zero Downtime Coverage
The iLok Zero DownTime program enables iLok owners to immediately replace licenses
in case an iLok is broken, lost, or stolen. Visit www.ilok.com for program details andrestrictions.

2.2

Installing the Monitor Application on Additional Devices
You can install one or more dedicated Monitor applications on devices other than the Pro
Tools computer for Dolby Atmos. In this scenario, each secondary Monitor application
enables communication with the Dolby RMU for RMU monitoring only.
For information on enabling secondary Monitor applications, see Communicating from
Other Devices.
Note:

Secondary Monitor applications do not establish communication between
the Panner plug-ins in Pro Tools and the RMU. Communication between
the Panner plug-ins in Pro Tools and the RMU must first be established on
the Pro Tools computer. See Communicating from the Pro Tools System.

To install the Monitor application on a different Mac OS X computer:

2.3

1.

If the destination computer does not have Pro Tools installed on it, create an/Applications/Dolby folder.

2.

On the destination computer, double-click the DolbyAtmosTools installer package.

3.

Follow the onscreen instructions.

Getting Started (Overview)
Before you begin using Dolby Atmos authoring tools, verify the following:•

The RMU hardware interface is installed and connected in a Dolby Atmos
authoring system, as described in the manual for your Dolby Rendering and
Mastering Unit.

•

Dolby RMU software has been set up, as described in the manual for your Dolby
Rendering and Mastering Unit. For cinema, this includes calibrating the mix
stage, creating an RMU room configuration using Dolby Atmos Designer
software, and then loading the room configuration using the Dolby RMU web
client.

®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual11Installing the Dolby Atmos Authoring Tools

Here is an overview of how to use Dolby Atmos authoring tools in a basic authoring
workflow:1.

Power on the Pro Tools system and individual Pro Tools machines, as described in
Pro Tools documentation.

2.

Power on the Dolby RMU.

3.

Launch the Dolby Atmos Monitor application on the primary Pro Tools machine, andenable communication with the RMU.

4.

Set up Pro Tools sessions and insert Panner plug-ins for Dolby Atmos, as needed.

5.

If using an Avid System 5 mixing console to control Dolby Atmos metadata, set up
the System 5:a.

Launch the System 5 eMix software and appropriate routing.

b.

Launch the System 5 Panner on the machine it is installed on. For more
information, see the System 5 Panner Application for Dolby Atmos Manual.

c.

Create panner strips on the console. For more information, see the System 5
Panner Application for Dolby Atmos Manual.

6.

If using an AMS Neve DFC console to author in the Dolby Atmos format, refer toyour console documentation.

7.

If using a Harrison MPC or Trion console running the IKIS automation engine toauthor in the Dolby Atmos format, refer to your console documentation.

8.

In Pro Tools, record panner automation for Panner plug-ins.

9.

Play back the Dolby Atmos session to audition audio from the RMU outputs.
If audio is inaudible, refer to Hearing Dolby Atmos Audio.

10. When the Dolby Atmos mix is completed, create a Dolby Atmos print master.
See Recording a Dolby Atmos Print Master.

12®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualChapter 3

Chapter 3

Setting Up a Pro Tools Session®

Use Pro Tools digital audio workstation software for primary authoring in the Dolby®
Atmos format.
®

®

®

®

Dolby Atmos authoring tools are supported on an Apple Mac OS X computer®
®
running an Avid Pro Tools |HDX or |HD system qualified for Dolby Atmos. For more®
information about Dolby Atmos system requirements, refer to your Dolby Content
Services representative.
Note:

3.1

You can use a mixing console with an automation engine (such as the AMS
Neve DFC) instead of Pro Tools, or in conjunction with Pro Tools, toauthor in the Dolby Atmos format. Refer to your control surface or console
documentation.

Dolby Atmos Format in Pro Tools
Before creating a Pro Tools session for Dolby Atmos, you should review the Dolby Atmos
format and how it relates to Pro Tools multichannel mixing.

Chapter 3®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual

13

Setting Up a Pro Tools Session

3.1.1

Dolby Atmos Format and Multichannel Mixing
The Dolby Atmos format is built from audio bed material and objects in Pro Tools session
tracks (per the Dolby Atmos specification for Pro Tools), plus metadata, which is definedby Panner plug-ins inserted on object tracks.

Figure 3-1

Basic Dolby Atmos Block Diagram

The total number of objects that can be routed via a MADI stream differs when using a
mixing console that supports 56 channels (varispeed) only.
Table 3-1

Dolby Atmos Specification for Pro Tools

Audio
Elements

Playback
Voices(In Pro Tools)

Multichannel
Mixing Format

Channels and Track Layout

Bed

10

9.1

L, C, R, Lss, Rss, Lsr, Rsr, and LFE;
Lts and Rts (on separate bus)

Objects

Up to 118

Mono or stereo

C for mono; L and R for stereo

Total

Up to 128

Audio Elements
There are two types of content for Dolby Atmos: bed and objects. The bed refers tochannel-based premixes or stems (including their multichannel panning). Objects refer tomono or stereo soundtrack content. Objects have dedicated panning via Dolby Atmos
metadata (provided by Panner plug-ins and their automation playlists).

Playback Voices (In Pro Tools)
This is the total number of audio streams that you can route to and from Pro Tools audio
tracks, and physical audio outputs and inputs on your Pro Tools audio interfaces. In a
Dolby Atmos system, the primary Pro Tools audio interfaces are two Avid HD MADI
interfaces. This is the recommended configuration when working in Pro Tools directly.
14®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualDolby Atmos Format in Pro Tools

When working with a mixing console (such as an Avid System 5 or AMS Neve DFC),
there are typically several Pro Tools playback machines with smaller source sessions.

Multichannel Mixing Format
This is the number and type of channel outputs required for Dolby Atmos. In Pro Tools,
the 9.1 format represents the bed, and is mapped as a 7.1 bed output, plus a stereo
overhead output. Objects are mapped individually to mono and stereo outputs.

Channels and Track Layout
These are the default channel assignments (or mono subpaths) and their ordering (forexample, in channel outputs and meters). Channels are configured in I/O Setup and areavailable for use as track outputs and sends in the session. For greater-than-stereo
multichannel tracks, Pro Tools internal routing uses standard film channel ordering.
Note:

3.1.2

Channel layout for Pro Tools outputs and meters do not match theordering of the MADI inputs of the Dolby RMU. Internally, Pro Tools uses
film channel ordering. RMU Inputs use SMPTE/ITU channel ordering. See
Routing Pro Tools Physical Outputs to RMU MADI Inputs.

Considerations When Routing Pro Tools Physical Outputs to RMU MADI
InputsThe Dolby RMU MADI inputs use SMPTE/ITU channel ordering. When configuring Pro
Tools physical output paths in I/O Setup, order the outputs to match the ordering of the
MADI inputs of the RMU, according to the assignments listed in the following table.
Table 3-2

Rendering and Mastering Unit MADI Inputs in a Dolby Atmos System

1

2

3

4

L

R

C

LFE Lss

®

5

6

7

8

9

10

Rss Lsr

Rsr

Lts

Rts

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual

11 to 128
C for mono object tracks;
L and R for stereo object tracks

15

Setting Up a Pro Tools Session

These assignments are defined in the I/O Setup Output page.

Figure 3-2

3.2

Audio Routing Diagram

Pro Tools Session Requirements
A Pro Tools session for Dolby Atmos has the following requirements:•

To ensure communication between the RMU and Panner plug-ins in Pro Tools, aswell as with the Dolby Atmos Monitor application, power on the system as follows:a.

Power on the Pro Tools machine.

b.

Power on the Dolby RMU.

c.

Launch the renderer on the RMU.

d. Launch the Dolby Atmos Monitor application on the Pro Tools machine.

•e.

Connect the Monitor application to the Dolby RMU network.

f.

Launch Pro Tools and open a session.

48 kHz session sample rate:•

16

The Dolby RMU supports 48 kHz sessions only. If working with different sample
rates during sound creation or premixing, you need to change the session sample
rate prior to working with the RMU.

®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualAuthoring in a Pro Tools Session••

24 fps session timecode rate:•

The Dolby RMU creates 24 fps print masters from 24 fps sessions only. If you are
not working with a 24 fps session, see Working with a Timecode Rate Other than
24 FPS.

•For 24 fps sessions, set Audio Rate Pull Up/Down and Video Rate Pull/Down to
None.

I/O Setup (output and bus mapping) in Pro Tools configured for the Dolby Atmos bed

and objects.

3.3•

Session tracks in Pro Tools configured for the Dolby Atmos bed and objects.

•

Panner plug-in considerations for best plug-in performance and results in Pro Tools.

Authoring in a Pro Tools Session
Authoring for Dolby Atmos in a Pro Tools session consists of creating, mixing, andmanaging audio material designated as beds and objects. A completed Pro Tools session
for Dolby Atmos is a mix of beds and objects (including their metadata) sent to the Dolby
RMU for rendering.
Use one or more sessions to support the authoring process and creation of the print
master for exhibition.
Dolby Atmos mixes are typically created from individual Pro Tools sessions (forexample, for each "reel" of the soundtrack). You can combine the reels in a single Pro
Tools session, and print master the session as a full soundtrack. Alternatively, you canprint master each reel separately, and then stitch them together in the RMU to form thefull soundtrack.

3.3.1

Working with the Bed
In Pro Tools, working with the bed for a Dolby Atmos mix is generally the same as
traditional methods for working with multichannel stems for a surround or stereo
format. One or more tracks for a given stem (such as the music stem) are still output (orsent) to a multichannel format. With Dolby Atmos, this is the 7.1 portion of the bed.
Additionally, bed material for overhead speakers is output to stereo. Surround and stereo
panning are still performed using the Pro Tools Panner Grid, pan automation editing, or
a Pro Tools hardware control surface.
The primary difference when working with bed material in the Dolby Atmos format isconfiguring the session I/O Setup and signal routing so that the session meets the Dolby
Atmos specification and provides ten channels of audio to the Dolby RMU. Use the
Dolby Atmos Monitor application while authoring in Pro Tools to listen to the RMU
output of the bed, objects, and the effect of object metadata, in real time. In addition, it isimportant to decide which material is suited for the bed (7.1 output or stereo overheads),
as opposed to material that would benefit from precision positioning that can be applied
to objects.

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Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual

17

Setting Up a Pro Tools Session

3.3.2

Working with Objects
Pro Tools tracks for objects in a Dolby Atmos mix use mono and stereo signal paths,
which, like the bed, are also configured in the session I/O Setup. However, instead ofusing Pro Tools built-in mono and stereo panning controls on each object track, youinsert a Dolby Atmos Panner plug-in and use its controls. The Dolby Atmos Panner plugin provides controls to write automation for Dolby Atmos metadata (pan position andother object metadata) to the track automation playlist. For example, the metadata places
the object at a single point in a zone (or speaker zone), or moves it across one or morezones.
Typically, Dolby Atmos metadata is applied to audio at the RMU. Metadata in theautomation playlist does not affect the sound within the Pro Tools session. Use the Dolby
Atmos Monitor application while authoring in Pro Tools to listen to the RMU output of
the bed, objects, and the effect of metadata, in real time.
Note:

To hear audio from an object track at the RMU, the object must exist in Pro
Tools (that is, the track Panner plug-in must have an object number
assigned to it), and I/O Setup must be configured for Dolby Atmos.
When the object exists, auxiliary input tracks and other tracks that route to
the same object output path will also output at the RMU.

The combination of objects supported by paths in the I/O Setup and primed for use with
Dolby Atmos Panner plug-ins ensures that the session meets the Dolby Atmos
specification and provides audio and metadata for up to 118 objects to the RMU for
rendering. As noted previously, it is important to designate as an object any material that
benefits from precision panning.

3.4

Creating a Pro Tools Session for Dolby Atmos
Apply the Dolby Atmos specification for Pro Tools when creating a new Pro Tools
session, or when reconfiguring an existing session (for example, when changing a 7.1- or
5.1-channel session to a Dolby Atmos session).

3.4.1

Creating a New Pro Tools Session
This section provides steps for creating a Pro Tools session in the Dolby Atmos standard
timecode rate (24 fps). If you are working with 23.98.fps, see Working with 23.98 fps.
To create a new Pro Tools session for Dolby Atmos authoring:1.

Choose File > New Session.

2.

Select the Create Blank Session option.

3.

Select the audio file type, sample rate (48 kHz), and desired bit depth.
You can work with different sample rates during sound creation or premixing, but
you must change the session sample rate prior to working with the RMU.

18®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualCreating a Pro Tools Session for Dolby Atmos

4.

From the I/O Settings menu, select Stereo Mix.
You can create the required multichannel output and bus paths for Dolby Atmos
after the session is opened.

5.

Click OK.
The new session launches.

6.

Choose Setup > Session.

7.

In the Format section, set Timecode Rate to 24 fps.

Figure 3-3

8.

9.

Session Setup Window Configured for Dolby Atmos

In the Timecode Settings section:a.

Set Audio Rate Pull Up/Down to None.

b.

Set Video Rate Pull Up/Down to None.

Create output and bus paths in the I/O Setup, per the Dolby Atmos specification.

10. Create tracks to support beds and objects, per the Dolby Atmos specification.

3.4.2

Reconfiguring an Existing Session
To reconfigure an existing Pro Tools session for Dolby Atmos authoring:1.

For 24 fps timecode sessions, confirm the settings:•

Session Sample Rate: 48 kHz•

Timecode Rate: 24 fps•

Audio Rate Pull Up/Down: None•

Video Rate Pull Up/Down: None2.

For 23.98 fps sessions, see Working with 23.98 fps.

3.

Redo output and bus paths in I/O Setup, per the Dolby Atmos specification.

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Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual

19Setting Up a Pro Tools Session

4.

3.4.3

In the Pro Tools session, change existing tracks (and create new tracks, as needed) tosupport beds and objects, per the Dolby Atmos specification.

Working with 23.98 fps
When working with a timecode rate of 23.98 fps, you can apply pull up/down andsample-rate conversion at the following times:•

When recording the mix session•

Before print mastering the session

The advantage of applying pull up/down when recording the session is that the Pro
Tools print master is in the identical format as the RMU master (48 kHz, 24 fps), andsample-rate conversion is applied during the mix (instead of during print-masterrecording).

Applying Pull Up/Down and Sample-Rate Conversion When Recording a 23.98
fps Session
To apply pull up/down and sample-rate conversion when recording a mix session in
23.98 fps:
1.

Launch the session.

2.

Choose Setup > Session.

3.

In the Format section, set Sample Rate to 48 kHz.

4.

In the Format section, set the Timecode Rate to 23.98 fps.

5.

In the Timecode Settings section:

6.

a.

Set Audio Rate Pull Up/Down to 0.1% Down.

b.

Set Video Rate Pull Up/Down to None.

Choose Setup > Hardware, and enable sample-rate conversion for both HD MADI
interfaces.

Applying Pull Up/Down and Sample-Rate Conversion Before Print Mastering a23.98 fps Session
To apply pull up/down and sample-rate conversion before print mastering a 23.98 fps
session to the RMU:
1.

Launch the session.

2.

Choose Setup > Session.

3.

In the Format section, set Sample Rate to 48 kHz.

4.

In the Format section, set the Timecode Rate to 24 fps.

5.

In the Timecode Settings section:

6.

20

a.

Set Audio Rate Pull Up/Down to 0.1% Up.

b.

Set Video Rate Pull Up/Down to 0.1% Up.

Choose Setup > Hardware, and enable sample-rate conversion for the output of both
HD MADI interfaces.
®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualConfiguring I/O Setup

3.5

Configuring I/O Setup
You must configure Pro Tools I/O and signal routing for Dolby Atmos after creating a
new session for Dolby Atmos, or when reconfiguring an existing surround session to
Dolby Atmos. Pro Tools I/O and signal routing will be determined by the paths definedin the I/O Setup.
Pro Tools sessions for Dolby Atmos should have their I/O Setup (output and bus
mapping) configured for beds and objects, as listed in the following table.
Table 3-3

I/O Setup Specification for Dolby Atmos

,

Audio
Elements

Number of
Buses

Multichannel
FormatBuses Mapped to
Output Name
(Recommended
Names)

Buses Mapped to Output
Physical Channels

Beds

One or more

7.1

Atmos 7.1 Bed

Channels 1–8 of first HD MADI
interface

Beds(overheads)

One or more

StereoAtmos OH Bed

Channels 9–10 of first HD
MADI interface

Objects

Up to 118

Mono or stereo

Object 1 (and so on)

Channels 11 and higher of two
HD MADI interfaces

Note:

We recommend you create an I/O Setup for Dolby Atmos in Pro Tools andexport it for future use. See Pro Tools documentation for steps on how toexport and import settings in the I/O Setup.

Note:

For better flexibility when working with objects, create stereo object
outputs with mono subpaths.

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Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual

21

Setting Up a Pro Tools Session

3.5.1

Configuring Output
In I/O Setup, create output paths for Pro Tools tracks and map them to physical outputs
on the HD MADI interfaces.

Figure 3-4

I/O Setup Output, Configured for Dolby Atmos

To configure the I/O Setup output for Dolby Atmos:
1.

In the Pro Tools session for Dolby Atmos, open the I/O Setup dialog and click the
Output tab.

2.

Set 5.1 Path Order to L R C LFE Ls Rs (SMPTE/ITU).
This ensures that new 5.1 output paths default to mapping the physical outputs ofthe first HD MADI interface to the same channel ordering as the RMU inputs.

3.

4.

22

For the 7.1 path:a.

