Schedule

Mondays, February 10th, 17th, and 24th
1:30pm - 3:30pm EST (NY time) // 6:30pm - 8:30pm GMT (London time)
Virtual

Description

Dolby Atmos is increasingly becoming the industry standard for spatial audio applications. This course is designed for artists, producers, musicians, engineers, and technicians of all levels of experience, looking to use Atmos technologies within their own productions.

We will cover a range of fundamental concepts and hands-on approaches to Atmos mixing which integrate into Ableton Live production workflows. This includes setting up mix environments, sonic movement and placement strategies, an introduction to spatial audio cultures and practices, mastering and preparing tracks for commercial release, exploring HRTF and binaural monitoring solutions, and methods for translating mixes across a range of playback systems.

This is an introductory course and no previous knowledge of spatial audio or access to multichannel or spatial audio facilities/equipment is required. Over three weeks, you will develop your own Atmos production(s) using techniques and approaches discussed, before having the opportunity to present and receive feedback on your work in the final session. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with all the necessary skills to confidently create and distribute your own Atmos productions to an industry standard level.

Experience working with Ableton Live is beneficial but not essential. Free trial versions of Live and all Dolby Atmos tools we will be working with are available online, though some are available on macOS only.

This course will take place virtually via Zoom. Asynchronous participation is welcome. All sessions will be recorded and made available to participants.

Please note: ticket registration closes 30 minutes prior to event start time.
Syllabus
Week 1: Foundations of Spatial Audio & Atmos Techniques

✣ Development of Spatial Audio Technologies
✣ Introduction to Dolby Atmos
✣ Setting Up Atmos with Ableton & Dolby Music Panner
✣ Track Preparation
✣ Binaural Monitoring
✣ Working with Beds & Objects in Atmos
✣ Spatial Sound Movement and Placement
✣ Automation, Control, & Performance Techniques

Week 2: Mixing, Mastering, and Delivery in Atmos

✣ Critical Listening (Stereo vs Atmos)
✣ Atmos Accessibility
✣ Diffusion Approaches & Concepts
✣ Composing for Spatial Audio Environments
✣ Processing and Effects
✣ LFE & Center Channel Mixing
✣ Mastering Tracks for Release
✣ Translating Mixes Across Playback Systems
✣ Encoding, Testing, & Delivering Dolby Atmos Content

Week 3: Final Presentations and Feedback

✣ Presenting Final Works
✣ Group Discussions and Feedback

Hardware & Software Requirements

✣ Ableton Live Suite (Free Trial for 30 days, please download it the first day of class): https://www.ableton.com/en/trial/
✣ Dolby Atmos Renderer (Free Download): https://professional.dolby.com/product/dolby-atmos-content-creation/dolby-atmos-renderer/
✣ Computer with the latest Zoom update
✣ Headphones or studio monitors
✣ A second screen/monitor is encouraged

Please email us at hi@soundial.org with any questions about the equipment list.

Instructor Bio

Adam Barkley is a music technologist, educator, researcher and performer from London, England. Since 2021 he has worked as an Associate Lecturer & Principal Electronic Music Studio Technician at Goldsmiths, University of London, where he leads regular lectures & workshops on electroacoustic composition, sound design, spatial audio, and interactive performance systems.

As a technician and creative consultant he has worked with a wide range of clients and venues including Saatchi Gallery, The Dream House Sound and Light Environment (New York), Turner Contemporary, The Serpentine Galleries, IKLECTIK, The Wellcome Collection, The Horniman Museum, and 180 Studios.

@adambarkley
Contact

hi(at)soundial.org
Website: soundial.org
Instagram: @sound.ial
Cancellation Policy

Ticket holders have the option to cancel their reservations and receive a full refund if they do so at least 48 hours before the event starts. However, please note that any cancellation requests made within 48 hours of the event start time or after the event has already begun will not be honored.

If you're unable to attend but have a friend who'd love to take your spot, you can transfer your reservation to them before the class begins.

To request a cancellation, please send an email to hi(at)soundial.org with the subject line "Cancellation Request." In the email, include the following info:

• Your full name
• Date and time of the scheduled event

For eligible cancellation requests, we will initiate a refund to the original payment method used during registration. Please allow a processing time of 5-10 days for the refund to be processed.

Soundial reserves the right to cancel or reschedule events if necessary. Despite our best efforts, unforeseen circumstances such as technical issues or unavailability of instructors may arise, requiring adjustments to the event schedule. We will make every effort to notify you promptly and provide alternative options or refunds as needed.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in these situations!