The room represents a paradigm shift in immersive audio production, becoming the second Dolby Atmos studio in the world based on Martin Audio FlexPoint systems and the first in Europe.
Unlike traditional Dolby Atmos studios that rely on conventional studio monitors, the TiMax x Sonosphere facility breaks new ground by using world-class Martin Audio FlexPoint professional PA systems in a 9.1.6 configuration. This approach bridges the gap between studio production and live event deployment, enabling creators to work in an environment that accurately reflects how their content will sound in real-world immersive spaces.
The decision to use professional PA loudspeakers rather than traditional monitors is fundamental to our vision. We are not just creating content for playback in other studios; we are producing work that needs to scale from intimate listening rooms to large live venues. This room allows us to hear what audiences will experience and make creative decisions accordingly, explains Phil Wright, Sound Designer, Mix Engineer, and Technical Director at Sonosphere.
At the heart of the studio’s unique capability is its ability to play Audio Definition Model (ADM) files, the standard format for Dolby Atmos content, and to leverage TiMax’s third-party OSC integration to seamlessly upscale them for deployment through large-scale live sound systems. This studio to stadium workflow represents a first in the UK market and, potentially, worldwide.
"Sonosphere’s vision has always been to take content from ‘small to big’, creating a workflow in which material produced in the studio can be directly scaled for arenas, festivals, and immersive installations without compromise", says Duncan Bell, Commercial Director at Sonosphere. "As the second Martin Audio–based Dolby Atmos studio in the world, we can now produce and scale Atmos content from our studio to the wide range of spaces our projects and clients require. This is not just about mixing in Atmos; it’s about creating content that comes alive in any environment".
The state-of-the-art facility offers far more than a Dolby Atmos mixing room. At full capacity, the studio features a 26.4.6 TiMax mixing environment with TiMax SoundHub 2 and its powerful spatial audio and show control capabilities. The TiMax Tracker D4 system, with eight sensors, provides real-time object tracking and automation, while TiMax panLab delivers intuitive spatial control for fast creative workflows.
The studio’s equipment roster brings together the best of Focusrite Group’s Audio Reproduction division brands, with amplification provided by Linea Research 88C06 amplifiers loaded with FlexPoint presets, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Using TiMax as the spatial audio processor reinforces the collaboration’s commitment to flexibility and creative control. Unlike other spatial processors, TiMax SoundHub 2 excels at handling complex object-based audio, integrating show control, and—critically—bridging studio creation and live deployment. Its track record in theatres, music venues, and installations worldwide makes it uniquely qualified to deliver on the small to big promise.
The collaboration between TiMax and Sonosphere brings together complementary expertise. TiMax contributes decades of experience in spatial audio processing, show control, and tracking technology, while Sonosphere adds specialist knowledge in immersive content creation for music, broadcast, and live events.
Together, the two companies offer a London-based immersive audio hub that is flexible and multi-purpose, focused on demonstrating, training, promoting, and delivering systems, workflows, and specialist content. It’s not just another studio; it’s a resource for the entire industry. We host workshops, demonstrations, panel discussions, and training sessions to share acquired knowledge and push the boundaries of what’s possible in spatial audio, explains Bell.
The studio offers accredited training programmes, demonstration opportunities, and a space for networking, hospitality, and showcases. It is designed to be an active hub where the immersive audio community can connect, collaborate, and innovate.
The room was designed and implemented by Phil Wright of Sonosphere in strict compliance with Dolby DARDT guidelines. With calibration completed by Dolby engineer Richard Addis, the facility meets the exacting standards required for professional Dolby Atmos production, ensuring that mixes created in this space translate accurately wherever they are delivered.