Create a new 7.1 path.

b.

Name it Atmos 7.1 Bed.

c.

Map it to HD MADI channels 1–8.

For the overheads:a.

Add a stereo path (or use an existing stereo path).

b.

Name it Atmos OH Bed.

c.

Map it to HD MADI channels 9–10.

®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualConfiguring I/O Setup

5.

For objects:
a.

Note:

Add (or use existing) mono and stereo paths for objects.
For more flexibility, use stereo object outputs with mono subpaths (createdon the Bus page). This configuration allows for using the output on stereo
or mono object tracks.

Note:

b.

Name them Object x (for mono) and Object x-x (for stereo).

c.

Map them to respective HD MADI channels (starting with channel 11).
To hear audio from an object track at the RMU, the object must exist in Pro
Tools (that is, the track Panner plug-in must have an object number
assigned to it), and I/O Setup must be configured for Dolby Atmos.
When the object exists, auxiliary input tracks and other tracks that route to
the same object output path will also output at the RMU.

6.

Click OK.

For more information on how to create output paths in Pro Tools, refer to Pro Tools
documentation.

3.5.2

Configuring Input
There is no required I/O Setup input configuration for Dolby Atmos.

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Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual

23

Setting Up a Pro Tools Session

3.5.3

Bus Mapping
Buses for output paths are automatically created and mapped after output paths havebeen created in the I/O Setup dialog.

Figure 3-5

I/O Setup Bus Mapping, Configured for Dolby Atmos

To see I/O Setup bus mapping for Dolby Atmos:
1.

In the Pro Tools session for Dolby Atmos, open the I/O Setup dialog.

2.

Click the Bus tab.

For more information on bus paths in Pro Tools, refer to Pro Tools documentation.

3.6

Configuring Tracks and Signal Routing
A Pro Tools session for Dolby Atmos includes a combination of audio beds (inmultichannel audio tracks) and objects (in mono or stereo audio tracks). You must
configure audio tracks for Dolby Atmos after creating a new session for Dolby Atmos, orwhen reconfiguring an existing surround session to Dolby Atmos.

24®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualConfiguring Tracks and Signal Routing

Use the following layout for a Dolby Atmos session:•

One or more audio tracks for output bed stems, in 7.1 track format, with 7.1-channel
output path•

One or more audio tracks for the overheads that are part of the beds, in stereo trackformat, with stereo output path•

Audio tracks for objects, in mono or stereo format, with mono or stereo output path

The following figure shows how to create tracks and lay them out to support the Dolby
Atmos mix.

Figure 3-6

Dolby Atmos Tracks and Track Main Outputs Set to Dolby Atmos Paths

In the figure, music, dialogue, and effects beds (stems) are mixed to 9.1 (as separate 7.1
and stereo overhead bed paths), while stereo and mono objects have their own tracks.
Each object track has a Panner plug-in to define the Dolby Atmos metadata that is sent to
the RMU. (See Using the Panner Plug-in to Position Objects.)®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual

25

Setting Up a Pro Tools Session

Note:

Audio from an object track outputs at the RMU only when the object exists
in Pro Tools and has the proper I/O Setup routing.

Alternatively, you can route multichannel sends (instead of track main outputs) to a
multichannel path. See Pro Tools documentation for more information.
Note:

3.7

We recommend you create a Pro Tools session template for Dolby Atmos(including track layout, signal routing, and plug-ins) for future use. See
Pro Tools documentation for steps on how to create session templates.

Considerations for Hearing Dolby Atmos Audio
Bed and object audio from Pro Tools are routed to the Dolby RMU inputs, and are thenrouted to the RMU outputs.
To hear bed and object audio, keep in mind the following:26•

Bed tracks route to channel outputs that are mapped to the MADI I/O, as configured
in I/O Setup, and then route to the Dolby RMU for rendering. Monitor bed audio
from the Dolby RMU. Bed audio material outputs from the first ten channel outputsof the Dolby RMU.

•

Object tracks route to channel outputs that are mapped to MADI I/O, as configured
in I/O Setup. To hear audio from the Dolby RMU output, the object track in Pro Tools
must have a Panner plug-in with an object number assignment.

•

The Monitor application must be communicating with the Dolby RMU renderer (viaa host name or IP address) and have a valid room configuration loaded.

•

In the Monitor application, the following controls affect audio presence or level:•

The linear timecode (LTC) button in the transport: This button must be disabled(unlit) for Pro Tools to output audio to the Dolby RMU, for live monitoring.

•

The mute button in the transport: This button must be disabled for audio to bepresent at the RMU.

•

Muted speakers in the room configuration: Any speaker that is muted results in
no audio from that speaker. If all active speakers are muted, no sound will beheard from the Dolby RMU.

•

The DIM button in the transport: When enabled, this button lowers the volume ofsignal at the Dolby RMU output by −20 dB. Low level content may be inaudible.

•

The output attenuation (ATTEN) control in the transport: When this control is set
to –Inf (negative infinity), audio is effectively muted. The attenuator is not
displayed by default. If it is not displayed, press<Control>+<Option>+<Command>+<A> to display the control and verify it is not
set to –Inf.

®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual

Working with Multiple Pro Tools Systems•

3.8

In the Dolby RMU web client, the following controls affect audio presence or level:•

The MUTE button at the top of the web client: This button must be disabled foraudio to be present at the RMU.

•

The global gain (dB) control in the settings screen: When this control is set to –60
dB, audio is effectively muted.

•

The DIM button at the top of the web client: When enabled, this button lowers thevolume of signal at the Dolby RMU output by −20 dB. Low level content may be
inaudible.

Working with Multiple Pro Tools Systems
You can use multiple Pro Tools machines in a Dolby Atmos system. Each machine needs
to be connected to the RMU network.
When recording from a Pro Tools source machine to a Pro Tools destination machine,
metadata is routed directly from the source to the recorder. This removes the processing
overhead and latency introduced by the RMU processing first.
When working with multiple Pro Tools machines, consider the following:•

The Pro Tools destination (or recorder) machine and any additional Pro Tools
playback machines or other clients that communicate to the RMU must be connectedto the RMU network and configured for use.

•

Pro Tools machines must be synced together. Common solutions include chasing®
LTC from a timecode generator, slaving to Sony P2 machine control, or using theAvid Satellite Link option. If working with Avid Satellite Link software, consider
configuring the Pro Tools recorder machine as the first (administrator) machine, andplayback machines as subsequent (nonadministrator) machines.

•

Use the Panner plug-in Recorder mode to record metadata from multiple Pro Tools
playback machines into a single Pro Tools record machine.

Note:

Panner plug-ins in Recorder mode (on the Pro Tools recorder machine) do
not set their object ID to active in the RMU. Only Panner plug-ins that are
not set to be in Recorder mode (such as those in Pro Tools playbackmachines) declare their object as active in the RMU. If an object ID in the
playback machine is not declared as active, the Recorder mode plug-in
with the same object ID will no longer record metadata for that object ID.

•

Do not use the same object number for Panner plug-ins in multiple playbackmachines that are used for the same print master. Divide object numbers among thevarious playback machines. It is possible to assign Panner plug-ins to the same object
from different machines, which would corrupt the panning automation.

•

When configuring a record machine to record Dolby Atmos metadata from one ormore playback machines, make sure the record machine has the same number ofPanner plug-ins, each with the same object number, as configured in the playbackmachines.

®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual27

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Using the Dolby Atmos Monitor Application®

The Dolby Atmos Monitor application is a stand-alone application for audio and visual®
monitoring of the Dolby RMU as it renders audio and Dolby Atmos metadata. The
Monitor application includes controls for print-master recording and print-masterplayback. During monitoring or playback, you can also use the Monitor application to rerender to either 7.1 or 5.1 surround formats.

Figure 4-1

Dolby Atmos Monitor Application

You can monitor the audio signals from the RMU outputs when listening live to Pro®
Tools material routed to the RMU, or when using the Monitor application to record a
Dolby Atmos print master or play it back. All audio monitoring includes real-timerendering of Dolby Atmos metadata. Additionally, controls are provided to muteindividual speakers or groups of speakers in the room configuration, or all RMU output.
Chapter 4®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual29

Using the Dolby Atmos Monitor Application

The Monitor application provides visual feedback from the RMU, including status andmetering information of Dolby Atmos objects, bed material, and speakers for the targetedroom configuration.
For installation information, see Installing the Dolby Atmos Authoring Tools.

4.1

Before Using the Monitor Application
Before using the Monitor application for the first time, verify the Dolby Atmos systemsetup, as directed by your Dolby Content Services representative or as described in the
manual for your Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit. Setup verification includes thefollowing:
•

•

4.2

At the RMU:•

The RMU must have a valid IP address.

•

A .dac file generated with Dolby Atmos Designer must be present on the RMU
local drive. This file includes room configuration and other data required for live
monitoring and other Dolby Atmos tasks.

At the Pro Tools system:®

•

The Pro Tools system must be connected to the RMU (via two Avid HD MADI
interfaces).

•

One or more Pro Tools sessions must be configured for Dolby Atmos use.

•

A copy of the Monitor application must be installed. This is required forestablishing communication between Dolby Atmos Panner plug-ins in Pro Tools
and the RMU. See Communicating from the Pro Tools System.

Launching the Monitor Application
To launch the Monitor application:•

Double-click the Dolby Atmos Monitor application file (located in /Applications/Dolby).

Figure 4-2

30

Dolby Atmos Monitor Application Icon®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualWaiting for Room Configuration Message

4.3

Waiting for Room Configuration Message
When you first launch the Monitor, the Waiting for Room Configuration message displays.

Figure 4-3

Waiting for Room Configuration Message in the Default Monitor Application Window

After enabling communication with the RMU, and then loading a room configuration
with the Dolby RMU web client, the message is replaced with the speakers for the room
configuration.
The room configuration and other data are in a .dac zip file on the RMU. If the file is notloaded (or the Monitor application is not communicating with the RMU), the Monitor
application continues to display a Waiting for Room Configuration message.

4.4

Enabling Communication with the RMU
Enable communication between the Monitor and the RMU in one of two ways:•

From the Pro Tools system (required to enable communication between Dolby
Panner plug-ins in Pro Tools and the RMU)•

From other devices®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual31

Using the Dolby Atmos Monitor Application

4.4.1

Enabling Communication from the Pro Tools Computer (Required)
You must use the Monitor application located on the Pro Tools computer for Dolby
Atmos to initially enable communication between the Monitor application and the RMU.
This is because the local Monitor application also automatically enables communication
between Panner plug-ins in Pro Tools and the RMU. Once this connection is made, it issaved in the computer preferences, and you can keep the Monitor application open or
closed without disabling the plug-in to RMU connection. However, Pro Tools mustremain open so that Dolby Atmos metadata is actively sent to the RMU.
You can subsequently use the Monitor application on the Pro Tools system, or a
dedicated one located on another device, to enable communication between the Monitor
application and the RMU for monitoring.
To enable initial communication between the Monitor application and the RMU,
including required communication between Panner plug-ins and the RMU:
1.

Power up the RMU.

2.

Power up the computer running Pro Tools.

3.

On the computer that runs Pro Tools sessions used for Dolby Atmos, launch theMonitor application (located in /Applications/Dolby).

Figure 4-4

32

Default Monitor Application Window (When Not Communicating from Pro Tools)®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualEnabling Communication with the RMU

4.

Click Dolby Atmos Monitor > Preferences (Mac) or Tools > Preferences (Windows).

Figure 4-5

5.

In the Server IP or Hostname section, click Edit.

6.

Enter the Renderer software IP address or host name, or select an item for the dropdown menu (if any), and then click Select.

Note:

4.4.2

Dolby Atmos Preferences

You can also access the Enter Hostname dialog in the Renderer section of
the Monitor application window by clicking in the Renderer section.

7.

Verify communication with the RMU, and then verify the room configuration.

8.

Close the Monitor application, if desired (for example, if intending to do subsequentmonitoring at a different time or from a different device).

9.

Repeat steps 5–9 for Monitor applications on other Pro Tools machines.

Enabling Communication from Other Devices (Optional)
You can also locate one or more dedicated Monitor applications on devices other than the
Pro Tools computer for Dolby Atmos. In this scenario, each secondary Monitor
application allows for enabling communication with the Dolby RMU for RMU
monitoring only. They do not establish communication between the Panner plug-ins in
Pro Tools and the RMU.
Note:Communication between Panner plug-ins in Pro Tools and the RMU mustfirst be established on the Pro Tools computer. See Communicating fromthe Pro Tools System.

To enable communication between a secondary Monitor application and the RMU only:1.

If communication between Panner plug-ins in Pro Tools and the RMU has not beenenabled, do so at this time. See Enabling Communication from the Pro Tools
Computer.

2.

On a device dedicated as a secondary Monitor application, install a copy of theMonitor application.

3.

On the same device, launch the Monitor application (located in /Applications/Dolby).

4.

Click Dolby Atmos Monitor > Preferences (Mac) or Tools > Preferences (Windows).

5.

In the Server IP or Hostname section, click Edit.

6.

Enter the Renderer software IP address or host name, or select an item for the dropdown menu (if any), and then click Select.

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Using the Dolby Atmos Monitor Application

Note:

7.

4.4.3

You can also access the Enter Hostname dialog in the Renderer section of
the Monitor application window by clicking in the Renderer section.

Verify communication with the RMU, and then verify the room configuration.

Verifying Communication with the RMUWhen communication with the RMU is successful, the Renderer section provides two
indications. The renderer IP or host name will appear in the Renderer section, and theconnection status light will turn green.

Figure 4-6

Successful Connection Between Monitor and RMU Host Name

To verify communication with the RMU:•

Verify that the renderer IP or host name displays in the Renderer section and theconnection status light is green.

Troubleshooting Communication with the RMU
If the connection status light is red after attempting to enable communication with the
RMU, the connection was unsuccessful.
Troubleshoot communication with the RMU by doing the following:

4.5•

Verify the IP address or host name.

•

Check your Ethernet connections.

•

Repeat the steps for enabling communication with the RMU.

Loading a .dac Room Configuration File (Required)Before you can use the Monitor application and Dolby RMU web client for authoring,
you must load a Dolby Atmos room configuration (.dac) file into the Dolby RMU.
Use the Dolby Atmos Designer software application to generate the .dac file for your mix
stage. This file includes the room configuration and other data. For more information
about the .dac file and Dolby Atmos Designer, see the Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit
for Cinema User Manual.
To load a .dac file:1.

34

Launch a browser that supports the Dolby RMU web client, and type in the IP
address for the Dolby RMU.
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Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualLoading a .dac Room Configuration File (Required)

The Dolby RMU web client displays.

Figure 4-7

2.

Dolby RMU Web Client, Default Window

In the Dolby Atmos web client, load the room configuration (.dac file):a.

In the RMU section of the navigation bar, click the maintenance menu.

b.

At the top of the settings management section, click the restore button.

Figure 4-8c.

Setting Management Section of the Maintenance Screen

Click the browse button.

d. Navigate to the location of the .dac file that you want to load, select it, and click
Choose.

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Using the Dolby Atmos Monitor Applicatione.

Click the option box to Restore all system settings (which includes room
configuration, equalization and level presets, array delays, and new print-mastertimecode defaults), or click individual option boxes to select individual settings.

f.

Click the restore button at the bottom of the settings management section to load
all system settings or selected settings from the .dac file.

For more information about the Dolby RMU web client, see the manual for your
Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit.

4.5.1

Verifying the Room Configuration File
When communication with the RMU is successful, and you have successfully loaded theroom configuration on the RMU, the room configuration should appear in the Monitor
application window.
The room configuration provides a visual representation of speakers, as configured forthe Dolby Atmos room.

Figure 4-9

Successful Room Configuration in the Monitor Application Main Window

To verify the room configuration:•

36

In the Monitor, verify that the Waiting for Room Configuration message has been
replaced with the speakers for the room configuration (which was loaded with the
Dolby RMU web client).

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Troubleshooting a Room Configuration That Does Not Load
If the Waiting for Room Configuration message does not go away (and you havesuccessfully enabled communication with the RMU), do the following:

4.6•

Verify that a valid .dac file has been created with Dolby Atmos Designer (asdirected by your Dolby Content Services representative, or as described in the
manual for your Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit.

•

Verify that the file has been correctly loaded with the Dolby RMU web client.

Rendering
Rendering refers to the process and algorithms that the RMU uses to render, or playaudio beds and objects while positioning them to, or across, up to 64 speakers.
Positioning for beds is based on multichannel mixes. Positioning for objects is based on
Dolby Atmos metadata.
The Monitor application allows for rendering to the Dolby Atmos format in all operation
modes, or re-rendering to a surround format (such as 7.1 or 5.1 channels) when listening
to a mix in the Monitor Live mode or when playing back a Dolby Atmos print master.

4.6.1

•

During monitoring, the RMU renders audio and metadata from Pro Tools and any
client applications (such as the System 5 Panner).

•

During print mastering, the RMU renders audio and metadata from Pro Tools andany client applications (such as the System 5 Panner).

•

During playback, the RMU renders material from the print master (located on the
RMU).

Rendering to the Dolby Atmos Format
By default, the Monitor application sets the RMU to render in the Dolby Atmos format.
If the setting of the rendering mode has been changed to re-render the Dolby Atmos
format to a surround format (such as 7.1 or 5.1 channels), you can change it back to
Dolby Atmos in the Monitor application window or the Monitor application preferences.
To change the rendering mode to Dolby Atmos:
1.

Launch the Select Rendering Mode dialog to reveal rendering selections by doing oneof the following:•

Click in the Mode section of the Monitor application window.

