Dolby Atmos is a spatial audio found in movie theaters, home audio products such as soundbars and receivers -- and even in some headphones. You can even find it in some high-end cars, too. On the professional side, it gives audio pros that create sound for movies, TV shows and music a suite of tools to better and more accurately create convincing surround sound, regardless of the speakers that play that audio back to you.
How it works -- and how well it works -- varies depending on the situation. In the best use cases, it can create immersive 3D sound to augment the visuals on screen or add an extra dimension to music. In lesser use cases, it might add some "space" to the audio but not convincing surround sound. And understanding how it works will help you determine if it's worth considering Dolby Atmos compatibility in your next audio purchase.
The basics
In its most elaborate form, typically in high-end cinemas and home theaters, Atmos uses height speakers to create a verticality to the sound. These speakers are typically mounted high on walls or in the ceiling. In less-elaborate -- and far less expensive -- setups, upward-facing drivers built into soundbars and speakers bounce sound off the ceiling to mimic height speakers. In the least elaborate, least expensive Atmos-enabled gear, audio processing tries to do what physical speakers and drivers do in their more expensive versions. Atmos can also be combined with head-tracking technologies in headphones, and using other processing techniques in tablets and phones.
Because Atmos covers a suite of different technologies, it can be a bit confusing. Here are a few pointers:
Height channels can create more immersive sound. This is what you'll usually hear in cinemas with Dolby Atmos.
The best sound will be with a multi-speaker setup, but even soundbars with Atmos offer a much "bigger" and more enveloping soundstage than stereo bars without Atmos.
Ceiling speakers are great, but many companies sell upward-firing speakers that come close in performance without the need for speaker mounting or installation.
Head-tracking in headphones is liked by some, but considered gimmicky by others.
Atmos in some high-end cars can help create a more spacious sound.
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