There are several considerations to make when selecting an audio interface and related hardware for your Dolby Atmos mix room.   

A wide range of solutions are available in the market to support different budgets and workflows. Some products integrate all of the functionality below into a single unit, while others are more specialized. To determine the hardware configuration that best suits your needs, contact your local Dolby Atmos Certified Service Partner for assistance or join the Dolby Creators Community on Discord to hear from others who have set up their studio. 

If you are mixing in headphones only, a multi-channel audio interface is not required. For more information, see Headphones & Dolby Atmos.  

Outputs

A PC or Mac audio interface with a sufficient number of outputs is required for speaker-based Dolby Atmos monitoring. When selecting an interface, ensure it provides enough outputs to support the desired speaker configuration. For example, a 7.1.4 system requires 12 outputs, while a 9.1.4 system requires 14. Many workflows also benefit from a dedicated headphone output for monitoring the binaural Dolby Atmos mix from the Renderer.  

Monitoring Control

A monitor controller is a hardware or software solution that provides volume, mute, and solo controls, source switching, and room calibration capabilities such as EQ, delay, gain, and bass management. 

If your audio interface does not provide these features, a dedicated hardware monitor controller can simplify monitoring workflows by adding physical volume control, source switching, and speaker management functions. Alternatively, many of these capabilities can be implemented “in the box” using your DAW, the Dolby Atmos Renderer, or dedicated monitor control software.  

Room Calibration

To ensure an accurate monitoring reference and improve mix translation, speaker calibration should include room EQ, delay alignment, and, where appropriate, bass management. These functions may be provided by a monitor controller, audio interface, or dedicated room calibration software. Some audio interfaces also offer built-in speaker EQ and delay processing. For additional guidance, refer to the Speaker Calibration section of our knowledge base.  

For more information about Dolby Atmos mixing software and compatible DAWs, visit the Dolby Atmos Music & Post Knowledge Base.