•

Click Dolby Atmos Monitor > Preferences (Mac) or Tools > Preferences (Windows),
and then click Edit in the Mode section.

2.

In the Select Rendering Mode dialog, click Dolby Atmos.

3.

Leave Objects Only Mode unchecked, unless specifically choosing to render object
audio only. In Objects Only mode, bed material is effectively muted.

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4.

Click Select.

Note:

4.6.2

With the Monitor application in focus, pressing <D> on the keyboard toggles
between Dolby Atmos, 7.1, and 5.1 rendering modes.

Re-rendering to a Surround Format
To re-render to a surround format, change the rendering mode to the desired surroundformat:1.

Optional: Set the re-render options in the Dolby RMU web client, if needed.

2.

Launch the Select Rendering Mode dialog to reveal rendering selections by doing oneof the following:•

Click in the Mode section of the Monitor application window.

•

Click Dolby Atmos Monitor > Preferences (Mac) or Tools > Preferences (Windows),
and then click Edit in the Mode section.

3.

In the Select Rendering Mode dialog, click the desired rendering mode.

4.

Leave Objects Only Mode unchecked, unless specifically choosing to re-render object
audio only. In Objects Only mode, all beds are effectively muted.

5.

Click Select.

Note:

With the Monitor application in focus, pressing <D> on the keyboard toggles
between Dolby Atmos, 7.1, and 5.1 rendering modes.

Re-rendering and Clip Level
When re-rendering in 5.1 and 7.1, Monitor application meters use a lower clip threshold(–3 dB) to replicate playback in a traditional room where the sound arrays are calibrated
to 82 dB.
The RMU includes a +3 dB boost to signal in the surrounds (Ls and Rs in 5.1; and Lss,
Rss, Lb, and Rb in 7.1) prior to clipping and metering, and then a cut of –3 dB after that,but before the audio output. This results in the output clipping at a 3 dB lower threshold,and the metering showing a 3 dB higher signal. This also results in the same audio level
output from the RMU to support playback in a room with the surrounds calibrated to 85
dB.

Re-render Options
Before re-rendering to a surround format, you can set re-render options in the Dolby
RMU web client.
The renderer provides the following options for re-rendering to 7.1 or 5.1:

38•

Surround Gain Re-render Option•

Bass Management Routing Re-render Options®

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Setting Web Client Re-render Options
To set web client re-render options:1.

In the Dolby RMU web client, click the re-render menu in the project section of thenavigation bar.
The project re-render screen displays.

2.

Set re-render options as desired.
Depending on the option, changes are set immediately when selected, or after you
type and press <Enter>.

3.

On the Monitor application, change the rendering mode to the desired format: 7.1 or
5.1.

4.

Proceed with live monitoring, or print-master playback.

Surround Gain Re-render Option
The renderer provides a gain option for re-rendering to 7.1 or 5.1:•

re-render surround gain (dB): Sets the trim level for the surround speakers when in asurround re-render mode (7.1 or 5.1). The range is –60 to 10 dB. Make changes
immediately with the up/down arrow keys, or type in a value, and then press<Enter>.

When re-rendering to 7.1, the trim is applied to Lss, Rss, Lb, and Rb speakers. Whenre-rendering to 5.1, the trim is applied to Ls and Rs speakers.
Note:

With the re-render surround gain set to 0, the re-render process actually
outputs the surrounds at +3 dB to account for 7.1 and 5.1 rooms being
configured with surrounds at 82 dB, as opposed to 85 dB in a Dolby Atmos
mix stage.

Bass Management Routing Re-render Options
The renderer provides the following bass management routing options for re-rendering
to 7.1 or 5.1:•

re-render surround bass handling:
discard bass: If selected, discards frequencies below the bass threshold•frequency.

bass-manage to LFE: If selected, routes audio content below the bass threshold•frequency to the LFE channel, rather than to the bass management speakers thatwere assigned to speakers for rendering Dolby Atmos (via the Dolby Atmos
Designer). This prevents loss of bass material.
When re‐rendering to 7.1, the audio content below the bass threshold frequency
is applied to Left Side Surround (Lss), Right Side Surround (Rss), Left Back (Lb),and Right Back (Rb) speakers. When re‐rendering to 5.1, the audio content below
the bass threshold frequency is applied to Left Surround (Ls) and Right®

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Surround (Rs) speakers. For both 7.1 and 5.1, the audio content below the bass
threshold frequency, plus the bed LFE, are summed into LFE.
Make changes with the radio buttons. Changes are applied immediately.
•bass threshold frequency (Hz): Sets the frequency at which bass is discarded or routed

to LFE, depending on the re-render surround bass handling setting. The range is 0
Hz and above. The default is 120 Hz.
Make changes immediately with the up/down arrow keys, or type in a value, andthen press <Enter>.

When bass threshold frequency is specified (with a valid range of 0 and above, inHz), the renderer applies a crossover at the specified frequency, and the bass content
is preserved and summed into the LFE, or discarded. Typical settings are 50–150 Hz.
The bass content is cut by 10 dB to account for the LFE being calibrated 10 dB higher
than other speakers.
If there is more than one speaker in the LFE array, and bass-manage to LFE isenabled, the energy is distributed to all the LFE array speakers.

4.7

Monitor Application Operation Modes
The Monitor application has three operation modes: live monitoring, print master, andplayback.
All three modes allow for monitoring the RMU status and metering, the effect of Dolby
Atmos metadata on objects, and the room speaker configuration. Each mode also allows
for monitoring object audio only, as well as muting individual speakers or groups of
speakers in the room configuration, or all RMU output. See Monitoring with the Dolby
Atmos Monitor Application.
Each operation mode has a primary use:•

Live monitoring allows for monitoring the audio signals from the RMU outputs
when mixing and listening live to Pro Tools material in the Dolby Atmos format, or asurround format (such as 7.1 or 5.1 channels).

•

Print master allows for recording and monitoring a Dolby Atmos print master.

•

Playback is the default operation mode after communication is enabled and a room isloaded. It allows for playing back (or monitoring playback of) a Dolby Atmos print
master in the Dolby Atmos format, or a surround format (such as 7.1 or 5.1 channels).

The Monitor application works in tandem with the Dolby RMU web client, as describedin this manual. For more information on the web client, see the manual for your Dolby
Rendering and Mastering Unit.

4.7.1

Live Mode Monitoring of Pro Tools
Live mode allows for monitoring the audio signals from the RMU outputs when listening
live to Pro Tools material being rendered in the Dolby Atmos format, or re-rendered to asurround format (such as 7.1 or 5.1 channels). By default, Live mode has no Monitor
transport controls engaged.

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All Monitor metering, displays, and controls are functional in Live mode.
Note:

4.7.2

During Live mode monitoring, make sure the Monitor LTC button is off. This
ensures that you are receiving live audio from the Pro Tools session.

Recording a Dolby Atmos Print Master
Use the Monitor application to record (generate) a Dolby Atmos print master. The print
master contains the bed audio (9.1), up to 118 objects, and Dolby Atmos metadata.
Note:

The setting of the rendering mode in the Monitor application does not affectthe print-master recording. The rendering mode affects only what is being
listened to during recording. A print master created with the Monitor
application is always a Dolby Atmos print master.

Print-master management is performed via the Dolby RMU web client. The project drive
specified when creating the project that the print master is added to, includes the folderthat the print master will be recorded to. See the manual for your Dolby Rendering and
Mastering Unit for more information about projects and managing print masters,
including how to stitch (or combine) multiple-source Dolby Atmos print masters into asingle print master.
To record a Dolby Atmos print master:1.

In the Dolby RMU web client, make active an unsaved print master:a.

Open a saved project.

See the manual for your Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit for information on
projects.
Note:

A project that has never been saved must be saved prior to recording a newprint master.

b.

Click the media button.

c.

Click the print masters tab to display the list of project print masters.

d. In the project print masters and .mxfs dialog, do one of the following:•

Select (highlight) an unsaved print master (that is, a print master that has no
media). A print master that has no media displays no media icon in thesecond column.

•

If there are no unsaved print masters, add a new print master and select(highlight) it.

See the manual for your Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit for information on
adding a print master.
e.

Click the set print master / .mxf button.

The dialog automatically closes.

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2.

In the Monitor application transport (or Dolby RMU web client transport), prepare
the renderer for recording:a.

Click (highlight) LTC to set the RMU to chase timecode from Pro Tools (or the
bus).

b.

Click (highlight) O to ready the RMU for recording a print master.

3.

In Pro Tools, start playback.

4.

When the material has completed, stop playback in Pro Tools.

On the destination RMU drive, the print-master recording pass produces:•

Ten mono .wav files, which make up the 9.1 bed•

One .prm and one .wav file per object•

One dub_out.rpl file

See the manual for your Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit for more information,
including how to stitch (or combine) multiple-source Dolby Atmos print masters into asingle print master.

4.7.3

Punching In and Out of a Print-Master Recording
You can punch in and out of recording a Dolby Atmos print master. This is useful when
you want to update one or more sections of a print master with new audio or metadata.
Note:

Before doing a punch in and out recording pass, do not add new objects to
the Pro Tools session. If you need to add new objects to the session, record a
new print master with the new objects before doing the punch in and out.

Print-master management is performed via the Dolby RMU web client. The project drive
specified when creating the project that the print master is added to, includes the folderthat the print master will be recorded to. See the manual for your Dolby Rendering and
Mastering Unit for more information about managing projects and print masters.
When punching in and out of recording a print master, keep in mind the following:•

The first punch-in determines the beginning of the file. You cannot subsequently
punch in before the first punch.

•

If you are recording to an existing print master, you can start from anywhere in thetimeline as long you do not punch in before or after the print master start and end
times.

•

It is not possible to have gaps in the file. Punch-ins must be done in a linear fashion.
You cannot jump to a later point in the timeline and punch in or out.

To punch in and out of recording to update a Dolby Atmos print master:1.

In the Dolby RMU web client, make active a print master that has media:a.

Open a project.

See the manual for your Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit for information on
projects.
b.
42

Click the media button.
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Monitor Application Operation Modesc.

Click the print masters tab to display the list of project print masters.

d. In the project print masters and .mxfs dialog, select (highlight) a print master thathas media.
A print master that has media displays a media icon in the second column.
e.

Click the set print master / .mxf button.

The dialog automatically closes.
2.

In the Monitor application transport (or Dolby RMU web client transport), click(highlight) LTC to set the RMU to chase timecode from Pro Tools (or the master bus).

3.

Verify that Pro Tools (or the master bus) is generating timecode.

4.

In Pro Tools, start playback.
For example, in Pro Tools, place the cursor in the timeline prior to where you intend
to punch in, and then start playback.

Note:

5.

If you are recording to an existing print master, you can start from anywherein the timeline as long you do not punch in before or after the print-masterstart and end times.

In the Monitor application, punch in and out of recording.
Click (highlight) O to punch in and begin recording.

a.

The first punch-in determines the beginning of the file. You cannot subsequently
punch in before the first punch.
b.

When done recording, click (unhighlight) O to punch out of recording.

c.

Continue to click (highlight) O to punch in, and then again to punch out, as
needed.

Note:

6.

4.7.4

You can also begin recording by first clicking O to ready the RMU forrecording a print master. Next, make a selection in Pro Tools, and then press
Play in Pro Tools to start playback and recording. This is useful when
updating a specific clip or section in the timeline.

When the material has completed, stop playback in Pro Tools.

Playing Back a Print Master
You can play back (or monitor playback of) a Dolby Atmos print master, as rendered in
the Dolby Atmos format, or re-rendered to a surround format (such as 7.1 or 5.1
channels).
Print-master management is performed via the Dolby RMU web client. The print masterselected in a Dolby Atmos project is the print master that will be played back, as long as
it has media. For information on projects, and managing print masters in a project, see
the manual for your Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit.
To play back a Dolby Atmos print master:1.

In the Dolby Atmos web client, make active a print master that has media:a.

Click the media button.

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Using the Dolby Atmos Monitor Applicationb.

Click the print masters tab to display the list of project print masters.

c.

In the project print masters and .mxfs dialog, select (highlight) a print master thathas media.

A print master that has media displays a media icon in the second column.
Note:

See the manual for your Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit for information
on adding print masters to the print-master list in the Dolby Atmos web
client.

d. Click the set print master / .mxf button.
The dialog automatically closes.
2.

In the Monitor application, begin playback:•To trigger playback via an LTC source (such as Pro Tools), click (highlight) LTC to
enable chasing to the sync master. The RMU is now ready to chase LTC. Trigger
playback from the LTC source.

•

To play back with the Monitor application as the master, makes sure the Monitor
LTC button is off (unlit), and then click (highlight) > to begin playback. Whendone, click [x] to stop playback.

Changing the Timecode Location for Print-Master Playback
Before playing back a print master with the Monitor application as the master, you can
set where print-master playback starts by changing the timecode value in the Timesection.
To change the timecode (location) for print-master playback:1.

Click in the Time section display.
The full timecode location is selected (highlighted).

2.

If you want to change only some of the timecode values, click in the display and dragwith a mouse to select (highlight) the time scale values you want to change.

3.

Modify the values by doing one of the following:•

Type in new values, and then press <Enter>.

•

Use the right-click commands to modify the values. (For example, to paste in a
new value, right-click on the time and choose Paste.)

For more information, see Timecode Right-Click Commands.

4.8

Monitoring with the Dolby Atmos Monitor Application
The Monitor application provides a general set of meters, displays, and controls for all
operation modes. These allow for monitoring and working with the following:

44•

Communication status•

Objects•

RMU output meters•

Room configuration and speakers®

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Monitoring with the Dolby Atmos Monitor Application

Additionally, you can select from different view options. See Selecting a Monitor
Application View.
To ensure that you hear Dolby Atmos audio from the Dolby RMU outputs, see Hearing
Dolby Atmos Audio.

4.8.1

Considerations for Hearing Dolby Atmos Audio
Bed and object audio from Pro Tools are routed to the Dolby RMU inputs, and are thenrouted to the RMU outputs.
To hear bed and object audio, keep in mind the following:•

Bed tracks route to channel outputs that are mapped to the MADI I/O, as configured
in I/O Setup, and then route to the Dolby RMU for rendering. Monitor bed audio
from the Dolby RMU. Bed audio material outputs from the first ten channel outputsof the Dolby RMU.

•

Object tracks route to channel outputs that are mapped to MADI I/O, as configured
in I/O Setup. To hear audio from the Dolby RMU output, the object track in Pro Tools
must have a Panner plug-in with an object number assignment.

•

The Monitor application must be communicating with the Dolby RMU renderer (viaa host name or IP address) and have a valid room configuration loaded.

•

In the Monitor application, the following controls affect audio presence or level:••

The linear timecode (LTC) button in the transport: This button must be disabled(unlit) for Pro Tools to output audio to the Dolby RMU, for live monitoring.

•

The mute button in the transport: This button must be disabled for audio to bepresent at the RMU.

•

Muted speakers in the room configuration: Any speaker that is muted results in
no audio from that speaker. If all active speakers are muted, no sound will beheard from the Dolby RMU.

•

The DIM button in the transport: When enabled, this button lowers the volume ofsignal at the Dolby RMU output by −20 dB. Low level content may be inaudible.

•

The output attenuation (ATTEN) control in the transport: When this control is set
to –Inf (negative infinity), audio is effectively muted. The attenuator is not
displayed by default. If it is not displayed, press<Control>+<Option>+<Command>+<A> to display the control and verify it is not
set to –Inf.

In the Dolby RMU web client, the following controls affect audio presence or level:•

The MUTE button at the top of the web client: This button must be disabled foraudio to be present at the RMU.

•

The global gain (dB) control in the settings screen: When this control is set to –60
dB, audio is effectively muted.

•

The DIM button at the top of the web client: When enabled, this button lowers thevolume of signal at the Dolby RMU output by −20 dB. Low level content may be
inaudible.

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4.8.2

Selecting a Monitor Application View
The Monitor application allows for viewing all meters, displays, and controls, meters
only, or objects only.
Select a view option, based on your display needs:•

Select View > All to view all monitor meters, displays, and controls.

Figure 4-10 All View in the Monitor Application

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Monitoring with the Dolby Atmos Monitor Application•

Select View > Meters to view meters only.
Meters view displays the object stream, RMU audio output, and room configuration.
In this view, the objects view is effectively hidden.

Figure 4-11 Meters View in the Monitor Application®

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Using the Dolby Atmos Monitor Application•

Select View > Objects to view objects only.
In this view, the objects view occupies the entire display area.

Figure 4-12 Objects View Only in the Monitor Application

4.8.3

Monitoring Objects
The Monitor application includes two sections for monitoring and working with objects:•

Object Stream•

Objects View

The Monitor application also provides controls for:•48

Rendering objects only. See Monitoring Object Audio Only.

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Viewing the Object Stream
The object stream in the Monitor application provides a simple display of objects being
rendered in the Dolby Atmos session, including their current input status during live
monitoring, print mastering, or playback of a print master.

Figure 4-13 Object Stream Circles and Stream Information

To view the object stream in the Monitor:•

Select View > All or View > Meters.

Identifying the Object Number of an Object
Each object in the object stream has a dedicated object number.
To identify the object number of an object in the object stream:•

With a mouse, hover over the object circle.

Objects in the Object Stream
Objects in the object stream are represented by circles, and stream information is basedon color, as follows:•

Yellow fill: The object has audio signal. This status indicates signal presence only. It
does not indicate the amount of signal level.

•

Olive fill: The object does not have audio signal.

