Sound Innovator: An Interview With Techno Dad On Dolby Atmos

It’s truly fascinating what Dolby Atmos’ immersive technology can do with music these days, and Channa De Silva, aka Techno Dad, is an expert in the field. As a renowned YouTuber, he creates sounds that offer a three-dimensional effect!

In this interview, you’ll get to learn a lot more about this incredible topic.

1 – How did the idea to launch your service Atmos AV Consulting come about?

The idea for Atmos AV Consulting grew out of the incredible feedback I received from my viewers about my Dolby Atmos remixes. Many people spend hours searching for Atmos content to showcase on their home theater systems, but movies often offer only one to two minutes of standout Atmos moments.

In contrast, music in Atmos delivers a consistent three to five minutes of immersive sound. As I released more Atmos mixes, viewers frequently mentioned how much more engaging and dynamic my mixes sounded compared to versions available on platforms like Apple Music.

This highlighted a gap in the market for high-quality, immersive Atmos experiences and showed me there was a demand for better Atmos mixes.

2 – What are some myths or misunderstandings about Dolby Atmos that you frequently come across?

A common myth is that Dolby Atmos is just a passing trend that won’t see widespread adoption. In reality, the format has been in use for film since 2014, and companies like Apple now require Atmos mixes for tracks to be considered for curated playlists.

This commitment to the format makes it clear that Atmos is here to stay.

3 – What are some of the most exciting possibilities that Dolby Atmos offers to artists and producers that traditional stereo can’t?

With stereo, the listener often feels like an observer of the music. Dolby Atmos changes that by letting us place sounds in 11, 13, or even 15 speakers, creating a more immersive, three-dimensional experience.

Instead of just listening, you become surrounded by the music. One listener described it as “a more intimate experience with the music,” which perfectly sums up the transformative power of Atmos.

4 – Could you walk us through the process of how you approach an Atmos mix, from the initial concept to the final product?

I start every Atmos mix by going through the stems to find elements that can be moved around the listener in surprising ways. Once I’ve identified those unique moments, I begin placing all other elements, ensuring they don’t clash. The process involves creatively balancing, adjusting volumes and positions, and fine-tuning until the entire mix feels immersive, cohesive, and engaging.

5 – What’s the most fascinating thing about your latest remix of Rüfüs Du Sol’s “On My Knees”?

I had so much fun with different sections of “On My Knees.” One of my favorite parts is the breakdown, which features vocal sounds that aren’t actual words. I took these and panned them around the speakers, creating a dynamic, shifting effect.

At the same time, chords rotate counterclockwise and clockwise around the ear-level speakers, building an intricate foundation for the main vocals, drums, and effects. This section is particularly powerful and has become a favorite with my listeners too.

6 – Generally, how long does it take you to make these remixes? Do you work independently or with collaborators?

The timeframe varies based on the available elements. If I’m working with stems, I can finish a track in about a day. However, if I have access to MIDI and the original production files, I can create even more intricate mixes, which can take a few days to a week, depending on how immersive I want the track to be.

7 – What is the reason for the success of your YouTube channel with over 130,000 subscribers?

The home audio/video space can be confusing, with a lot of conflicting information online. I think my channel’s success comes down to breaking things down in a way that’s easy for people to understand.

Consistency and transparency have also been key factors in building trust and keeping viewers coming back.

8 – Have you thought about making tutorials online?

I have thought about it, but my current projects keep me quite busy, including creating YouTube content, DJing, and mixing in Atmos. It’s definitely something I’d like to explore in the future, but right now, it’s a bit too much to take on.

9 – Is there anyone else in the industry who does what you do, or do you think you’re breaking new ground?

I view an Atmos mix as adding another creative layer to an existing piece of art. While there are a few people pushing the boundaries of immersive audio, many in the industry are sticking with stereo mixes.

That’s fine, but it doesn’t fully showcase what Atmos can do for listeners.

10 – What new plans or projects do you have in mind for the coming months?

After co-creating the Spatial Audio Calibration Toolkit, the world’s first Dolby Atmos Calibration Disc, my colleague and I are now working on a Dolby Atmos Demo Disc for our YouTube viewers. It will feature original music created specifically for Atmos and other engaging audio/visual tracks.

I also recently finished and released an Atmos version of Major Lazer’s “Lean On,” which has been receiving rave reviews for its immersive sound.

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