Atmos Mix
Your task
Create a complete Dolby Atmos music or film mix in Logic Pro, due Monday, November 16. Mix the entire chosen song or the full supplied film, from beginning to end. Use spatial placement and movement to support the music or picture, then verify that the mix translates to speakers and headphones and survives ADM export.
You may develop the session started in class. This project assesses mixing and delivery; work from the supplied multitracks or film audio. You do not need to compose new music or record replacement sources.
1. Choose your source
Choose one route. Use enough separately controllable source tracks to build a bed and at least four object tracks.
| Route | Source and scope | What the mix should achieve |
|---|---|---|
| Music | The complete song Aiguille Rouge – Bebe Grand , or another multitrack agreed with the instructor | Keep the intended focal elements clear; use space to support phrasing, arrangement, and contrast |
| Film | The full supplied film Like Lambs , using the supplied dialogue and effects | Preserve picture sync, intelligible dialogue, and convincing perspective; use placement and movement to support the scene |
| Film | The full film Sol Levante , using the supplied music and effects tracks | Preserve picture sync; use placement and movement to support the scene |
| Film | The full four-minute film The Lost Piano , available free from The Cue Tube | Keep the monologue clear; use space and perspective to support the picture |
The Lost Piano is supplied as an unscored HD film. Its download page does not list separate audio stems. Check the downloaded audio with the instructor before starting this route so you have enough separately controllable sources to meet the bed and object requirements.
The November 2 in-class film mix introduces the film sources and spatial choices before you commit to a route.
Confirm your source by the November 6 checkpoint. Cover its full duration, including the ending and natural effects tails. There is no fixed 2–3 minute limit; the source determines the length. All routes have the same technical requirements.
2. Set up and mix
Use the Logic Atmos workshop for setup instructions.
- Work at 48 kHz with a 7.1.2 bed. Use 24-bit recording for any new audio. For film, match the project frame rate to the supplied picture.
- Use both the shared bed and at least four object tracks. Explain why the routing suits each source’s role. A stereo object track is valid; it uses two object inputs.
- Include at least two purposeful spatial automation gestures across at least two object tracks. Make their positions and timing serve musical phrasing or on-screen/offscreen action. Other objects may remain stationary; explain any featured stationary placement.
- Balance the bed and objects so intended focal elements remain clear. Use width, depth, and height where they help. More movement or more extreme placement does not earn more credit.
- Check the mix through the room’s verified 7.1 monitoring layout and on headphones. Compare the Dolby binaural and Apple Renderer previews, plus a stereo render. Address missing elements, distracting level shifts, and unwanted masking.
Our room has no discrete height speakers. You can author height positions, but assess their translation through the available speaker and headphone renders. Do not select 7.1.4 monitoring for the 7.1 room.
3. Check levels and export
Follow the Atmos delivery lesson for measurement and export procedures.
- Measure the complete mix, from beginning to end, through the 5.1 render, using a multichannel loudness meter after the Dolby Atmos plug-in. Meet the course limits of −18 LUFS-I or quieter and −1 dBTP or lower. These limits apply to all routes for this assignment; they are not universal film or Atmos delivery standards.
- Export Dolby Atmos ADM BWF using File > Export > Project as Spatial Audio. The monitoring format does not change this master export.
- Use File > Import > Create Project from ADM BWF to open the exported master as a new verification project. Check its start, ending, bed/object content, automation, and balance. Fix problems in the source project and export again.
Checkpoints
These checks support the project and do not add separate graded deliverables.
- November 6: working mix. Bring your full-song or full-film session in Logic with its media, working bed/object routing, and one automation gesture. Play an excerpt, identify your intended focus, and bring one question.
- November 13: progress bounce. Post the scheduled 1–2 minute listening preview to D2L for conference-week participation. Identify it as a stereo or binaural render and include one question. This preview is separate from the final ADM master.
November 9 covers the Atmos delivery lesson . Apply the measurement, export, and verification procedures as you finish your mix. November 11 and 13 are independent work days; studio access during the instructor’s absence requires prior arrangements. Arrange access for your room listening check and continue headphone checks on laptops.
Submit to D2L by November 16
- Logic Pro project folder, with all source media included.
- Final ADM BWF master of the complete song or supplied film, verified by creating a new project from it.
- One short document containing:
- Reflection, 1–2 paragraphs: explain bed/object choices, the two automation gestures, and one problem you solved. Include timestamps for the gestures. For film, describe how placement supports the picture; for music, describe its role in the arrangement.
- QC record: measured integrated loudness and true peak from the final 5.1 render; speaker/headphone formats checked, including Dolby and Apple previews and stereo; one timestamped observation and the change you made or why you kept the result; confirmation that the final ADM reopened correctly. Add one meter screenshot showing the final readings.
Grading rubric: 70 points
| Criterion | Exemplary | Proficient | Developing | Emerging | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bed and object use | Working bed and at least four object tracks; routing and stationary/moving choices clearly serve source roles and are explained | Required routing works; most choices are explained | A required source path or object track is missing, or choices are unclear | Bed/object routing does not work or is not demonstrated | /19 |
| Spatial design | At least two purposeful automation gestures across two objects; placement and restraint support the musical or narrative focus | Required gestures work and mostly support the piece | Required gestures incomplete, or placement distracts from the intended focus | Little intentional spatial design or automation is demonstrated | /16 |
| Mix balance | Intended focal elements stay clear; levels and transitions are controlled; perspective suits the source | Mostly clear and balanced, with minor unwanted masking or level shifts | Repeated masking, abrupt level changes, or perspective problems obscure the material | Balance makes essential material difficult to follow | /14 |
| Loudness and delivery | Course limits met and documented; ADM reopens with expected content and automation; project includes all media | Delivery works with a minor documentation or organization omission | Level limits missed, media incomplete, or ADM verification identifies unresolved problems | Master or project cannot be used, or required delivery evidence is missing | /12 |
| Monitoring and QC | Speaker, Dolby/Apple headphone, and stereo checks documented; a timestamped observation supports a revision or justified decision; essential content translates | Required checks documented; one minor translation issue or weak explanation remains | Some checks or evidence missing, or significant translation problems remain | No meaningful monitoring comparison or QC evidence | /9 |
Total: ___ / 70