Dolby Atmos speaker layouts are referred to in the form x.y.z, where x is the number of ear-levels surrounds, y represents the Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel, and z is the number of overhead speakers. The LFE channel is a dedicated channel with one or more associated subwoofer(s) to ensure adequate reproduction of bass content (note that dedicated Bass Management subwoofers are not represented in the x.y.z schema). 

Dolby recommends a minimum 5.1.4 speaker layout to mix Dolby Atmos home entertainment content:  

• 5 ear-level speakers (left, center, right, one pair of surrounds)  

• 1 LFE channel 

• 4 overhead speakers 

A 7.1.4 speaker layout is the preferred minimum setup: 

• 7 ear-level speakers (left, center, right, one pair of side surrounds, one pair of rear surrounds)  

• 1 LFE channel 

• 4 overhead speakers 

In larger studios, a 9.1.4 or 9.1.6 speaker layout can be beneficial:    

• 9 ear-level speakers (left, center, right, one pair of wides, one pair of side surrounds, one pair of rear surrounds)  

• 1 LFE channel 

• 4 or 6 overhead speakers 

For more information about speaker layout and placement, see our Technical Guidelines.