Re-adding my 5.1.4 setup on MacOS
Originally published on Patreon (July 7, 2024)
For a little bit, during OS Ventura, new speaker configurations for Dolby Atmos were added in the Audio-Midi Setup utility. Unfortunately, a few versions later they were removed.
It is rather strange, because these configuration exists in coreaudio and in Logic Pro.
Recently during an upgrade, I lost my 5.1.4 configuration. I tried to edit the plist that stores this configuration but it did not seem to work.
I found this utility: https://github.com/deweller/switchaudio-osx and this explanation https://stackoverflow.com/questions/16557371/how-to-set-speaker-configuration-programatically-using-core-audio-api-on-mac-os
I spent this weekend adding to this utility the capability to configure my speakers to 5.1.4. I also added 7.1.2 and 9.1.6 but I don't have this layout so the last 2 are untested.
I now enjoy again listening to Dolby Atmos in 5.1.4 on Apple Music and yes it makes a difference from 5.1.2.
I used this album to test my speaker layout: https://music.apple.com/us/album/tuning-dcx-vol-3/1748110988
I submitted a PR to the maintainer of the utility but not sure when it will be integrated. However with XCode it is relatively easy to build.
Let me know what you think.
PS: appreciate if you check my Dolby Atmos Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/franck-martin-new-releases-and-top-tracks-in-spatial-audio/pl.u-RRbV03Ju3Rabbr