Are overhead speakers “right” for your room?
The idea of Dolby Atmos is exciting for all of us – who wouldn’t want to experience the sound and imaging that overhead speakers provide? The problem is that not all rooms are suited for this type of speaker configuration. Though movie theaters have had Atmos for years, Dolby recommends some specifications for at-home installation/usage.
To achieve optimal performance, the ceiling should be flat; not angled or vaulted. Perhaps most importantly, the ceiling height should be between 7.5 and 14 feet, with the ideal height being between 7.5 and 12 feet (2.3 – 3.66 meters). The ceiling should be constructed of acoustically reflective material: drywall, plaster, or anything else rigid.
Lastly, to improve performance, sound-absorbing, and sound-diffusing treatments should be used to reduce any unwanted reflections that your floors or walls might cause. We want to avoid audio reflections whenever that is possible, unless they’re from the ceiling.
As you can, see there is a science to getting this right – though you can still use Atmos in your home, the best results are achieved by following the guidelines above. Each room has its own unique challenges, and we have to overcome them the best we can. Part of the fun is learning what works in our rooms and what doesn’t – let this simply be a roadmap for optimal performance, not a discouragement from enjoying atmos in your own home theater!