Another Atmos 7.1.2 vs 7.1.4 debate

Yeah, but the beds are max 7.1.2. Although the output is supposely 7.1.4, the x.x.4 channels are downmixed to x.x.2. So you need to apply a bunch of tricks to create a real 7.1.4.

Well, as I wrote in my initial post: It is a lot of hassle to set up a 7.1.4 project.
For each STEM (DX, FX, MX, …) you need to create a 7.1.2 bed and a quad object bed.
And I am not sure that the quad object bed downmixes as “good” as a real bed.

Furthermore, the separation of the two top front and two top back speakers is only usefull for reverbs, BG’s (ambi) and MX upmix. But that “gain” is marginal. When I downmix my projects from 7.1.4 to 7.1.2, I do lose some wideness in the highs, but that is in a calibrated studio.
I am seriously doubting if the effort to work in 7.1.4 is really worth it.

Fredo

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