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Logic Pro 10.7.3
Logic Pro 10.7
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Overview of spatial audio in Logic Pro

In Logic Pro, you can create and export spatial audio mixes for playback on surround systems and devices that support Dolby Atmos.

Spatial audio and other surround features are available when Enable Complete Features is selected in Logic Pro > Preferences > Advanced.

In a typical surround mix, audio signals are routed to the discrete outputs of a multichannel system. Surround formats that use overhead channels, such as 7.1.2 or 7.1.4, offer the dimension of height to the mix. Although this can provide for a rich listening experience, the quality and consistency of the surround mix can differ depending on the number and position of speakers in the target listening environment.

When you create a spatial audio mix for Dolby Atmos, audio signals can be interpreted as objects in 3D space. You can position and move these objects to make them sound like they are coming from any direction around the listener. The information describing the position and movement for each object is stored separately from the audio signal as metadata. During playback on a system or device compatible with Dolby Atmos, this metadata is rendered in real time, providing a reliable reproduction of the intended mix based on the known speaker configuration.

When you are finished mixing, you can export your Dolby Atmos mix to an ADM BWF file. ADM BWF is the required file format when you submit a Dolby Atmos mix to Apple Music and other online music services. You can also create a new project from an ADM BWF file. See Work with ADM BWF files in Logic Pro.

Bed tracks and object tracks

A spatial audio mix consists of bed tracks and object tracks. Bed tracks are the same as traditional surround tracks that you route and pan with the Surround Panner to the discrete surround outputs. As the name suggests, they provide the bed (or foundation) of your mix. You use the 3D Object Panner to position mono or stereo object tracks in a virtual 3D sound stage without direct speaker placement. The information describing the position and movement for each object is sent as automation to the Dolby Atmos plug-in on the surround master channel strip.

Dolby Atmos plug-in

The Dolby Atmos plug-in renders the audio output signals of both the bed and object tracks, as well as the object track position and movement automation, in real time. If any plug-ins are inserted on the surround master channel strip before the Dolby Atmos plug-in, the bed tracks pass through them first. However, the object tracks are routed directly to the Dolby Atmos plug-in, skipping any plug-ins that are inserted before it. The Dolby Atmos plug-in is automatically inserted on the surround master channel strip when you turn on spatial audio in your project settings. You use the Dolby Atmos plug-in to monitor your mix in different surround formats, including binaural options specifically for mixing and monitoring on headphones.

Technical considerations

Creating a spatial audio mix in Logic Pro requires a large I/O buffer size, a higher sampling rate (depending on your project), and more processing power. See Set up Logic Pro for spatial audio mixing.

Mixing for Dolby Atmos

There are a few things to keep in mind when mixing for Dolby Atmos, particularly in regard to audio levels, surround formats, and plug-ins on the surround master channel strip. See Build a Dolby Atmos mix in Logic Pro.

Download the guides:

Logic Pro User Guide: Apple Books | PDF

Logic Pro Instruments: Apple Books | PDF

Logic Pro Effects: Apple Books | PDF

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