•

Green ring around the object circle: The object is active and will be rendered.

•Black ring around the object circle: The object is inactive and not used.

Figure 4-14 Object Stream Circles and Stream Information®

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Up to 118 objects can be active (in use), as defined as active objects in your panning client(such as Pro Tools) during live monitoring or print mastering.
Note:

Always turn on the RMU prior to launching Pro Tools. This will ensure that
Pro Tools communication with the RMU has been established.

Displaying Objects View
The objects view in the Monitor application is a virtual auditorium, which provides avisual representation of object positioning and signal level, as rendered by the RMU.
The red outline of the auditorium includes a white rectangle to indicate the front screen,plus transparent left side, right side, and back walls.

Figure 4-15 Objects View Outline and Front Screen

To display objects view:•

Select View > All or View > Objects.

Modifying Objects View
The objects view in the Monitor application includes controls for changing the visualperspective:•

50

Normal view: This is the default view of the auditorium, with the front screen at theback of the box, and left side, right side, and back walls in their standard position.
From any other view, double-click on the lower part of the objects view to return tonormal view.

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Rotated and side views: You can rotate the objects view to show side views. Clickand drag left or right, and then release.

Figure 4-16 Rotated Display of Objects View

Figure 4-17 Side Display of Objects View®

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Overhead view: To display the overhead view of objects, double-click on the upper
part of the objects view. To return to normal view, double-click the objects view
again.

Figure 4-18 Overhead Display of Objects View

Objects in Objects View
The objects view provides monitoring information for each active object:•

Yellow fill: The object has a signal level. The signal level of each object is indicatedfrom bright yellow (louder signals) to low-intensity yellow (softer signals). The
threshold is –120 dB.

Figure 4-19 Objects View, Yellow and Transparent Fills Shown•

52

Transparent fill: The object has no signal level, or another object is being touched forautomation.

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Blue fill: The object is currently touched for automation. When an object is touched,
all other objects will display as transparent (regardless of whether they have signal).

Figure 4-20 Objects View, Blue Object

4.8.4

Monitoring RMU Outputs
The RMU output meters provide metering for the full RMU output (beds and objects) inthe current rendering mode. Object levels are affected by their placement in the room, as
defined by Dolby Atmos metadata.

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When rendering to the Dolby Atmos format, there are ten meters: L, C, R, Ls, Rs, Lsr, Rsr,
Lts, Rts, and LFE. They represent the 9.1 render of the Dolby Atmos mix and how muchenergy is getting sent to the different zones of the room.

Figure 4-21 Rendering to Dolby Atmos Format, Ten Meters Shown

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When re-rendering to another mode (such as 7.1 or 5.1 channels), the number and layoutof meters are based on the surround format. For example, Dolby Surround 7.1 has eight
meters: L, C, R, Ls, Rs, Lsr, Rsr, and LFE.

Figure 4-22 Rendering to 7.1 Channels, Eight Meters Shown®

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Figure 4-23 Rendering to 5.1 Channels, Six Meters Shown

When re-rendering in 5.1 and 7.1, Monitor application meters use a lower clip threshold(–3 dB) to replicate playback in a traditional room where the sound arrays are calibrated
to 82 dB.
The RMU includes a +3 dB boost to signal in the surrounds (Ls and Rs in 5.1; Lss, Rss, Lb,
and Rb in 7.1) prior to clipping and metering, and then a cut of –3 dB after that, but
before the audio output. This results in the output clipping at a 3 dB lower threshold, andthe metering showing a 3 dB higher signal. This also results in the same audio level
output from the RMU to support playback in a room with the surrounds calibrated to 85
dB.
The Monitor application also provides controls for:56•

Dimming audio with −20 dB of attenuation. See Dimming RMU Audio Output.

•

Manually adjusting the volume. See Changing the Gain of RMU Audio Output.

•

Muting one or more speakers. See Muting RMU Output.

•

Muting bed output (using Objects Only mode). See Monitoring Object Audio Only.

•

Clearing clips.

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4.8.5

Monitoring the Room Configuration and Speakers
The room configuration in the Monitor application provides a visual representation of
RMU output to speakers, as configured for the target Dolby Atmos room, plus basic
monitoring controls for muting.

Figure 4-24 Room Configuration in the Monitor Application Main Window

To view the room configuration:•

Select View > All or View > Meters.

The room configuration and other data are in a .dac zip file on the RMU. When firstenabling communication with the RMU, the Monitor application will briefly display a
Waiting for Room Configuration message. When communication is fully enabled, themessage will be replaced with the speakers for the room configuration.
If the file is not present on the RMU (or the Monitor application is not communicatingwith the RMU), the Monitor application continues to display a Waiting for Room
Configuration message.
For information on creating and loading a .dac file, refer to the manual for your Dolby
Rendering and Mastering Unit.

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Room Configuration Display
The room configuration provides the following feedback:•Yellow fill: Signal level to the speaker is indicated from bright yellow (louder signals)
to low-intensity yellow (softer signals). The signal presence indicators use a range of–80 to –10 dB.

•

Olive fill: The speaker does not have audio signal.

•

Red ring around the speaker dot: Output to the speaker is clipping.

•

Mute icon (over a speaker dot): Output to the speaker is muted.

•

Waiting for Room Configuration: This message appears for a short time when firstestablishing communication with an RMU. If the .dac file that contains the room
configuration data is not found on the RMU (or the Monitor application is notcommunicating with the RMU), the message will remain onscreen.

Figure 4-25 Room Configuration Indicators

The room configuration also provides controls for:
•

4.8.6

Muting one or more speakers. See Muting RMU Audio Output.

Dimming RMU Audio Output
Use the DIM button to lower the volume of signal at the Dolby RMU output. The DIM
button provides −20 dB of attenuation.

Figure 4-26 Successful Connection Between Monitor and RMU Host Name

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To change the volume with the DIM button, do one of the following:

4.8.7

•

Click (highlight) the DIM button to dim the volume.

•

Click (unhighlight) the DIM button to undim the volume.

Changing the Gain of RMU Audio Output
The output attenuation (ATTEN) control provides gain control for RMU output. The
attenuation range is 0 to –Infinity dB. When set to –Infinity, audio is effectively muted.
The control is hidden by default and requires a keyboard shortcut to display(<Control>+<Option>+<Command>+<A>).
To change the output attenuation:

4.8.8

1.

Press <Control>+<Option>+<Command>+<A> to display the control.

2.

Rotate the control with a mouse.

Muting RMU Audio Output
The Monitor application allows for muting individual speakers or groups of speakers in
the room configuration, or all RMU output.
To mute (or unmute) audio with the Monitor application, do the following:•

To mute (and unmute) individual room speakers, click on a speaker icon in the room
configuration.

•

To toggle the mute status of multiple speakers, select (outline) a group of speakers
using a mouse and release.
Speakers that were on will mute. Speakers that were muted will unmute.

•

To mute (and unmute) all RMU output, click the MUTE button in the Outputs section.
When all output is muted, the MUTE button is red and displays UNMUTE.

Note:

•

4.8.9

The MUTE button has no function when a Monitor dialog (such as the
Dolby Atmos Preferences dialog) is open.

To mute bed audio, enable Objects Only mode.

Monitoring Object Audio Only (Objects Only Mode)
During any Monitor mode (live, print master, or playback), you can set monitoring to
Objects Only mode. This sets the RMU to render objects only and effectively mute audio
from all beds.
Note:

Objects Only mode is typically used for demonstrations to illustrate
what audio is encapsulated in an object and what audio is static in abed.

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To listen to objects only:
1.

Launch the Select Rendering Mode dialog to reveal rendering selections by doing oneof the following:•

Click in the Mode section of the Monitor application window.

•

Click Dolby Atmos Monitor > Preferences (Mac) or Tools > Preferences (Windows),
and then click Edit in the Mode section.

2.

In the Select Rendering Mode dialog, click the desired rendering mode, if needed.

3.

Click Objects Only Mode, and click Select.
The Monitor shows that Objects Only mode is enabled by displaying Objects in theMode section of the Monitor application window.

Figure 4-27 Objects Only Mode

4.8.10

Clearing Clips in the RMU Output Meters
The RMU output meters let you clear any clips that are displayed in its meters.
To clear clips in all meters:•

60

Click in the red clip area of any meter.

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4.9

Monitor Application Keyboard Shortcuts Reference
The Monitor application provides shortcuts when it is in focus.
Table 4-1

Monitor Application Shortcuts Reference

Shortcut

4.10

Function<Command>+<F>

Full screen<Command>+<H>

Hide the Monitor application<Command>+<Comma> (",")

Open preferences<Command>+<R>

Toggle record print master<Command>+<J>

Toggle enable LTC<Control>+<Option>+<Command>+<A>

Reveal the gain
attenuator control<D>

Toggle rendering mode

Monitor Application Controls and Displays Overview
The Monitor application window has six main sections:•

Header, which includes additional sections:•

Renderer

•

Mode

•

Time

•

Transport•

Outputs

•

View

•

Object stream•

Room configuration and speakers•

RMU output meters•

Object view®

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4.10.1

Monitor Application Window Header
The header in the Monitor application window contains displays for checking the statusof your session, and contains transport controls to record a print master or play it back.
Additionally, you can re-render to a surround platform during live monitoring or
playback.

Figure 4-28 Monitor Application Window Header

Renderer
The Renderer section in the Monitor contains the following:•

IP address or host name•

Connection status

When communication with the RMU is successful, the Renderer section provides two
indications. The renderer IP or host name will appear in the Renderer section, and theconnection status light will turn green.

Figure 4-29 Successful Connection Between Monitor and RMUThis section also allows for setting the host name or IP address. You can click in the
Renderer section to open the Enter Hostname dialog, and then enter the host name or IP
address. (To browse for an address, use the Monitor preferences.)
If the connection status light is red, the connection was unsuccessful. In this case, verify
the IP address or host name, check your Ethernet connections, and repeat the steps forenabling communication with the RMU.

Mode
The Mode section displays the current rendering mode and allows for changing it.
Clicking in the Mode section opens the Select Rendering Mode dialog, which is used to set
the mode. You can also press <D> on the keyboard to toggle between the modes.

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Rendering mode refers to the format that the RMU uses as it renders, or plays audio beds
and objects while positioning them to, or across, up to 64 speakers. Positioning for beds isbased on multichannel mixes. Positioning for objects is based on Dolby Atmos metadata.
•

During monitoring, the RMU renders audio and metadata from Pro Tools and any
client applications (such as the System 5 Panner).

•

During print mastering, the RMU renders audio and metadata from Pro Tools.

•

During playback, the RMU renders material from the print master (located on the
RMU).

Dolby Atmos is the default setting. Additional platforms (such as 7.1 and 5.1 channels)
are available.
Note:

The setting of the rendering mode in the Monitor does not affect the print
master recording. The rendering mode affects only what is being listened toduring recording. A print master created with the Monitor is always a Dolby
Atmos print master.

Time
The Time section displays the running time of the RMU during print-master recording
and playback of a print master. You can locate to a specific timecode location by doubleclicking on the display and typing the timecode location in when playing back from the
RMU and not synced to picture. The display includes right-click commands formodifying the timecode location for print-master playback.
The time scale is in hours:minutes:seconds.
During print mastering, you should enable LTC in the Monitor application so that theRMU chases timecode from Pro Tools (or the master bus). The Monitor application will
display the sync time (including any offset) as defined for the Pro Tools session. The
running time of the print-master recording pass is saved with the print master.
During playback of a print master, you should enable LTC so that the RMU syncs to thehouse master. The Monitor application will display the same sync time that was
displayed during print mastering.
Note:

During Live mode monitoring, you should set the Monitor application LTC
button to off, to ensure that you are receiving live audio from the Pro Tools
session.

Timecode Right-Click Commands
The Time section display includes right-click commands for modifying the timecodelocation for print-master playback:•Cut: Cuts the highlighted time values after copying them for use with the pastecommand•Copy: Copies the highlighted time values®

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Paste: Pastes the last copied or cut values over the highlighted values or at selected

location•

Delete: Deletes the highlighted time values•

Select All: Selects (highlights) all of the values in the display for use with cut, copy,

paste, or delete•

Undo: Performs an undo operation on the previous cut, copy, paste, or delete•

Redo: Performs a redo operation on the previous cut, copy, paste, or delete

Transport
The Monitor application provides transport buttons in the Transport section, which canbe used for recording a print master and playing it back:•

Chase LTC: LTC•

Stop: [X]•

Play: >•

Record arm: O

Transport buttons support the following print-master tasks:•

Start print mastering: Press LTC, start the LTC source, and then press O.

•

Punch in and out of print mastering: Press LTC, start the LTC source, press O topunch in, and then press O to punch out.

•

Start playback of a print master by doing one of the following:•

To trigger playback via an LTC source (such as Pro Tools), press (enable) LTC,
start the LTC source, and then press >.

•To play back with the RMU as master (LTC disabled): Press >.

•Stop playback of a print master (with LTC disabled): Press [X].

•

Pro Tools live monitor: No transport controls engaged.

Note:

The Transport section has no function when a Monitor dialog (such as
the Dolby Atmos Preferences dialog) is open

Outputs
The Outputs section in the Monitor application window provides a MUTE button and an
attenuator for controlling RMU output.

Mute Button
The MUTE button lets you mute (or unmute) RMU output. The button is displayed in all
Monitor application views. See Muting RMU Audio Output.

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Dim Button
Use the DIM button to lower the volume of signal at the Dolby RMU output. The DIM
button provides −20 dB of attenuation. See Dimming RMU Audio Output.

Output Attenuation Control
The output attenuation (ATTEN) control provides gain control for RMU output. The
attenuation range is 0.00 dB to –Inf. When set to –Inf (–Infinity), audio is effectively
muted. The control is hidden by default and requires a keyboard shortcut to display. See
Changing the Gain of RMU Audio Output.

View
The View section in the Monitor application window provides a drop-down menu to set
the current Monitor display:•

All: Displays all meters, displays, and controls.

•

Meters: Displays object stream, RMU audio output, and room configuration only. In

this view, the object view is effectively hidden.

•

Objects: Displays object view only.

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4.10.2Signal Generator
Use the pink-noise generator in the Monitor application to validate the C-weighted SPL
of each speaker feed and array.

Figure 4-30 Generating Pink Noise to a Speaker (Speaker Icon with a Box)

Refer to the manual for your Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit for instructions on
how to test each speaker and speaker array.
The signal generator button is not displayed when the Panner plug-in is in Recorder
mode.

Generating Pink Noise to a SpeakerTo generate pink noise to a speaker:
1.

66

Click on the signal generator button.

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2.

<Option>-click (highlight) the speaker icon in the room configuration.

Figure 4-31 Generating Pink Noise to a Speaker (Speaker Icon with a Box)

Generating Pink Noise to a Speaker Array
To generate pink noise to a speaker array:
1.

Click on the signal generator button.

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Select the array from the speaker array drop-down menu in the signal generator
screen.

Figure 4-32 Generating Pink Noise to the Rss Speaker Array

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Chapter 5

Using the Panner Plug-in to Position Objects®

®

The Dolby Atmos Panner is an AAX native plug-in (64-bit and 32-bit) for Pro Tools thatdefines Dolby Atmos metadata (pan position and other metadata) for a Dolby Atmos
mix. The Panner supports 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz sample rates, and works
with mono and multichannel (stereo) track formats.
The Dolby Atmos authoring tools installer includes a 64-bit version of the Panner plug-in
and a 32-bit version. The 64-bit Panner is required for Dolby Atmos systems with Avid
Pro Tools 11.2.1 running on Mac OS X 10.9.4 (Mavericks). The 32-bit version of thePanner is included for Pro Tools 10.3.9 systems running on Mac OS X 10.8.5 (MountainLion). For full requirements, refer to your Dolby Content Services representative.

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In a typical Dolby Atmos setup, Dolby Atmos metadata is applied to audio at the RMU
and you use the Dolby Atmos Monitor application to listen to the effect of metadata inreal time. In this case, metadata in the automation playlist does not affect the soundwithin the Pro Tools session.

Figure 5-1

Dolby Atmos Panner Plug-in, Mono Version

The Panner allows for panning audio objects through all three dimensions of a virtualroom in the user interface (UI): left/right (x-axis), front/back (y-axis), and top/bottom (zaxis). You can move objects with a joystick, control surface, mouse, or enabled
automation (for example, in Pro Tools).
In the Panner default mode, you pan an object to a point in the room, or from one pointin the room to any other point.
Note:

®

Pro Tools sessions being monitored or print mastered by a Dolby RMU
must be 48 kHz. If working with different sample rates during soundcreation or premixing, change the session sample rate prior to working
with the RMU.

For installation information, see Installing the Dolby Atmos Authoring Tools.

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5.1

General Use of the Panner in Pro Tools
Most standard Pro Tools plug-in and automation controls are available for the Pannerplug-in.
Exceptions include:•

Settings for configuration options are not saved with Panner plug-in presets.

Refer to Pro Tools documentation for additional information on working with plug-ins,
including:

5.2•

Inserting plug-ins on tracks•

Plug-in window controls•

Automating plug-ins

Special Considerations when Using the Panner
When using the Panner in Pro Tools, consider the following:•

Pro Tools sessions being monitored or print mastered by a Dolby RMU must be 48
kHz. If working with different sample rates during sound creation or premixing,
change the session sample rate prior to working with the RMU.

•

Object tracks can be mono or stereo:

•

5.3

•

Mono object tracks use one mono Panner plug-in and provide metadata for theirrespective mono output channel.

