• What is Dolby headphone personalization?
• How does the experience with Dolby headphone personalization compare to that with a default HRTF?
• How can I create my Dolby headphone personalization file?
• How much does the Sonarworks SoundID Tools app cost?
• I’ve already created a personalized profile using Dolby’s beta Personalization app. Do I need to create a new profile using Sonarworks SoundID Tools?
• Which DAWs and applicationsl support Dolby and Sonarworks personalization profiles?
• Do I need a new version of Dolby Atmos Renderer application to use a personalization file generated by Sonarworks? 
• Where does Sonarworks store my personalized profile?
• Will consumers also have access to Dolby headphone personalization when listening to Dolby Atmos content?
• What is the difference between the Sonarworks SoundID Tools app and the SoundID Reference app for macOS?
• Does the Dolby headphone personalization profile do headphone calibration?
• What headphones are compatible with Dolby headphone personalization?
• Can .sofa files be used with Dolby Atmos creation tools for personalization?
• Who should I contact for technical questions or support?

 

What is Dolby headphone personalization? 

The spatial audio experience over headphones can vary widely based on the shape of someone’s ears and head. This occurs because binaural renderers generally use a standardized HRTF (head-related transfer function) modeled on a mannequin head. This can cause challenges in content creation workflows, where spatial and timbral accuracy are key.

Dolby headphone personalization uses your phone’s camera to create a personalized HRTF profile. This file can be loaded in Dolby Atmos content creation tools, such as the Dolby Atmos Renderer application and supported DAWs, which will use this headphone personalization file when rendering binaural audio. This allows creators to mix and listen more accurately in headphones.

 

How does the experience with Dolby headphone personalization compare to that with a default HRTF?

The experience can differ based on many different factors. When it comes to the default HRTF experience, listeners may not be hearing the most accurate positioning or timbral representation of a spatial mix, while some may not be experiencing spatial positioning at all. Others may even experience discomfort when listening to spatial mixes using a mannequin-based HRTF. There are also many users for whom the differences provided by a Dolby headphone personalization may be very subtle.

ƒph

How can I create my Dolby headphone personalization file?

Dolby headphone personalization profiles can be created using the Sonarworks SoundID Tools app, which can be downloaded for free from the App Store and Google Play Store.

 

How much does the Sonarworks SoundID Tools app cost?

The Sonarworks app is free.

 

I’ve already created a personalized profile using Dolby’s beta Personalization app. Do I need to create a new profile using Sonarworks SoundID Tools?

No, the technology used in the Dolby and Sonarworks apps are identical, so new profiles do not need to be created. Room and lighting conditions during the capture process may affect the profile, so you may wish to create a new profile if the conditions of the initial capture were not ideal.

 

Which DAWs and applications support Dolby and Sonarworks personalization profiles?

Currently, profiles can be loaded into Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve v20.3.2 and higher, Pro Tools 2026.4 and higher, or the Dolby Atmos Renderer application. Additional DAWs will be coming soon and this article will be updated to keep the list current.

 

Do I need a new version of Dolby Atmos Renderer application to use a personalization file generated by Sonarworks?

No, profiles generated by the Sonarworks SoundID Tools app are identical to those generated by Dolby’s beta app. They are compatible with Dolby Atmos Renderer v5.3.2 and higher.

 

Where does Sonarworks store my personalized profile?

At launch, profiles will be stored on your mobile device only. You can transfer it to your computer via email, AirDrop, etc. Sonarworks may offer the ability to store profiles in your Sonarworks account in the future.

 

Will consumers also have access to Dolby headphone personalization when listening to Dolby Atmos content?

Dolby headphone personalization is designed to allow mixers creating in Dolby Atmos to achieve greater sonic accuracy when monitoring in binaural. This enables mixers to create a mix that will translate well to consumers listening in any environment, across a wide variety of services and platforms. It is designed to be used for content creation and not for consumer playback devices.

Some playback platforms offer the ability for consumers to create their own custom HRTF as well. There is no direct connection between the Dolby headphone personalization profile and these 3rd party consumer PHRTFs, however, they may be used to complement one another.

 

What is the difference between the Sonarworks SoundID Tools app and the SoundID Reference app for macOS?

SoundID Reference for macOS offers headphone and speaker calibration features whereas SoundID Tools for mobile currently only supports Dolby headphone personalization.

 

Does the Dolby headphone personalization profile do headphone calibration?

Not at this time, but you can use Sonarworks’ SoundID Reference to apply headphone calibration on top of the Dolby Atmos headphone mix via the plug-in, systemwide via the standalone app, or in one of the hardware interface products that integrates Sonarworks technology.

 

What headphones are compatible with Dolby headphone personalization?

You can use any pair of headphones to create or listen to your immersive mix.

 

Can .sofa files be used with Dolby Atmos creation tools for personalization?

Dolby headphone personalization creates a file that is specifically designed to work with the Dolby Atmos Renderer application and partner DAWs. .sofa files are not supported at this time.

 

Who should I contact for technical questions or support?

Sonarworks will handle support for the SoundID Tools app.

Dolby will continue to support using personalized profiles in the Dolby Atmos Renderer application.

DAW partners will handle support for use of these files within their apps.