Atlantic Technology has created its first in-ceiling speaker that was specifically designed to reproduce “object-based” elevation channels. Dolby and Auro (soon to be joined by DTS) partnered to produce algorithms that were designed to envelop the home theater listener with a bubble of sound coming from above. All of these formats are modeled on the latest “object-based” sound systems and sound tracks that have been developed to provide the audience with a totally immersive sound field.
IC-6-OBA
The IC-6-OBA contains a high dynamic range 6-inch woofer coupled with a pair of one-inch tweeters designed to produce a “wide scatter.” Most other in-ceiling designs tend to have a narrow dispersion and can create audible “hot spots” to listeners directly the below the speakers. By contrast, the Atlantic IC-6-OBA spreads out the sound field similar to what is actually heard in movie theaters where elevation speakers are usually 30 to 40 feet above the listener.
With the IC-6-OBA, sounds above will move in specific directions without calling attention to themselves as “speakers above your head.”
“It is the closest we can get to a true movie theater experience,” said Peter Tribeman, Atlantic Technology’s President. “Once you have heard an object-based sound field using IC-6-OBA speakers, it is difficult to go back to standard 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound.”
The IC-6-OBA speakers enter the market in January with a suggested retail price of $325 each.