•

Stereo object tracks use one stereo Panner plug-in and provide metadata for theirrespective stereo output channels (two mono subpaths).

Only one plug-in mono path or subpath at a time can have a given object number. Up
to 118 track voices (at 48 kHz) can be dedicated as objects by inserting a Panner plugin on their track and selecting a unique object number for each mono path or
subpath. The object number represents the output stream the metadata uses.
Additional track voices cannot be used as objects, because the Panner plug-in cannot
be assigned to an object number greater than 118 or to an object number already inuse. You can autoassign object numbers by inserting Panner plug-ins on multiple
tracks (all, or all selected), or you must manually assign object numbers after
inserting Panner plug-ins individually.

Panner Plug-in Window Controls and Displays
The Panner plug-in window includes controls and displays to support automating Dolby
Atmos metadata for objects in Pro Tools:•

Virtual room•

Object number box•

Operation mode buttons and Zones selector•

X/Y/Z sliders and position displays®

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5.3.1

•

Object Size slider and level display•

Configuration options button•

Linking selector (stereo plug-in only)

Panner Virtual Room
The Panner provides a virtual room in its UI that is used when inputting panning
position for an object, or monitoring the object position during automation playback in
Pro Tools.

Figure 5-2

Panner Virtual Room Elements

The virtual room includes:

72•

Room outline: A bluish outline represents the walls of the room. The top of thevirtual room represents the front of the real room (where the screen and L, C, and R
zones are located), and the bottom represents the back. Left and right sides representroom left and right, respectively.

•

Zone and overhead indicators: Zone (or speaker zone) indicators and overhead(Elevation mode) indicators display which speaker zones are active for an object in
Dolby Atmos as the RMU interprets metadata from the Panner plug-in. Inversely,
this feature is sometimes described as zone exclusion. Zones are also used when the
RMU re-renders the Dolby Atmos mix to a surround format (such as 7.1 or 5.1
channels). You can use zones to isolate (or dedicate) an object to a specific speaker or®

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group of speakers. Zones are displayed as small blue squares in their relative
position. Zones on the room outline represent the L, R, C, sides, and rear speakerzones. Six zone configurations are available. Zones are active (teal) or inactive (gray),based on the zones button setting. Additionally, two inner blue squares, located on
the x-axis, represent the overheads. They are active (teal) when Elevation mode or an
Elevation Snap mode is on; and inactive (gray) when Elevation mode or an Elevation
Snap mode is off.
•

Pan location cursor: The pan location cursor provides the current position of theobject in the room. You can move the cursor with a joystick, control surface, mouse,or enabled automation. The pan location cursor is represented by a yellow dot(located by default at the center of the virtual room). Depending on the Elevation
mode and positioning in the room, the cursor changes size: the cursor is larger when
the object is more elevated, and smaller when the object is less elevated. As the cursor
is moved, the X, Y, and Z sliders and position display values update accordingly.
Inversely, the cursor moves when the X, Y, and Z sliders or position display values
are adjusted. In Recorder Mode, the cursor is red.

•

Object size outline: The outline around the object displays the current spread of its
audio in the room. You can set the object size (level of spread) with the Dolby Atmos
Panner plug-in UI, or a control surface, mouse, or enabled automation. The outline
changes size and direction based on the object size setting and the object position andactive speakers in the room.

The color of the area outside of the virtual room indicates the plug-in focus state. Blue
indicates the plug-in window (or channel in a stereo plug-in) is focused; gray indicates it
is not. The focused plug-in channel is the one controlled by the joystick. For informationon configuring a joystick, see Using a Joystick.
Panner plug-ins automatically focus when you:•Open a plug-in window and touch a control (below the plug-in header).

•Open a plug-in window, and click in the plug-in window (below the plug-in header).

Note:

5.3.2

Panner plug-ins lose focus when you touch another window or dialog,
including a Pro Tools control outside of the plug-in (such as setting an
Automation mode). To resume use of Panner plug-in controls, refocus theplug-in.

Object Number Box
The object number box displays the assigned object number. The Dolby RMU uses thisnumber to identify the object, and in turn, send its audio to the RMU outputs and renderits metadata.
Stereo tracks have two object number boxes, one for each mono subpath.

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None (or no object number assignment) is represented by a dash (–). By default, no object
number is assigned.

Figure 5-3

Default Dolby Atmos Panner Plug-in with No Number Assignment

You can manually assign object numbers in the plug-in window, or autoassign object
numbers when inserting plug-ins with Pro Tools all, or all selected shortcuts.

5.3.3

Operation Mode Buttons and Zones Selector
The Panner plug-in window includes buttons and selectors for enabling or selecting
common operation modes and displaying their status.

74•

Elevation mode button: This button toggles Elevation mode on and off. Elevation
mode allows for manual adjustment of the z (top/bottom) dimension in the virtual
room. When Elevation mode is off, you cannot adjust the z coordinate, but
previously written manual adjustments can be read.

•

Elevation Snap mode buttons: These buttons let you toggle an Elevation Snap modeon or off, in order to change the shape of the ceiling in the room, and in turn, howelevation drops as objects are panned away from the ceiling.

•

Speaker Snap mode button: This button toggles Speaker Snap mode on and off.
Speaker Snap mode moves object audio to the active speaker nearest its establishedlocation during playback (for example, to eliminate phantom panning). At the RMU,
this ensures that 100% of the audio signal is routed to the single speaker that isnearest to the current spatial placement. Speaker Snap mode does not move the panlocation cursor in the virtual room.

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•

5.3.4

Zones selector: This selector lets you select one of six common speaker zone layouts,
in order to activate or deactivate specific speaker zones (for example, to isolate or
dedicate an object to a specific group of speakers).

X/Y/Z Sliders and Position Displays
The X, Y, and Z sliders allow for using a mouse to adjust the location of the object in all
three dimensions: x (left/right), y (front/back), and z (top/bottom). You can also use ajoystick, control surface, enabled automation, or keyboard to adjust the location. As theX, Y, and Z sliders or position display values are adjusted, the pan location cursor in thevirtual room moves accordingly. Inversely, the X, Y, and Z sliders and position display
values update when the cursor is adjusted.
You can place or pan an object from any location in the Panner virtual room to any otherlocation. The X and Y sliders have a range of –100 to 100. The Z slider range is 0 to 100.
When Elevation mode is off (elevation button not highlighted), you can adjust x and ycoordinates, but you cannot adjust the z coordinate. When Elevation mode is on, you canalso adjust the z dimension. In Ceiling and Wedge Elevation Snap modes, the z
coordinate is generated from the y coordinate only, and changes as the y coordinate ischanged. In Sphere Elevation Snap mode, the z coordinate is generated from x and ycoordinates, and changes as they are changed.
Respective x, y, and z position displays provide the value (or coordinates) of the current
object position in the virtual room, whether moving the pan location with a joystick,control surface, mouse, enabled automation, or keyboard entry.
Note:

If the X, Y, and Z sliders and their position displays are not visible at thebottom of the plug-in window, click the Done button in the Configuration
Options section to close the options and reveal the sliders and their values.

To change object location, do one of the following:•

Click the slider button and drag to the desired coordinate.

•

Click in the slider range to jump to a new coordinate.

•Type a valid value in a slider position display, and press <Enter>.

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Elevation and Z Coordinate User-Interface Elements
In all cases, the Z slider position, its display value, and the z automation playlist match as
expected. They always represent the overhead level that is displayed in both the plug-in
UI, and the Monitor application. However, there are situations where the rendered audio
output may not match the z position being displayed. For example, if you disable
Elevation mode after writing z automation, audio will play back rendered without
overheads, but the plug-in UI will continue to display the z automation.
There are also situations where the z automation UI and rendered audio output do not
update during a write automation pass as expected. If you enable an Elevation Snapmode during a write automation pass, the z automation and elevation amount will not
update until new automation data for the corresponding slider is written. For example,
when you enable Sphere Elevation Snap mode, updates occur after new x or y
automation data is written.
Note:

5.3.5

After authoring a Panner plug-in with Elevation mode or an Elevation
Snap mode on, you can edit the z automation data that was recorded byusing a pencil tool in the z automation playlist. The elevation defined by
the new automation will be applied to the rendered object audio in thesubsequent playback as long as Elevation mode is enabled.

Object Size Slider and Level Display
The object Size slider lets you spread audio for an object across the room, based on thecurrent object position and active speakers in the room. You can use a joystick, control
surface, mouse, enabled automation, or keyboard to adjust the size (or spread). The
object size outline, which surrounds the object cursor in the virtual room, shows thecurrent spread for an object. The object size has a range of 0 to 100.
Use object size to increase or decrease the number of loudspeakers used to render aparticular object. When rendering in Dolby Atmos, decorrelation is automatically applied
across loudspeaker feeds. This increases the perceived image size and impression ofenvelopment and ambience.
Object size spreads the audio for an object, as follows:•

At 0, object size is effectively off, and audio routes to speakers based on the x/y/z
position or Speaker Snap mode.

•

At 100, audio spreads to all active speakers, regardless of the location of the cursor.

•

For values between 0 and 100, spreading is based on the object size, the object
location, and the number of active speakers.

Note:

76

Object size is disabled when Speaker Snap mode is on.

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Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualPanner Plug-in Window Controls and Displays

Note:

When using values between 50 and 100, audio may spread to all active
speakers, regardless of the location of the cursor. For example, if you havean object in the center of the room, with size = 51, it is effectively the sameas an object in the corner of the room with size = 100. Play with the object
size control starting from different room locations to see how object size
spreads audio.

Figure 5-4®

Increasing Object Size from the Room Center.

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Using the Panner Plug-in to Position Objects

Figure 5-5

Increasing Object Size from a Side Wall

The object size level display provides the value of the current object size in the virtualroom, whether setting the size with a joystick, control surface, mouse, enabled
automation, or keyboard entry.
Note:

If the object Size slider and level display are not visible at the bottom of theplug-in window, click the Done button in the Configuration Options section
to close the options and reveal the slider and its value.

To change object size, do one of the following:

78•

Click the slider button and drag to the desired coordinate.

•

Click in the slider range to jump to a new coordinate.

•Type a valid value in a slider position display, and press <Enter>.

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Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualPanner Plug-in Window Controls and Displays

5.3.6

Configuration Options Button
The configuration options button accesses options for manually assigning an object
number and configuring a joystick to control pan positioning.

Figure 5-6

Configuration Options Button

When finished setting configuration options, click Done to close the options area andreveal the standard X, Y, Z, and Object sliders, their position display values, and the
Linking selector (stereo only).

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Using the Panner Plug-in to Position Objects

5.3.7

Linking Selector (Stereo Plug-in Only)
The Linking selector setting for stereo Panner plug-ins determines how the controls for
the L and R channels relate to each other. You can set linking to off (set to none), or to
mirror or copy moves by either channel. For more information, see Linking Stereo Panner
Plug-in Controls.

Figure 5-7

5.4

Dolby Atmos Panner Plug-in for a Stereo Track

Inserting a Panner Plug-in in Pro Tools
Insert Panner plug-ins on mono or stereo tracks in Pro Tools that are identified as Dolby
Atmos objects.
Note:

When Pro Tools plug-ins are organized by category, the Panner plug-in is
located in the Sound Field submenu. When organized by company, it is in the
Dolby Laboratories submenu.

You can insert Panner plug-ins individually, or on multiple tracks simultaneously (using
Pro Tools all, or all selected shortcuts):•

80

When you insert Panner plug-ins individually on tracks, object numbers are notassigned. This means that the plug-in is disabled until an object number is assigned
to it.

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Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualInserting a Panner Plug-in in Pro Tools•

When you insert Panner plug-ins using the Pro Tools all, or all selected shortcuts,
you can choose how to autoassign numbers. For example, you can choose to not
autoassign object numbers in the new plug-ins, or to autoassign new numbers across
new and old plug-ins, or new plug-ins only.

You must assign an object number to a plug-in to enable it. This number is used by the
Dolby RMU to identify the object and render its metadata. Stereo plug-ins have two
object number assignments, one for each mono subpath.
You can manually assign object numbers in the plug-in window, or autoassign object
numbers when inserting plug-ins with Pro Tools all, or all selected shortcuts. Insertingplug-ins across multiple tracks and autoassigning object numbers will save you time andsimplify the process of adding Panner plug-ins to your Dolby Atmos sessions.
For consistency and ease of use, you should insert all Panner plug-ins in the same insert
position (for example, at the beginning or end of the inserts chain). This also makes it
easier to display the knobs on a control surface.
Note:

Typically, you should align the object number assignment with yourtrack name and the number used to name the channel path or subpath.
This will help create a logical and consistent numbering and naming
scheme.
For example, insert the first plug-in on a track named Object 1 (for amono track) or on a track named Object 1–2 (for a stereo track). In the
Pro Tools I/O Setup, you can map the first object to the first available
physical output, HD MADI channel 11 (for a mono track) or HD
MADI channel 11 and 12 (for a stereo track).

5.4.1

Manually Assigning an Object Number
You can assign an object number manually to a Panner plug-in. This is useful for
enabling a single plug-in that currently does not have a number. You can also change anexisting object number to another available number, or to None (to disable the Panner).
Numbers greater than 118 or in use by another path or subpath will be unavailable.
To assign an object number (or change an existing object number assignment):
1.

Open a Panner plug-in window.

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Using the Panner Plug-in to Position Objects

2.

If configuration options are not displayed above the virtual room in the plug-in
window, click the configuration options button.

Figure 5-8

82

Configuration Options Button in a Panner Plug-in®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualInserting a Panner Plug-in in Pro Tools

3.

In the Configuration Options section, click the Object ID selector and select or type an
object number. Object numbers 1–118 are provided in the Object ID selector by
default for selection. Currently used numbers appear in gray and are not available.

Figure 5-9

Note:

4.

Object ID Selector in a Panner Plug-in

Typing a single alphabet key and clicking <Enter> selects None. This isan alternative way to effectively stop the plug-in from sending
metadata to the RMU.

To close the Configuration Options section, click Done.

After an assignment has been made (and the Configuration Options section has beenclosed), the assignment will appear in the plug-in object number box. None isrepresented by a dash (—).

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Using the Panner Plug-in to Position Objects

Renderer Connection Status
Besides providing the drop-down menu for assigning an object number, the Object ID
section displays the Renderer connection status. This is the communication status
between Panner plug-ins in Pro Tools and the Renderer software on the Dolby RMU.

Figure 5-10 Renderer Connection Status in the Object ID Section

The color of the IP address or host name denotes the status:

5.4.2

•

Green: Renderer is connected.

•

Red: Renderer is not connected.

Inserting Multiple Plug-ins and Automatically Assigning Object Numbers
You can insert Panner plug-ins across multiple tracks of the same type (or channel width)
at one time. Panner plug-ins can be inserted to the same insert position on all tracks, or
all selected tracks, using standard Pro Tools all, or all selected shortcuts.
When you insert Panner plug-ins using Pro Tools all, or all selected shortcuts, you canchoose how to autoassign numbers across new and existing plug-ins. For example, you
can choose to not autoassign object numbers in the new plug-ins, or to autoassign newnumbers across new and old plug-ins, or new plug-ins only.

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To insert Panner plug-ins to the same insert position in all tracks:
1.

<Option>-click a plug-in insert selector, and select the Panner plug-in.

2.

In the dialog, choose an autoassign option.

To insert Panner plug-ins to the same insert position in all selected tracks:
1.

Choose (highlight) one or more track names.

2.

<Option>+<Shift>-click a plug-in selector, and select the Panner plug-in.

3.

In the dialog, choose an autoassign option.

Note:

When working with sessions that have mono and stereo plug-ins,
consider placing all plug-ins of the same width together, and thenperforming autoassignment of the first set, and then the second set, tomaintain sequential numbering from the first plug-in to the last.

Autoassign Options
When inserting Panner plug-ins with Pro Tools all, or all selected shortcuts, the following
autoassignment options are provided:

5.5•

None (autoassign object numbers to no plug-ins): New Panner plug-ins are notassigned object numbers. Existing plug-ins are unaffected and retain their object
numbers.

•

Overwrite existing (autoassign object numbers to all plug-ins): All Panner plug-ins
are assigned (or reassigned) the next available object number for a mono object (orthe next two available numbers for a stereo object). Assignments are made in track
sequential order (left to right, or top to bottom). Existing plug-ins are affected,
depending on where they are located in the session.

•

Preserve (autoassign object numbers to new plug-ins only): Each new Panner plug-in
is autoassigned the next available object number for a mono object (or the next twoavailable numbers for a stereo object). Assignments are made in track sequential
order (left to right, or top to bottom). Existing plug-ins are unaffected and retain theirobject numbers.

Controlling the Panner
You can control the Panner with any of the following:•

Joystick•Control surface

•

Mouse

•

Keyboard®

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Using the Panner Plug-in to Position Objects

5.5.1

Using a Joystick
When the joystick has been prepared, you can use it to grab the object (pan location
cursor) and position it anywhere in the Panner virtual room.
To grab the object (pan location cursor) with the joystick:
1.

Open the plug-in window.

2.

Click the touch button of a non-touch-sensitive joystick (such as a JLCooper MCSPanner), or move the joystick (if it is a touch-sensitive joystick).

You can also use the joystick switches and knobs to determine other Panner behaviors.
The following table provides functions for a JLCooper MCS-Panner.
Table 5-1

JLCooper MCS-Panner Joystick Switch and Knob Reference for Dolby Atmos Panner

JLCooper
MCS-Panner
Switch or
Knob

Function

E1 and E2

Modify elevation. Turning to the right elevates the object in the audio
field; turning to the left lowers the object in the audio field.

