CASE STUDY
Wired Masters, Dolby Atmos Studio
From first-floor office to purpose-built Dolby Atmos studio
Client: Wired Masters
Location: Wimbledon, London
Completion: October 2023
Space delivered: Dolby Atmos studio
Our role: Studio design and build, technical integration, project delivery
Project overview
Background and rationale
During the design phase of the wider Wired Masters facility in 2021, the team considered whether the three mastering rooms should be Atmos ready. At the time, Apple Music had introduced support for Spatial Audio and labels were beginning to request immersive versions alongside stereo mixes. After reviewing workflow and engineering preferences, Wired Masters chose to keep the main rooms focused on high accuracy stereo mastering.
As the facility approached handover in January 2023, Wired Masters added a dedicated Dolby Atmos studio on the first floor. This allowed the stereo workflow in the main rooms to remain unchanged, while providing a purpose built environment for immersive mixing and mastering. It also brought Atmos work in house, with full control over monitoring accuracy and translation.
Monitoring system
Wired Masters’ main rooms use PMC monitoring (BB5 XBDs and MB2 XBDs), so the Atmos studio followed the same approach for consistency. Working with Phil Millross at PMC, the monitoring layout was set as 7.1.4.
The system comprises active PMC 6-2 loudspeakers for L, C and R, supported by two active PMC 8-2 subwoofers. Surround channels use PMC Ci65 units and height channels use PMC Ci45s, with Linea Research amplification for the passive speakers. Monitoring control is handled through Ginger Audio’s GroundControl system, with Stream Deck 2+ integration over a Dante network.
“Working in this Dolby Atmos room is really special. The sense of space I am able to create can bring so much emotion out of the music I’m working on. The detail and clarity in this studio is phenomenal and it’s a privilege to work in it every day. Quite simply, it sounds fantastic.”
Leo Butler, Dolby Atmos Engineer, Wired Masters
Design and acoustic approach
An existing office within the wider first floor workspace was repurposed and rebuilt to create a controlled environment for immersive mixing. Working closely with Phil Millross, the acoustic design was developed to meet Dolby’s recommended reverb times, frequency response targets and SPL requirements.
A full isolation shell was not required. The ground floor studios already incorporate substantial isolation and the first floor is not occupied by other tenants. A targeted construction approach was therefore taken. Lightweight partitions were removed and replaced with high mass walls and ceilings, and the floor build up was constructed directly from the slab.
The acoustic treatment strategy included:
A controlled front wall to support the L, C and R array
Treatments tuned to meet Dolby Atmos targets for the room
Infrastructure for multichannel monitoring, routing and calibration
Lighting and finishes developed for comfort, on-camera appearance and long sessions
Results
The completed room provides a controlled, predictable Dolby Atmos environment aligned with Wired Masters’ approach to accuracy and translation. Imaging, localisation and low noise performance meet expectations, and monitoring behaves consistently across formats. The room integrates smoothly with the wider facility, allowing immersive work to take place without impacting the daily stereo workflow.
Operational impact
Engineers report improved confidence in balance, imaging and spatial decisions
Monitoring translation between stereo and Atmos is consistent
The room enables immersive work to be handled fully in house
Clients have responded positively to the accuracy and detail of the space
“After the great work that Mark and his team at Recording Rooms did with our new studios we are absolutely delighted with our new Atmos room. The quality and attention to detail in all aspects of the design and build is second to none. It has to be seen and heard to be believed and all our clients have been blown away by the sound.”
Cass Irvine, Partner, Mix and Mastering Engineer, Wired Masters
“Mark Russell and Recording Rooms did it again. An amazing job and after the design stage, the build was completed on time to the most demanding deadline. The care and detail that went into this new room is everything we’ve come to expect from Mark and his team. I had heard Atmos rooms before and was always a little underwhelmed, not so with this one. In all honesty, I’m a little bit jealous.”
Kevin Grainger, Partner, Mix and Mastering Engineer, Wired Masters
Project team
Recording Rooms: Studio design and build, technical integration, project delivery
PMC: Monitoring design and supply
Phil Millross (PMC): Technical lead