Virtual Studio Configuration
Orbit lets you customize the virtual speaker positions used for binaural rendering. These positions define the virtual room that you hear through headphones, so getting them right improves headphone translation and spatial accuracy in Binaural mode.
Opening Virtual Studio Configuration
Go to Setup → Virtual Studio Configuration to open the configuration panel.
The Configuration Panel
The panel provides two visual views of your speaker layout:
- Top-Down View: Shows speaker positions from above, with azimuth (left/right angle) and distance from the listening position.
- Side Elevation View: Shows speaker positions from the side, with elevation (height) and front/back positioning.
Speaker List
The left panel lists all 12 speakers in the 7.1.4 layout:
- L / R - Front Left / Right
- C - Center
- LFE - Low Frequency Effects (Subwoofer)
- Ls / Rs - Left / Right Surround (Side)
- Lrs / Rrs - Left / Right Rear Surround
- Ltf / Rtf - Left / Right Top Front (Height)
- Ltr / Rtr - Left / Right Top Rear (Height)
Each speaker shows its current distance, azimuth, and elevation.
Adjusting Speaker Positions
Drag in Visual Views
Click and drag speakers directly in the Top-Down or Side Elevation views:
- Top-Down View: Drag to adjust azimuth (angle) and distance
- Side Elevation View: Drag to adjust elevation (height) and front/back position
Changes are previewed in real-time but not applied to the audio engine until you click Apply Positions.
Manual Entry
Select a speaker to see detailed controls:
- Distance: Distance from listener in meters (1.0 – 4.0m)
- Azimuth: Horizontal angle in degrees (negative = left, positive = right)
- Elevation: Vertical angle in degrees (0° = ear level, positive = above)
Applying Changes
After adjusting positions (via drag or manual entry), click Apply Positions to send the new configuration to the audio engine. The button appears greyed out when there are no pending changes.
This two-step workflow lets you experiment with speaker placement before committing changes.
L/R Pairing
Left and right speaker pairs move together to maintain symmetry:
- L/R, Ls/Rs, Lrs/Rrs, Ltf/Rtf, Ltr/Rtr
When you move one speaker of a pair, its partner automatically mirrors the position.
Dolby Constraints
Show Constraint Zones
Enable Show Constraint Zones to display the recommended Dolby Atmos placement areas for each speaker. These appear as colored arcs in the views.
Enforce Dolby Constraints
Enable Enforce Dolby Constraints to restrict speaker positions to Dolby-compliant ranges. This ensures your layout follows Dolby Atmos Home Entertainment guidelines.
When disabled, you can place speakers anywhere within the 4m radius.
Presets and Saving
System Presets
Two built-in presets are available via Load Preset:
- Dolby Reference 7.1.4 Layout: Standard Dolby-compliant speaker positions
- Orbit Custom Layout: Orbit's default layout
Saving Configurations
- Arrange speakers as desired
- Click Save in the panel header
- Enter a name and confirm
Loading Configurations
Click Load Preset to choose from system presets or your saved configurations.
Reset to Defaults
Use the reset button (↺) to restore the default Dolby Reference 7.1.4 Layout.
During Playback
Virtual studio configuration is disabled while audio is playing. Pause playback to adjust speaker positions.
Tips
- Measure your actual speaker positions and enter them for best results
- Use constraint zones as a guide, but your room may require adjustments
- Height speakers (Ltf/Rtf/Ltr/Rtr) should be elevated 30-55° above ear level
- Front speakers (L/C/R) should be at ear level (0° elevation)