S1

Turn off Elevation mode.

S2

Turn off Sphere Elevation mode.

S3

Toggle Wedge Elevation on/off.

S4

Turn on Sphere Elevation mode.

S5

Turn off Speaker Snap mode.

S6

Turn on Speaker Snap mode.

Preparing to Use a Joystick
To prepare a joystick to control a Panner plug-in, complete the following:
1.

Installing the joystick2.

Configuring the joystick in a Panner plug-in

Installing a Joystick
Before you can use a joystick to control the Panner, you must install the joystick to a
MIDI interface on the computer running Pro Tools for Dolby Atmos.
To install a joystick (such as a JLCooper MCS-Panner) on the Pro Tools computer:86

1.

Obtain a suitable USB MIDI interface. It must have at least one set of female MIDI inand out connectors.

2.

Install the USB MIDI interface on the Pro Tools computer. Refer to the interface
documentation for installation and configuration requirements.

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Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualControlling the Panner

3.

Configure the joystick in Audio MIDI Setup, as follows:a.

On the Pro Tools computer, navigate to Audio MIDI Setup (located at/Applications/Utilities/Audio MIDI Setup).

b.

Double-click the Audio MIDI Setup application.

c.

Click Window > Show MIDI Window.

d. Click Add Device.
e.

Double-click on the new external device icon, and set properties for thedevice. (For example, give it a device name of joystick or something similar.)f.

Click Apply.

g.

On the screen, connect the MIDI out of the joystick device to the MIDI in of
the USB MIDI interface.

h. On the screen, connect the joystick to the USB MIDI interface by clicking thearrow for the joystick output port (and holding the mouse button down),
and then dragging an onscreen connection cable to the input arrow of the
USB MIDI device.
4.

Obtain a suitable joystick. The Dolby Panner plug-in was designed and tested with
the JLCooper MCS-Panner. You may substitute other devices.

5.

Set the DIP switches on the MCS-Panner. You must set switches 1, 3, and 4 to the on(down) position.

6.

Plug the MCS-Panner MIDI in and out cables into the USB MIDI interface MIDI out
and in connectors, respectively.

Configuring a Joystick in a Panner Plug-in
Before you can use a joystick to control the Panner, you must configure the joystick in a
Panner plug-in.
To configure a joystick in a Panner plug-in:
1.

Open a Panner plug-in window.

2.

If configuration options are not displayed above the virtual room in the plug-in
window, click the configuration options button.

3.

In the Object ID section, verify that there is an object number. If a new object number
is needed, assign a new object number.

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Using the Panner Plug-in to Position Objects

4.

In the Joystick Device section, use the joystick device input and output selectors to
select the joystick as the input and output device.

Figure 5-11 Selecting the Joystick Device

5.5.2

5.

Test the connection by moving the joystick. The yellow dot in the plug-in should
move as the joystick is moved.

6.

To close the Configuration Options section, click Done.

7.

Repeat the preceding steps, and configure the joystick in each of the remaining
Panner plug-ins in the session.

Using a Control Surface or Mixing Console
From a control surface or mixing console qualified by Dolby, you can map Panner plugin controls to physical controls. You can then edit and automate parameters from thecontrol surface or console.
Refer to your control-surface or console documentation for detailed information on how
to use it to control standard plug-in features.
You can use the Panner with most control surfaces and mixing consoles that support®
®
™
page tables (such as Avid D-Command or D-Control , or an Artists Series control

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Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualControlling the Panner™

surface), including Avid Pro Series control surfaces (such as System 5) in EUCON
mode. Contact your Dolby Content Services representative for a full list of supported
control surfaces and consoles.
With the System 5 Panner application, you can map the panner controls of each Dolby
Atmos object in the RMU to a dedicated channel strip on an Avid System 5. See the
System 5 Panner Application for Dolby Atmos Manual.
Table 5-2

Panner Support by Control Surfaces and Mixing Consoles

Function

Avid
D-Command andD-Control

x, y, and z position

Encoders, or faders Channel strip x, y, and z(in Flip mode); or
encoders; or joysticks
joysticks (x and y(x and y position only)
position only); or
Pro Tools Surround
Panner joystick (xand y position, DControl only); or
touchscreen (x and yposition, D-Control
only)

Automatic z-axis
panning with
Elevation Snap
modes

Encoders, faders (inFlip mode), or
joysticks; ortouchscreen (DControl only)

x, y, and z position
with stereo Pannerplug-in linking

Encoders, faders (inFlip mode), or
joysticks; ortouchscreen (DControl only)

Elevation mode

Encoders, orChannel strip Elev On
faders (in Flip mode) switch

Elevation Snapmodes (for Sphere
Elevation, Wedge
Elevation, or Ceiling
Elevation)

Encoders, orChannel strip Elev
faders (in Flip mode) encoder and Sel switch

Speaker Snap mode

Encoders, orChannel strip SpSnfaders (in Flip mode) encoder, or On switch

Zones

Encoders, orChannel strip SpZnfaders (in Flip mode) encoder and Sel switch

Focusing a Pannerplug-in

Select switches®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual

Avid System 5 (withSystem 5 Panner
Application)

Channel-strip x, y, and z
encoders; or joysticks(x and y position only)

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Using the Panner Plug-in to Position Objects

Note:

You can map Panner plug-in controls to D-Command or D-Control
encoders, faders, and B/M/P switches (in custom faders and in channel
strips only). You cannot map these controls to the EQ or dynamics
section of a control surface.

Standard control surface features are supported by the Panner plug-in, including:•

Adding and removing plug-ins•

Focusing (mapping) plug-in controls•

Opening one or more plug-in windows onscreen•

Targeting a plug-in window•

Toggling plug-ins (inactive or active)•

Changing plug-in presets from the channel strips•

Copying and pasting plug-in settings•

Enabling plug-in automation•

Creating plug-in maps with Learn mode

Refer to your control surface or console documentation for detailed information on how
to use it to control standard plug-in features.

Panning Objects with the D-Control System Surround Panner Option (Joystick)On D-Control systems with the Pro Tools Surround Panner option installed, you can use
the Surround Panner joystick to pan objects across the x-axis and y-axis. The rotary
encoder cannot be used for panning objects.
You must focus the desired channel first, as described in the following steps.
To map the Panner plug-in to the D-Control system Surround Panner option joystick:
1.

Click the Target switch on the Surround Panner option.

2.

Press the Custom button in the touchscreen.

3.

Map the Panner plug-in to a channel strip:

4.

5.

a.

On a channel strip, press the Insert switch.

b.

On the same channel strip, press the Sel (select) switch for the plug-in insert
location (such as insert A).

Map the X joystick:a.

In the touchscreen, press Assign X. The Assign X button blinks blue.

b.

On the channel strip, touch the encoder for Pan X on the channel strip.

Map the Y joystick:a.

In the touchscreen, press Assign Y. The Assign Y button blinks blue.

b.

On the channel strip, touch the encoder for Pan Y on the channel strip.

The joystick is ready to use for panning.

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Operation Modes

5.5.3

Positioning an Object Using a Mouse
You can also use a mouse to position the object (pan location cursor) precisely in thevirtual room.
To position the object using a mouse, do one of the following:

5.5.4

•

Click and drag the pan location cursor, which represents the object.

•

Click and hold on another location in the room to move the object to that location.

•

In a slider, click the slider button and drag to the desired coordinate.

•

In a slider, click in the slider range to jump to a new coordinate.

Positioning an Object Using a Keyboard
To position an object (pan location cursor) precisely in the virtual room with a keyboard:•

5.6

Type a valid value in a slider position display, and press <Enter>.

Operation Modes
The Panner includes several different modes for use when adjusting and automating
panning. You can use many of these modes at the same time.
The following modes are available in the Panner plug-in window, and can be automatedin Pro Tools:•

Bypass (Master Bypass) mode•

Default mode (X/Y/Z and Size)•

Elevation mode•

Elevation Snap modes•

Ceiling Elevation•

Sphere Elevation•

Wedge Elevation•

Speaker Snap mode

•

Zones

Note:

5.6.1

All modes (except for the Elevation Snap modes) are automated inseparate automation playlists.

Bypass (Master Bypass) Mode
The bypass switch in the Panner plug-in header effectively stops plug-in metadata frombeing sent to the Dolby RMU. When the bypass switch is on, metadata no longer routes
to the Dolby RMU. However, all audio from the object track continues to output from the
Dolby RMU.

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You can automate bypass on and off in Pro Tools by using the master bypass automation
playlist.

5.6.2

Default ModeIn the Panner plug-in default mode, all three dimensions, x (left/right), y (front/back),and z (top/bottom) are separately adjustable with dedicated X, Y, and Z sliders. You canplace or pan an object from any location in the Panner virtual room to any other location.
Additionally, the object Size slider can be used to spread audio across the dimensions.
By default, Elevation mode is on (elevation button highlighted). This makes active both
overhead speakers in the virtual room. Additionally, this allows for adjustment of the z
dimension. You can adjust the z dimension only when Elevation mode is on.
The default zones setting is seven, making active seven speaker zones (L, C, R, Lss, Rss,
Lsr, and Rsr).
For stereo Panner plug-ins, Linking is set to None by default.
The x, y, and z coordinate positions, object size, Elevation mode status, and active zones,
can all be automated in Pro Tools.

5.6.3

Using Elevation ModeElevation mode allows for manual adjustment of the z (top/bottom) dimension in thePanner virtual room. When on (elevation button highlighted), two overhead zones are
made active in the room (and are displayed as two blue squares left and right of thecenter of the room). Elevation mode is on by default.
Elevation mode forms a flat ceiling across the virtual room. The elevation z coordinate is
not linked to x and y coordinates, and is adjusted independently. You can adjust theelevation across the room with a joystick, control surface, mouse, or enabled automation.
To use Elevation mode:
1.

2.

Turn on Elevation mode by doing one of the following:•

Click (highlight) the elevation button.

•

Use a control surface.

Adjust elevation (the Z setting) using any of the following:•

E1 or E2 on a joystick.

•Control surface.

•

Mouse (with the Z slider).

You can automate elevation mode on and off in Pro Tools by using the Elevation mode
automation playlist.

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Operation Modes

Disabling Elevation Mode
To disable Elevation mode, do one of the following:

5.6.4

•

Click (unhighlight) the elevation button.

•

Press S1 on the joystick.

•Use a control surface.

Using Elevation Snap Modes
Elevation Snap mode refers to the automation playlist that supports three modes thatchange the shape of the ceiling in the room, and in turn, how elevation drops as objects
are panned away from the ceiling.
•

Ceiling Elevation gives the room a flat ceiling in the back 80% of the room and acurving ceiling from the front 20% of the room to the screen.

•

Sphere Elevation gives the room a domed ceiling.

•

Wedge Elevation gives the room a peaked ceiling.

You can automate Elevation Snap modes in Pro Tools by using the Elevation Snap mode
automation playlist. Elevation Snap mode has four states: ceiling elevation, wedge
elevation, sphere elevation, and off.

Using Ceiling Elevation
Ceiling elevation links the z elevation to the y coordinate to form a flat ceiling inside thePanner virtual room that curves from the front 20% of the room to the screen. The
elevation is constant in the back 80% of the room. Elevation drops uniformly as objects
are moved away from the front 20% of the room to the screen. Left or right movementson the x-axis do not change the object elevation.
To use ceiling elevation:
1.

2.

Turn on ceiling elevation by doing one of the following:•

Click the elevation snap selector, and select (highlight) the ceiling elevation icon.

•

Use a control surface.

Adjust elevation by moving the y coordinates with any of the following:•

Joystick.

•Control surface.

•

Mouse (on the pan location cursor or Y slider).

You can automate ceiling elevation on and off in Pro Tools by using the Elevation Snapmode automation playlist.

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Disabling Ceiling Elevation
To disable ceiling elevation mode, do one of the following:•

Click (unhighlight) the ceiling elevation icon.

•

Turn on Elevation mode or another Elevation Snap mode.

•

Use a control surface.

Sphere Elevation
Sphere elevation links the z elevation to the x and y coordinates to form a hemisphericdome inside the Panner virtual room. The highest point of the dome is the exact center ofthe room. Elevation decreases uniformly as you move away from the center in any
direction. Elevation drops to the bottom at the four points where the hemisphere meetsthe virtual walls.
To use sphere elevation:
1.

2.

Turn on sphere elevation by doing one of the following:•

Click the elevation snap selector, and select (highlight) the sphere elevation icon.

•

Press S4 on the joystick.

•Use a control surface.

Adjust elevation by moving the x and y coordinates with any of the following:•

Joystick.

•Control surface.

•

Mouse (on the pan location cursor or X and Y sliders).

You can automate sphere elevation on and off in Pro Tools by using the Elevation Snapmode automation playlist.

Disabling Sphere Elevation
To disable sphere elevation mode, do one of the following:•

Click (unhighlight) the sphere elevation icon.

•

Turn on Elevation mode or another Elevation Snap mode.

•

Press S2 on the joystick.

•Use a control surface.

Using Wedge Elevation
Wedge elevation links the z elevation to the y coordinate to form a peaked ceiling inside
the Panner virtual room. The highest elevation is a line running left and right at thecenter of the room. Elevation drops uniformly as objects are moved away from that
center line on the y-axis toward either the front or back of the room. Left or rightmovements on the x-axis do not change the object elevation.

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Operation Modes

To use wedge elevation:
1.

2.

Turn on wedge elevation by doing one of the following:•

Click the elevation snap selector, and select (highlight) the wedge elevation icon.

•

Press S3 on the joystick.

•Use a control surface.

Adjust elevation by moving the y coordinates with any of the following:•

Joystick.

•Control surface.

•

Mouse (on the pan location cursor or Y slider).

You can automate wedge elevation on and off in Pro Tools by using the Elevation Snapmode automation playlist.

Disabling Wedge Elevation
To disable Wedge Elevation mode, do one of the following:

5.6.5

•

Click (unhighlight) the wedge elevation icon.

•

Turn on Elevation mode or another Elevation Snap mode.

•

Press S3 on the joystick again.

•

Use a control surface.

Recording Metadata from the RMU
Use Recorder mode to record object metadata into Panner plug-in automation playlists in
Pro Tools, from any of the following sources:•

Metadata sent to the RMU from another Pro Tools system•

Metadata sent to the RMU from another client (such as a System 5 mixing
console using the System 5 Panner application, or an AMS Neve DFC console)

Recorder mode is useful for:•

Bringing object metadata from multiple Pro Tools playback machines into asingle Pro Tools record machine•

Creating music and effects for a different language version of the film•

Updating previous metadata in the Pro Tools session with new data from realtime mixing console moves (such as from a an AMS Neve DFC)

In normal Panner plug-in operation (Recorder mode disabled), each Panner plug-in is theautomation master for its respective object. As the automation master, the plug-in
provides object position metadata to the RMU, and Panner plug-in controls are available
for use.
When Recorder mode is enabled on a Panner plug-in, the pan location cursor is red.
Additionally, all Panner plug-in controls (other than Recorder mode) are read only, andare displayed as grayed out or in a lighter tone. In this mode, Panner plug-ins and their®

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Using the Panner Plug-in to Position Objects

automation playlists no longer send data to the RMU. Instead, they receive data from avalid source (such as a Pro Tools playback machine), which can be recorded to their plugin automation playlists.
On Dolby Atmos systems using Pro Tools 10, metadata is not recorded to the automation
playlist on a track when the track is in input or record mode. This is because automation
write modes are disabled in these modes. See Recording Audio and Metadata at theSame Time with Pro Tools 10.
Recorder mode can be enabled for all plug-ins in the session or individual plug-ins.
To record metadata from a valid source (such as a Pro Tools playback machine) to Pannerplug-in automation playlists:
1.

2.

3.

96

Confirm system connections and configurations. For example:•

The Pro Tools destination (or recorder) machine and any additional Pro Tools
playback machines or other clients that communicate to the RMU must beconnected to the network and configured for use.

•

Pro Tools machines must be synced together. Common solutions include chasing®
LTC from a timecode generator, slaving to Sony P2 machine control, or using
the Avid Satellite Link option. If working with Avid Satellite Link, consider
configuring the Pro Tools recorder machine as the first (administrator) machine,and playback machines as subsequent (nonadministrator) machines.

Prepare Panner plug-ins in the destination Pro Tools machine that will record
incoming automation metadata, by doing the following:•

For each Panner plug-in, confirm that all of its Dolby Atmos Panner automation
parameters are enabled.

•

For each track with a Panner plug-in, set the Automation mode to one of themodes that write automation (such as Write, Touch, and Latch modes).

Enable Recorder mode by the doing the following:a.

Open any Panner plug-in window.

b.

If configuration options are not displayed above the virtual room in the plug-in
window, click the configuration options button.

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Operation ModeshFigure 5-12 Configuration Options Button in a Panner Plug-inc.

In the Configuration Options section, click the Recorder mode button if you wantto enable recording for all Panner plug-ins. If you want to enable recording on
individual Panner plug-ins, <Shift>-click the Recorder mode button in the plugin, and repeat the enable Recorder mode steps for additional plug-ins.

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In Recorder mode, the pan location cursor is red.

Figure 5-13 Recorder Mode Button in a Panner Plug-in

Note:

To enable Recorder mode on individual Panner plug-ins, <Shift>-click
the Recorder mode button on individual Panner plug-ins.

4.

To close configuration options, click the configuration options button.

5.

Begin playback.

6.

When done recording metadata, stop playback.

