Dolby Atmos for Indies Buying Guide

The first thing we need to do is address the elephant in the room. Can an Indie Filmmaker create a Dolby Atmos production environment? Is this even something that’s within the average filmmaker’s reach? Without building suspense I’ll just say yes. During the COVID Lockdown, I had to provide my producing partners with 7.1.4, 5.1 and Stereo Downmixed Dolby Atmos QC, so I assembled a home studio in my Loft on a modest budget. Based on JBL Speakers, Focusrite I/O interfaces, Icon Control Surfaces, a bit of Room Control, Audio Technica Headphones and a good SPL Meter, I built a righteous Dolby Atmos setup with a budget of less than 5,000 dollars.