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Dolby Atmos is now a well-known sound technology for every sound enthusiast. But many still need to know about Virtual Dolby Atmos.
Virtual Dolby Atmos is a sound coding technology introduced by Dolby Laboratories. Without having a multichannel sound setup, you can still experience Dolby sound using this virtual technology.
A stereo 2.1 sound system or a soundbar is enough for virtual Dolby atmos. Also, you can use this technology with standard stereo headphones.
Want to know what is virtual Dolby atmos and how it works without proper sound setups? read this article.
What is Virtual Dolby Atmos?
Virtual Dolby Atmos is a three-dimensional sound coding technology that creates virtual channels to trick your ears into thinking that sound is coming from everywhere.
It refers to a sound technology that aims to recreate the immersive audio experience of Dolby Atmos without overhead and rear speakers. It’s different than traditional Dolby Atmos setups.
It refers to a sound technology that aims to recreate the immersive audio experience of Dolby Atmos without overhead and rear speakers. It’s different than traditional Dolby Atmos setups.
Virtual Dolby Atmos can work with devices including home theater systems, soundbars, headphones, and gaming consoles. So it’s a cost-effective solution for all sound enthusiasts.
How does Virtual Dolby Atmos work?
It uses audio signal-processing algorithms to create the illusion of sound coming from multiple directions, originally it’s an illusion.
A strong beam of sound from a stereo loudspeaker reflects off the walls of a room and roof so that the listener hears the reflection coming from every direction.
Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTF) technology uses the mathematics of how sound waves interact with the head, and ears, before reaching the ears. Not only with Virtual Dolby Atmos, HRTF technology is used in virtual surround sound, 3d audio, etc.
Virtual Dolby Atmos algorithms use HRTF technology to simulate individual sound waves and will feel the sound waves coming from your upper head, both sides and behind you.
Is virtual Dolby Atmos worth it?
A standard Dolby Atmos sound system with multiple speakers may cost around $500 to $1500. But a virtual Dolby Atmos can work with standard stereo speakers and Soundbars, which may cost you $100 to $300, which is worth it.
NOTE*Both Dolby setup and stereo speakers have lower price setups and higher-end setups, but here we took the average range of cost.
Enjoy Dolby Atmos sound after investing half of the money on stereo speakers will be worth it. The latest soundbars come with an inbuilt feature to create Dolby Atmos sound. Few smart TV also comes with the same feature.
Sometimes, you need to hire professionals to set up your Dolby Almos speaker around the room. In-wall and ceiling speaker installation may cost you a couple of hundred bucks. Setting up a stereo speaker or soundbar is a headacheless process.
A Dolby sound system has difficulties and limitations like:
- Installation cost,
- Wiring through the wall,
- Room shape matters,
- Place those speakers following instructions,
- Install ceiling speakers,
- Difficulties with speaker and wire extension.
When it comes to stereo gaming headphones, Virtual Dolby Atmos can give extra directional sound effects, which is worth it.
But in a competitive scenario, stereo speakers work more efficiently than Virtual Dolby Atmos-enabled headphones.
Situations where Virtual Dolby Atmos may not work
It’s time to accept that virtual Dolby Atmos is not for all sound enthusiasts. There are a few reasons you should consider before using it.
- Hall room: In a medium or small-sized room, the Dolby sound beam interacts with the wall and back to the listener’s ear. But if you’re sitting in the hall room, these things might not work for you. For a hall room, I suggest you install a proper Dolby Atmos setup with multiple speakers.
- Older sound system: Using the latest sound technology with the older sound system may step you away from experiencing Virtual Dolby sound. If you have an older sound system, use it as a stereo sound system, Virtual Dolby may not work with it. Having a standard sound system will work with it, so I suggest you upgrade your sound system with a newer one.
- Professional gaming: Using a Virtual Dolby Atmos-enabled sound system is not a good choice for professional gaming. However, having a virtual Dolby Atmos may give a pinpoint directional sound advantage. However, in a competitive scenario stereo headphones work more efficiently than Virtual Dolby Atmos supported headphones.
There are many more situations available where a virtual Dolby Atmos may not work. if you’re a Dolby or surround sound user, you may find some glitches. If you have a low-budget or older sound system, use a stereo sound.
2.1 Virtual Dolby Atmos Speaker Setup
A Virtual Dolby Atmos is capable of working with two stereo speakers and a subwoofer. A subwoofer in a sound setup can boost bass and low-frequency sound effects.
While placing a 2.1 sound system is not hard, many users still struggle. The reason why we’re here to discuss it. Follow the image, we will guide you which is the best place for your stereo speakers.
- If you have a TV setup, place both speakers left and right.
- Ensure that both speakers point to the listeners or seating area,
- Place the Subwoofer in the front wall corner, you can choose any one corner.
Because this sound setup contains only two speakers, try to use the branded company’s speaker for better output. Choosing a 2.1 sound setup with a soundbar can provide more sound accuracy.
You can choose a different place for two speakers if the 2.1 sound system comes with a soundbar. Let’s follow the steps:
- Place the Soundbar under the TV, this is the ideal position for any type of soundbar.
- Two speakers will be placed on both sides of your seating position,
- As I told you before, the sub-woofer must be placed in the front wall corner.
Did you have a 5.1 or 7.2 surround sound setup, this may work more efficiently than a virtual Dolby Atmos.
Final word:
If you don’t have to buy a Dolby Atoms sound setup, with a stereo sound system you can play Virtual Dolby Atmos. With standard headphones, this will work. I’ll not suggest you use Virtual Dolby in competitive scenarios.
Because of the new sound technology, it evolves every day. As of now a virtual Dolby is not sound like a Dolby Atmos sound quality. You can gather more information from Dolby Atmos’s official sites. If you still have any questions regarding this topic, comment below.
I’m sourav, a music lover and sound enthusiast. After experiencing multiple sound qualities, I thought many people searching regarding this topic, but there is not enough detailed information on it. That’s the main reason why I created this blog.