Recording Audio and Metadata at the Same Time with Pro Tools 10
On Dolby Atmos systems using Pro Tools 10, if you want to record audio to an object
track (or monitor input audio on an object track) at the same time you record panner
metadata with Recorder mode, you must create two tracks for the object. This isnecessary because in Pro Tools 10, automation write modes are disabled when a track isin record or input mode. In this scenario, create an object audio track (for recording andmonitoring audio only), and then a panner track (where you insert the Panner plug-in
and record automation metadata only).
When working with multiple objects, you can easily create panner tracks from existing
object audio tracks by reimporting the object audio tracks as new tracks using the Pro

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Tools import session data command. This automatically names the panner tracks with a.1 extension. When tracks are sorted by name, each panner track immediately follows theobject audio track. You can then insert Panner plug-ins on the panner tracks.

5.6.6

Using Speaker Snap Mode
Speaker Snap mode moves object audio to the active speaker nearest its establishedlocation during playback. At the RMU, this ensures that 100% of the audio signal isrouted to the single speaker that is nearest to the current spatial placement. The locationof the speaker that the object snaps to is based on the current room configuration(defined by the .dac file, located on the RMU), and can vary from one room to another.
Speakers in inactive zones are ignored in Speaker Snap mode.
Speaker Snap does not move the pan location cursor in the virtual room.
Speaker Snap is useful for eliminating phantom panning. For example, in the Panner
default mode (Speaker Snap mode off), the algorithm might spread the audio of one
object across two or more speakers. Speaker Snap mode prevents this by snapping all of
the audio to the single speaker nearest the indicated position of the object in the Panner
virtual room.
Note:

For a visual representation of which speaker the audio snaps
to, look at the room configuration in the Dolby Atmos
Monitor application.

When Speaker Snap mode is on, object size is disabled.
To turn Speaker Snap mode on, do one of the following:•

Click (highlight) the speaker snap button.

•

Press S6 on the joystick.

•Use a control surface.

You can automate Speaker Snap mode on and off in Pro Tools by using the snap
automation playlist.

Disabling Speaker Snap ModeTo turn Speaker Snap mode off, do one of the following:

5.6.7

•

Click (unhighlight) the speaker snap button.

•

Use a control surface.

Zones
Zones in the Panner plug-in define which speaker or speaker zones (excluding
overheads) are active for the object, as the RMU interprets the object metadata. Zones arealso used when the RMU re-renders the Dolby Atmos mix to a surround format (such as®

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Using the Panner Plug-in to Position Objects

7.1 or 5.1 channels). Zones can be useful to isolate (or dedicate) an object to a specificspeaker or group of speakers.
Inactive zones are effectively muted for live monitoring or print master recording.
Additionally, speakers in inactive zones are ignored in Speaker Snap mode.
Zones are displayed in the virtual room as blue squares in their relative position. Zones
on the room outline represent the L, C, R, Lss, Rss, Lsr, and Rsr speakers or speakerzones. Zones are active (teal) or inactive (gray), based on the setting of the zones button.
Zones work in conjunction with Elevation mode and Elevation Snap mode, which
activate the overheads for use while panning.
Provided zones include:•

Back only: Enables Lss, Rss, Lsr, and Rsr zones•

Front only: Enables L, C, and R zones•

Three: Enables C, Lsr, and Rsr zones•

Five B (back): Enables L, C, R, Lsr, and Rsr zones•

Five: Enables L, C, R, Lss, and Rss zones•

Seven: Enables L, C, R, Lss, Rss, Lsr, and Rsr zones

To change the current zone in the Panner, do one of the following:•

Click the zones button in the Panner, and select a zone.

•

Use a control surface.

You can automate zones in Pro Tools by using the zones automation playlist.

5.7

Linking Stereo Panner Plug-in Controls
You can insert the stereo Panner plug-in on any stereo track. You can adjust controls oneach channel independently (unlinked), or linked to either copy or mirror actions madeon the other channel.

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To set how stereo panning controls are linked:•

Click the Linking selector, and select None, Mirrored, or Copy.

Figure 5-14 Linking Selector in a Stereo Panner Plug-in, Set to Mirrored

Note:

You cannot automate the Linking setting. To pan material with one
option and then switch to another, do separate automation record
passes.

Avid D-Command and D-Control work surfaces support using the stereo Panner plug-in
linking control to change the x-, y-, or z-axis position of the two objects in a stereo object.
See Panner Support by Control Surfaces and Mixing Consoles.

5.7.1

Stereo Panner Linking Options
The Linking selector setting in a stereo Panner plug-in determines how the controls for
Left and Right channels relate to each other. The options are:•None: The Left and Right channel controls operate completely independently. Actions

taken in one channel do not affect the other.
•

Mirrored: Any action in one channel automatically places its mirror image in theother. For example, panning from center to the left in the Left channel produces apan from center to right in the Right channel.

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Copy: Any action in one channel is copied to the other. For example, panning fromthe center to the left in the Left channel also produces a pan from center to left in the
Right channel.

5.8

Automating Panner Controls
You can automate many of the Panner plug-in controls in Pro Tools. The recorded(written) automation for these controls defines the metadata that is sent to the RMU for
rendering a Dolby Atmos mix (or for re-rendering to a surround format).
The Panner supports the following automation:•

Bypass (Master Bypass): Bypass status for plug-in metadata (on or off). When set
to on, audio from the object track continues to output from the Dolby RMU.

•

Pan X: Pan location in the x (left/right) dimension, (–100 to 100).

•

Pan Y: Pan location in the y (front/back) dimension, (–100 to 100).

•

Pan Z: Pan location in the z (top/bottom) dimension, (0 to 100).

•

Size: (0 to 100).

•

Elevation: Elevation status (on or off).

•

Elevation Snap: Elevation Snap mode states (ceiling elevation, wedge elevation,
sphere elevation, or off).

•

Snap: Speaker Snap mode status (on or off).

•

Zones: Active speaker zones: back only, front only, three, five back, five, andseven.

To automate metadata for a Panner plug-in:
1.

Enable automation for all Dolby Atmos parameters for proper operation.
Parameters can be enabled by doing one of the following:

102•

In the Panner plug-in window, open the Panner Plug-in Automation window, andenable automation for all parameters.

•

Open the Mixing Preferences dialog, and enable the option for all plug-in controls
to default to autoenabled.

•<Command>+<Option>+<Control> the automation button at the top of the plugin window to enable all options.

2.

For the object track that will be automated, click its Automation Mode selector, and set
the desired automation mode.

3.

Start playback, and automate panner controls as desired.

4.

When done writing automation, stop playback.

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5.9

Resizing the Panner Plug-in Window
You can resize the default plug-in window to improve display.
To resize the Panner plug-in window:•

Drag the lower-right corner of the window to change the size of the window. Drag
upwards or to the left to decrease the size of the window, or downward or to theright to increase the size of the window.

•

If you want to return to the default window size, do one of the following:•

Drag the lower right corner fully upward and to the left until the window nolonger changes size.

•

Delete the preferences file (com.dolby.panner.aax.plist), located at/Library/Preferences.

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Chapter 6

Workflows®

This chapter provides examples of Dolby Atmos workflows.

6.1•

Using a Traditional Dolby 7.1 (or 5.1) Mix Audio to Create a Dolby Atmos Mix•

Using Traditional Dolby 7.1 (or 5.1) Mix Audio Channels and Console Automation toCreate a Dolby Atmos Mix

Using Traditional Dolby 7.1 (or 5.1) Mix Audio Files to Create a
Dolby Atmos Mix
The following workflow provides one example of how to set up a mix session to remix a®
Dolby 7.1 mix to the Dolby Atmos format. It refers to a 7.1 mix that was recorded
traditionally with a large-frame console and recorded premixes, as opposed to a mix®
performed entirely within Pro Tools . The workflow for remixing a 5.1 mix is the same.
1.

Complete the final mix in Dolby 7.1.

2.

Confirm Dolby Atmos system setup. For information on installing and connecting
the Dolby RMU, see the manual for your Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit.

Figure 6-1

Basic Dolby Atmos System Block Diagram

3.

Create a new Pro Tools session.

4.

Configure basic routing in Pro Tools (via Pro Tools I/O Setup). Create separate output
paths for beds and objects with the following considerations:

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Beds include two output paths, one for the Dolby RMU 7.1 arrays, and the otherfor the RMU overhead surround arrays. Outputs 1–8 are set up as a single 7.1
output with mono sub paths. The multichannel path is named “Atmos 7.1 Bed.”
In Pro Tools, the physical output order is L, R, C, LFE, Lss, Rss, Lsr, Rsr. These
outputs address the RMU 7.1 arrays. Outputs 9–10 are set up as a single stereo
output with mono subpaths, named “Atmos OH Bed.” These outputs address the
RMU overhead surround arrays.

•

Outputs 11–118 are object outputs. They are set up as stereo outputs with mono
subpaths, so that they can be used on stereo and mono object tracks. They
address the RMU object inputs.

Figure 6-2

5.

106

I/O Setup Output, Configured for Dolby Atmos

Prepare effects and Foley premixes for the Dolby Atmos mix by doing the following:a.

Rerecord all effects, ambience, and Foley premixes and their associated reverbs,
applying the final mix console automation as new 7.1 premixes. Printed 7.1
premixes should include leveling and audio processing (such as EQ, dynamics,
and LFE).

b.

If necessary, rerecord reverbs that were added during the final mix as a separate
premix. For example, this allows for replacing the reverb with a 9.1 reverb in the
Dolby Atmos mix.

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Using Traditional Dolby 7.1 (or 5.1) Mix Audio Files to Create a Dolby Atmos Mixc.

To simplify navigation and file management on a control surface, consider
assigning each imported premix a VCA master.

Figure 6-3

6.

7.

VCA Master Tracks Assigned to Each Effects and Foley Premix

Prepare dialogue elements for the Dolby Atmos mix. Consider the type of film (suchas an animated feature versus an action feature) when performing the following
steps, for example:a.

Consider creating separate dialogue premixes where no characters overlap byrunning all dialogue premixes through the console final mix automation andcombining them.

b.

Consider printing final mix reverbs as separate elements.

Prepare music elements:
In Pro Tools, import the music elements using the same process as described for
effects and dialogue. For more enhanced Dolby Atmos mixing of the music, it isdesirable to get the flattened music separations (such as percussion, strings,
synthesizers, and solo instruments) from the final mix music session.

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8.

For ease of comparison to the 7.1 mix, consider importing the 7.1 print master into
the Pro Tools session.

9.

In the session, conform to existing reel breaks.

10. Decide which premixes are bed material (9.1 mixes) and which premixes would
benefit by being made into objects (mono or stereo) for Dolby Atmos panning.
11. Make sure all beds are assigned to bed outputs.
12. Create object tracks in Pro Tools:••

Lay out up to 118 objects, with the following suggested considerations:a.

Lay out objects in groups of eight mono tracks to facilitate moving entire 7.1
premix regions from the prepared premixes.

b.

Further categorize the groups into dialogue, music, mono effects, and stereo
effects segments to expedite the creation of stems and music effects masters
used for foreign language.

Consider creating a mix/edit group for each group of objects, to allow for
simultaneous (mono) or individual panning.

Figure 6-4•

108

Mix/Edit Groups in Pro Tools Groups Window, Active Groups in Gray

A VCA hierarchy greatly simplifies leveling, and expedites navigation on acontrol surface. Use VCA master tracks to control each group of objects.
Additionally, create VCAs for dialogue, music, and effects object VCAs to further®

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Using Traditional Dolby 7.1 (or 5.1) Mix Audio Files to Create a Dolby Atmos Mix

control object VCAs for each segment. In turn, control these VCAs with a single
all-objects VCA.

Figure 6-5

Pro Tools Mix Window, Showing VCA Master Tracks Only•

Assign each object track to its corresponding dialogue, music, and effects reverb
sends. Additionally, assign effects objects to the LFE send.

•

Feed sends to auxiliary input tracks that are set up with processing plug-ins(such as reverbs).

13. Create object material from bed material by doing the following:
Copy bed material from a separate premix mono or stereo source, and paste it
into mono or stereo object tracks.

•

14. Insert the Dolby Atmos Panner on each object track, and assign it an object number:•

You can insert Panner plug-ins to the same insert position on all tracks, or allselected tracks, using standard Pro Tools all (<Option>) or all-selected(<Option>+<Shift>) shortcuts. When you insert Panner plug-ins using Pro Tools
all, or all selected shortcuts, you can choose how to autoassign numbers across
new and existing plug-ins. For example, you can choose to not autoassign object
numbers in the new plug-ins, or to autoassign new numbers across new and oldplug-ins, or new plug-ins only. See Inserting Multiple Panner Plug-ins andAutomatically Assigning Object Numbers.

•

Pro Tools sessions store Dolby Atmos metadata as plug-in automation until themix is print mastered to the Dolby RMU. Alternatively, metadata can be fed
directly to the RMU from another client (such as a System 5 configured with the
System 5 Panner application).

•

You can use a joystick (such as the JL Cooper MCS-Panner) to control a Pannerplug-in. When the joystick has been prepared, you can use it to grab the object®

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Workflows(pan location cursor) and position it anywhere in the Panner virtual room. See
Preparing to Use the Joystick.
•You can use the Dolby Atmos Monitor stand-alone application for local or
remote monitoring of the Dolby RMU as it renders material from Pro Tools. For
example, from the Monitor, you can monitor the status of objects and their levels.

15. Assign object tracks to appropriate outputs. Make sure that the object ID number
matches the output that the object track is routed to. For example, the track for object
1 in Pro Tools should route to the path for object 1 in the RMU.
16. Create 9.1 reverbs in Pro Tools: Set up reverb groups for objects (for example, two for
dialogue, two for effects, and one for music). The benefit of the reverb groups is thatthey allow for individual control over the wet signal fed to the zones by riding thereverb returns:a.

Each reverb group should consist of four stereo tracks, each with a plug-in (such®
as ReVibe ) inserted on it.

b.

Each of the four tracks in the reverb group is fed from the same stereo send.

c.

Pan the four plug-in groups in the following manner:a.

Reverb track 1: L/Rb.

Reverb track 2: Lss/Rssc.

Reverb track 3 Lsr/Rsr

d. Reverb track 4: Overhead surround L/R

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d. Assign the reverb returns to their respective bed subbuses (dialogue, music,
effects) so that they are combined with the dry signal when creating stems forfurther mixing.

Figure 6-6

Pro Tools Edit Window, Showing Dialogue Reverb Returns with VCA Master Tracks

17. Insert an LFE plug-in (such as Lowender, by reFuse) on an auxiliary input. Feed the
input from a single send path, primarily from effects object tracks (because premixes
have recorded LFE), and then return the signal directly to the LFE effects subbus.
18. Consider having access to a sound library, so that you can bring in new sounds, or
extend existing effects and Foley moments in the Dolby Atmos mix.
19. Work with the Panner plug-in for each object: See Using the Panner Plug-in to
Position Objects.
20. Create additional Pro Tools sessions for each movie reel, using the session setup, I/O
routing, and track and plug-in layout from the Pro Tools template session. To keep
the mixing console layout consistent and facilitate further mixing (such as stem
creation, downmixes, and music and effects), try to keep the routing and object
tracks consistent from reel to reel.
21. Record a Dolby Atmos Print Master. This includes recording the final 9.1 bed, up to
118 audio objects, and the associated Dolby Atmos metadata to an RMU.

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6.2

Using Traditional Dolby 7.1 (or 5.1) Mix Audio Channels andConsole Automation to Create a Dolby Atmos Mix
The following workflow provides one example of how a mix session can be set up to use®
a Dolby 7.1 mix and Avid System 5 console automation to create a Dolby Atmos mix.
With this setup, you can monitor the source audio and console automation while using
System 5 channel strips to write Dolby Atmos metadata to a dedicated Pro Tools record
machine. To finalize the Dolby Atmos mix, you record the source audio and console
automation to the Pro Tools record machine. From this machine, you can combine mix
reels and record a single print master to the Dolby RMU.
The workflow for using a 5.1 mix is the same:1.

Set up a Dolby Atmos mixing stage that mirrors the Dolby 7.1 mixing stage, and in
addition includes a Dolby RMU. Alternatively, you can add a Dolby RMU to the 7.1
mix stage to turn it into a Dolby Atmos mix stage.

Figure 6-7

7.1 Mix Stage Mirrored by Dolby Atmos Mix StageFor more information on setting up a Dolby Atmos RMU hardware interface, see themanual for your Dolby Rendering and Mastering Unit.

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In this workflow example, audio from multiple Pro Tools playback machines andautomation from one or two System 5 mixing consoles feed a Pro Tools recordermachine that contains the final mix tracks.

Figure 6-8®

Dolby Atmos Mix Stage Block Diagram

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Workflows

2.

Transfer sessions and audio from the 7.1 playback machines to the Dolby Atmos
playback machines.
Consider setting up dedicated playback machines and routing to dedicated System 5
consoles, based on the function of the audio and its automation. For example:

3.

•

Route dialogue and music machines to the dialogue/music console.

•

Route the Fix, Effects Premixes, ambience Foley, and stem machines to the effects
console.

Load automation data from the 7.1 mix stage consoles to the Dolby Atmos mix stage
consoles.
Install the System 5 Panner application to control Dolby Atmos metadata with
System 5 console channel strips, as described in the System 5 Panner Application for
Dolby Atmos Manual:

4.

•

When using two consoles (as shown in this workflow), the application must be
installed on two separate machines.

•

Identify available machines that can run the application. The destination™
machines should be machines that do not require EUCON control of audio by
the console because System 5 Panner connection requires that EUCON mode isdisabled in Pro Tools peripherals preferences page. In this workflow example,
the System 5 Panner application is installed on two Pro Tools playback machines(fix and effects premix).

