Topics covered in this article:
- Pro Tools Session requirements
- Establishing Communication with the Dolby Atmos Renderer
Introduction
Before using the Dolby Atmos Renderer with Pro Tools, the Pro Tools session must be configured.
Session Requirements
To be compatible with the Dolby Atmos Renderer, the Pro Tools session must conform to specific requirements:
- Sample Rate – The Renderer supports 48 kHz and 96 kHz sessions only. If working with different sample rates during sound creation or premixing, the session sample rate will need to be changed prior to working with the Renderer.
- Timecode Rate – The Renderer supports creating masters from sessions with the following timecode rates: 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 29.97 drop frame, or 30 fps. Dolby Atmos Music should be created using 24fps.
- Hardware Buffer Size – This setting should be at least 1,024 samples.
- Playback Engine – This should be set to HDX for the Dolby Atmos Renderer running on an external Rendering and Mastering Workstation, or set to Dolby Audio Bridge for the Dolby Atmos Renderer running internally. If Renderer Send and Return plug-ins are being used to work with the Dolby Atmos Renderer running internally, the Playback Engine will be HDX for monitoring and recording live Re-renders.
Establishing Communication with the Dolby Atmos Renderer
Before authoring Dolby Atmos content from Pro Tools, Pro Tools must be set up to communicate with the Dolby Atmos Renderer.
With the Dolby Atmos Renderer already open, launch Pro Tools.
In Pro Tools, open the Peripherals window by navigation to Setup > Peripherals.
- Click the Atmos tab at the top right of the dialog box.
- Click the Enable checkbox so that it becomes checked. The Connection Status indicator will begin flashing green.
- In the RMU Host field, enter the IP address or hostname for the Dolby Atmos Renderer, or choose the Renderer from the drop-down menu. The Connection Status indicator will turn solid green once a valid connection is established.
Link Object and Audio Recording should only be checked if using the workstation as the master recorder in a source/recorder workflow. Otherwise, this should not be selected and could cause playback issues.
In a source/recorder workflow, the Pro Tools recording workstation must be able to capture both the audio signal and the pan/size automation data coming from the playback workstation via the Renderer. This does not apply in a single-DAW setup.
If it is not necessary to record audio and object metadata from another workstation, leave this unchecked.
Navigation
Next: Module 5.3 – ProTools Ultimate - Audio Output Routing, Bussing and Bed and Object Mapping
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