•

Install EUCON software on the two playback machines.

On each System 5 console, reconfigure buses to route bed material to the Pro Tools
record machine:•

7.1 bed.

•Stereo overhead surround. This stereo aux send should be configured to sendmaterial to the overhead surround arrays.

•

7.1 alternative bus (optional): Internally reassign this bus to L, C, R, OhL, OhR,
Lsr, Rsr, and LFE. This lets you pan from onscreen to overheads (instead of to Lss
and Rss) and onward to back surrounds without having to use objects.

Note:

5.

114

All sound elements are rebused to the bed at the start of the reel. An
exception is the music stem L and R, which are assigned to object buses
and panned in between the screen L/R and the first surrounds to create
movement (widening) of music from screen to first surrounds. This frees
up screen audio space for effects.

On each System 5 console, reconfigure buses to route object material to object tracks
on the Pro Tools record machine.
•

Create objects audio by rebusing elements from the bed.

•

To preserve 7.1 L/C/R panning automation when routing to object tracks,
configure buses as L/C/R buses.

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6.

Set up object bus level and panning.
Individual buses cannot be automated on the System 5. As a workaround, route theobject bus insert send to an input channel, and then route its postfader channel
output returns to the object bus insert return. All fader and audio processing
automation is written on the input channel. The input channel will be paired with
the Dolby Atmos panner strip, side by side in the channel layout.

7.

Consider adding an Artist Series controller for additional remote control of the Pro
Tools record machine.
The Artist Series controller can access AutoMatch and Preview modes, as well as all
manual write commands.

8.

Install the Dolby Atmos authoring tools on the Pro Tools record machine.
The Pro Tools record machine for the Dolby Atmos mix stage monitors and records
the bed and object audio, plus records Dolby Atmos metadata from the System 5
Panner and RMU. Dolby Atmos Panner plug-ins on panner tracks define active
objects. The machine is a Pro Tools HDX system, with two cards and two external
MADI I/Os.

9.

Configure basic routing in Pro Tools (via Pro Tools I/O Setup). Create separate output
paths for the bed and objects with the following considerations:Beds include two output paths, one for the Dolby RMU 7.1 arrays, and the otherfor the RMU overhead surround arrays. Outputs 1–8 are set up as a single 7.1
output with mono subpaths. The multichannel path is named “Atmos 7.1 Bed.”
In Pro Tools, the physical output order is L, R, C, LFE, Lss, Rss, Lsr, Rsr. These
outputs address the RMU 7.1 arrays. Outputs 9–10 are set up as a single stereo
output with mono subpaths, named “Atmos OH Bed.” These outputs address the
RMU overhead surround arrays.

•

Note:

The track layout on the RMU is different (L, C, R, ... OhR). As analternative to using I/O Setup to map Pro Tools film-based ordering of
outputs to RMU inputs that use SMPTE/ITU-based ordering, you cancreate a cross patch in the MADI patch on the System 5 between therecorder machine and the RMU.
Outputs 11–118 are object outputs. They are set up as stereo outputs with mono
subpaths, so that they can be used on stereo and mono object tracks. They
address the RMU object inputs. Name the object I/O paths with their respective
categories (typically "Dx," "Mx," and "Fx") to reduce errors when assigning the
I/O to the tracks.

•

10. Create a new Pro Tools session for the Dolby Atmos mix.
11. Configure session settings.
a.

Choose Setup > Session.

b.

Set the session start time to match the reel number. (For example, reel 2 is
2:00:00:00.) If you are planning on creating one print master from one session, setsession start to match the first reel.

c.

In the Format section, set Sample Rate to 48 kHz.

d. In the Format section, set the Timecode Rate to match the playback source session
timecode rate. If the timecode rate is not 24 fps (which will be required when®

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print mastering), you need to configure the mix session for the different rate.
Additionally, you must enable sample-rate conversion for the HD MADI
interfaces.
In this example, the timecode for the source sessions is 29.97, so the playbackmachine requires the following settings for mixing:a.

Set clock source to its reference video reference.

b.

In the Format section, set the Timecode Rate to 29.97.

c.

In the Timecode Settings section, set Audio Rate Pull Up/Down to 0.1% Down.
This changes the sample rate to 47,952. In order to convert the incoming 48
kHz signal, sample rate conversion must be engaged in the Hardware Setup
dialog. The MADI I/O requires a separate 48 kHz word clock connection to
the sample-rate converter MADI input.

d. Choose Setup > Hardware, and enable sample-rate conversion for the samplerate converter MADI input. Repeat this step for the other MADI I/O.
Note:

When print mastering a session that was mixed in a timecode rate otherthan 24 fps, the session settings will need to be reconfigured. See Working
with a Timecode Rate Other than 24 FPS.

12. Set up bed audio tracks on the Pro Tools recorder machine.
You will use the bed tracks to monitor and record bed audio created from mix audio
channels and console automation:a.

Create ten tracks to represent the bed portion of the Dolby Atmos print master.

b.

Name the tracks to match Dolby Atmos 9.1 layout order (L, C, R, Lss, Rss, Lsr,
Rsr, LFE, OhL, and OhR). For example, name the first track "Bed.L," the second
track "Bed.C," and so on.

c.

Directly assign all inputs and outputs.

d. When all the tracks have been created and named, save the session.
13. Set up object audio tracks on the Pro Tools recorder machine:
You will use the object tracks to monitor and record object audio created from mix
audio channels and console automation.
a.

Create up to 118 object tracks after the bed tracks.

b.

For better management, consider naming objects and dividing them up based on
category: dialogue, music, and effects. For example, name the first object (ontrack 11) "Dx Object 1."c.

Directly assign all inputs and outputs.

d. When all the tracks have been created and named, save the session.

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Note:

Do not add Panner plug-ins to the object tracks. The next step will guide
you through creating separate object tracks with Panner plug-ins. In orderto monitor audio and record Dolby Atmos metadata at the same time,
Panner plug-ins cannot be inserted on object audio tracks, because Pro
Tools cannot write plug-in automation if a track is in input (track input
enabled) or record mode.

14. Set up panner tracks.
These tracks will be used to hold Panner plug-ins and record object panning
positions and other Dolby Atmos metadata from the System 5. Create the same
number of tracks that were created for object audio. Tracks should be named with a.1 extension (for example, "Dx Object 1.1") to facilitate ordering.
a.

Ensure all object audio tracks have been named and the session saved.

b.

Re-import the object audio tracks as new tracks via import session data. (Thiswill automatically name the panner tracks with a .1 extension and will be of use
when ordering the tracks described in the following steps.)

15. To simplify track handling, create groups with the following suggested names:•"Bed": Group all bed audio tracks. Use this group to assign all bed tracks to a
VCA master.

•"All Objects": Group all object audio tracks. Use this group to assign all object
tracks to a VCA master.

•"All Panners: Group all tracks with Panner plug-ins. Use this group to insert
plug-ins and assign object numbers.

•"Pec-Direct": Group all bed and object audio tracks. Use to show bed and object
audio tracks only, to put them into input or record (for monitoring or recording
audio, respectively).

•"Dx Objects": Group all dialogue object tracks. Use to assign all dialogue objects
to a VCA master.

•"Mx Objects": Group all music object tracks. Use to assign all music objects to a
VCA master.

•"Fx Objects": Group all effects object tracks. Use to assign all effects objects to a
VCA master.

•"Rec Ready": Group all bed and object audio tracks. Use to track arm (record andinput controls) for bed and object audio tracks.

•"Automation": Group all tracks with object Panner plug-ins. Use to select anautomation mode for all panner tracks.

16. For the VCA groups, create the following VCA masters and assign them to theirrespective group.
•

Bed

•

All Objects•

Dx Objects•

Mx Objects•

Fx Objects®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual117

Workflows

17. For the groups that will be used to record audio and write panner automation, create
audio tracks and make them members of their respective groups, as follows:•

Rec Ready•

Automation

18. Insert Panner plug-ins on each panner track and assign an object number to eachplug-in.
a.

On the Pro Tools mixing preferences page, click (enable) Plug-in Controls
Default to Auto Enabled. This will eliminate the need to manually enable
automation for each inserted Panner plug-in before recording Dolby Atmos
metadata.

b.

Use the All Panners Group to select the panner tracks only.

c.

Insert Panner plug-ins to the same insert position on all selected tracks using the(<Option>+<Shift>) shortcut.

d. When prompted, autoassign numbers to all of the new plug-ins. For more
information, see Inserting Multiple Panner Plug-ins and Automatically
Assigning Object Numbers.
19. Sort the tracks by name, so that each panner track now immediately follows its
respective object audio track.
20. Map Panner plug-ins to System 5 channel strips.
See the System 5 Panner Application for Dolby Atmos Manual.
21. Configure session automation:•

In the automation window, enable automation for plug-ins only. Click (write
enable) the plug-in button. Disable the other write enable controls.

•

Enable Write Automation to Next Breakpoint on Stop.

•

On the Pro Tools mixing preferences page, click (enable) Latching Behavior for
Switch Controls in “Touch.” This will let you press a switch (such as Spheremode) and have it latch during automation record pass (instead of having tohold it).

•On the Pro Tools mixing preferences page, click (enable) Allow Latch Prime on
Stop. This lets you prepare the step prior to the automation record pass. In the
Options menu, check Link Track and Edit Selection. This is required if you using
an optional Artist Series control surface.

•

Enable the Rec Ready and Automation groups. Ensure that none of the objectsbased groups are enabled.

22. Configure the session audio tracks to monitor mix audio channels and automation:•

Make sure the Rec Ready group is enabled.

•

In the Rec Ready track, set the fader to 0 to set all audio tracks to 0.

•

In the Rec Ready track, enable TrackInput to set all bed and object tracks to
TrackInput mode so that the mix audio can be monitored.

23. Configure the panner track to record Dolby Atmos metadata from System 5 and anyother clients.

118•

Make sure the Automation group is enabled.

•

Set the automation mode for all panner tracks by setting the automation in the
Automation track. For the first record pass, set the automation to Latch. For®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual

Using Traditional Dolby 7.1 (or 5.1) Mix Audio Channels and Console Automation to Create a Dolby Atmos Mix

subsequent passes, change to Touch, because it is not possible to match out fromthe System 5 controls.
24. Start the playback machines.
25. Begin recording Dolby Atmos metadata moves using the System 5 channel strips thatwere configured as panner strips.
Panning information is recorded in automation playlists.
Note:

If needed, adjust audio levels using System 5 channel strips that wereconfigured to control audio channels.

26. For subsequent metadata recording passes, change automation to Touch.
27. When ready to record audio to the Pro Tools record machine, configure the session
audio tracks:•

Enable DestructivePunch record mode in the session.

•

Make sure the Rec Ready group is enabled.

•

In the Rec Ready track, set the fader to 0 to set all audio tracks to 0.

•

In the Rec Ready track, click the record enable button to enable the track fordestructive punch recording. This will enable destructive punch recording for all
bed and object tracks.

28. Start the playback machines and begin recording mix audio to the Pro Tools recordermachine.
Audio is recorded in bed and object audio tracks.
29. When finished recording, consider combining object audio tracks and panner tracks
to reduce the number of tracks.
30. For subsequent reels, create new sessions and repeat the previous steps.
31. Bring all the reels into one master session.
32. Join the reels together. Use crossfades as needed.
33. Record a Dolby Atmos Print Master.

®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual119Index2

E

23.98 fps session • 20
24 fps session • 18

Elevation mode
disabling • 93
using • 92
Elevation Snap modes • 93
ceiling elevation • 93
sphere elevation • 94
using • 93
wedge elevation • 94

A
ATTEN control (in the Monitor) • 64
authoring tools
getting started • 11
installer • 9
installing • 9
Monitor application • 4
optional tools • 5Panner plug-in • 4
Autoassign options • 85
automating Panner controls • 102
B
bed material
working with • 17
bypass mode (in the Panner) • 91
C
ceiling elevation • 93
disabling • 94
using • 93
chase LTC button (in the Monitor) • 64
console control of Panner
Avid D-Cmmand • 89
Avid D-Control • 89, 90
Avid System 5 • 89
supported consoles • 89
Surround Panner option • 90
System 5 Panner application • 89
D
default operation mode (in the Panner) • 92
DIM button (in the Monitor) • 64
Dolby Atmos
hearing audio • 26
metadata flow • 2
mix overview • 1
specification for Pro Tools • 14
system overview • 2
workflows • 105®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualI
installing
Dolby Atmos tools • 9
joystick (for Panner control) • 86
Jjoystick control of Pannerconfiguring in a Panner • 87
installing • 86
JLCooper MCS-Panner • 86
preparing for use • 86
Surround Panner option • 90
using • 86
K
keyboard shortcutsfor Monitor • 61
timecode right-click commands • 63
L
Linking selector (in the Panner) • 80
live mode monitoring • 40
M
metadata flow • 2
mix overview • 1
Mode section (in the Monitor) • 62121

IndexMonitor application
before using • 30
changing timecode location for playback • 44
clearing clips • 60
controls • 61
displays • 61
enabling communication with RMU • 31
hearing Dolby Atmos audio • 26
installing • 11
keyboard shortcuts • 61
launching • 30
live mode monitoring • 40
Mode section • 62
Objects Only mode • 59
objects view • 50
operation modes • 40
Outputs section • 64
playing back a print master • 43
print master • 41
punching in and out of recording • 42
Renderer section • 62
RMU output meters • 53
room configuration display • 58
room configuration not loading • 37
signal generator • 66
Time section • 63
timecode right-click commands • 63
Transport section • 64
using • 29
verifying communication with RMU • 34
verifying room configuration • 36
View section • 65
views • 46
Waiting for Room Configuration message •31
window header • 62
MUTE button (in the Monitor) • 64
O
Object ID section • 84
object number (in the Panner)automatically assigning object numbers • 84
manually assigning an object number • 81
object number box (in the Monitor) • 73

122

objectschanging location • 75
monitoring • 48
objects view • 52
Size slider • 76
using • 86
using a console • 88
using a keyboard • 91
using a mouse • 91
working with • 18
objects view • 50
operation modes (in the Panner) • 91
bypass mode • 91
ceiling elevation • 93
default mode • 92
Elevation mode • 92
Elevation Snap modes • 93
list of operation modes • 91
Speaker Snap mode • 99
sphere elevation • 94
wedge elevation • 94
Zones • 99
Outputs section (in the Monitor) • 64
ATTEN control • 64
DIM button • 64
MUTE button • 64
P
Panner plug-in
authorizing • 10
Autoassign options • 85
automatically assigning object numbers • 84
considerations • 71
control surface • 88
general use • 71
inserting multiple plug-ins • 84
installing • 9
joystick • 86
list of ways to control • 85
manually assigning an object number • 81
mixing console • 88
operation modes • 91
Panner plug-in window • 71
recording metadata from the RMU • 95
using • 69®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound ManualIndex

Panner plug-in window • 71
automating Panner controls • 102
configuration options button • 79
configuring a joystick • 87
elevation and z-coordinates • 76
inserting in Pro Tools • 80
Linking selector • 80
list of buttons and zones selector • 74
list of controls and displays • 71
Object ID section • 84
object number box • 73
object size slider and level display • 76
renderer connection status • 84
resizing the window • 103
stereo plug-in • 100
virtual room • 72
x, y, and z position displays • 75
x, y, and z sliders • 75
pink noise
generating to a speaker • 66
generating to a speaker array • 67
play button (in the Monitor) • 64
playing back a print master • 43
print masterplaying back a print master • 43
print master • 41
punching in and out of recording • 42
timecode location for playback • 44
Pro Tools
23.98 fps session • 20
24 fps session • 18
configuring I/O Setup • 21
configuring tracks and signal routing • 24
creating a new session • 18
multiple Pro Tools systems • 27
reconfiguring an existing session • 19
session requirements • 16
punching in and out of recording • 42
R
record arm button (in the Monitor) • 64
Recorder mode • 95
recording
metadata from the RMU • 95
print master • 41
renderer connection status (in Panner plug-in) •84
Renderer section (in the Monitor) • 62®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual

renderingmode • 62
Objects Only mode • 59
to a surround format • 38
re-rendering
bass management routing • 39
clip level • 38
re-render options • 38
surround gain • 39
to a surround format • 38
RMU
enabling communication with Monitor • 31
MADI inputs • 15
RMU output meters • 53
RMU audio output
clearing clips • 60
dimming • 58
gain changing • 59
muting • 59
Objects Only mode • 59
room configuration
display • 58
monitoring • 57
verifying room configuration • 36
Waiting for Room Configuration message •31
Sshortcutsfor Monitor • 61
timecode right-click commands • 63
signal generator (in the Monitor) • 66
Size slider (in the Panner) • 76
Speaker Snap mode • 99
disabling • 99
using • 99
sphere elevation • 94
disabling • 94
using • 94
stereo Panner plug-in • 100
Linking selector options • 101
using • 100stop button (in the Monitor) • 64
System 5 Panner application • 89
system overview • 2

123IndexT
Time section (in the Monitor) • 63
timecode right-click commands • 63
transport buttons (in the Monitor) • 64
Transport section (in the Monitor) • 64
troubleshooting
Monitor communication with the RMU • 34
room configuration not loading • 37
V
View section (in the Monitor) • 65
virtual room (in the Panner) • 72
W
wedge elevation • 94
disabling • 95
using • 94
Zones (in the Panner) • 99

124®

Authoring for Dolby Atmos Cinema Sound Manual