Building an Immersive Studio Around a Single Decision
When immersive mix engineer Alex Solano set out to upgrade his Atmos studio, one decision shaped everything that followed: switching to KSD monitors.
In this exclusive conversation with Providence Sound and Vision, Alex explains why he chose KSD for his Dolby Atmos setup, how the monitors transformed his spatial accuracy, and the immersive workflows he has refined over the years.
Whether you’re mixing in stereo or building a full 9.1.6 system, this interview is full of actionable insights on gear, workflow, and achieving client-ready results.
Why He Switched to KSD Speakers
After demoing the A200 mk2, Alex completely rethought his monitoring approach. He upgraded to an all-KSD immersive rig featuring A200 mk2s for LCR, C55s for surrounds, and C5s for ceiling speakers.
The decision was driven by KSD’s full-range clarity, precise phase alignment, and compact footprint. Together, these qualities created a more transparent and trustworthy monitoring environment for immersive work.
Studio Workflow and Gear Rundown
Alex runs his studio on a Mac Studio paired with Pro Tools and a DAD MTRX Studio interface. He uses Dante for flexible routing and integrates outboard gear like the Eventide H9000 for creative processing.
Room calibration plays a critical role. He fine-tunes speaker positioning and levels to ensure spatial accuracy and consistent imaging across the mix field.
Atmos Mixing Philosophy
Alex begins every Atmos session by establishing a strong 5.1 foundation. Core elements like drums, bass, guitars, and vocals are laid out first. Then he expands into immersive territory using tools like Halo Upmix and Energy Panner to create movement and dimension.
Low-end is treated with care—LFE is used sparingly for enhancement, not overemphasis. His approach balances creativity with clarity, always keeping the listener’s experience in mind.
Monitoring and Binaural Translation
With many clients listening in binaural, Alex tests every mix in both headphones and speaker arrays. This ensures his mixes hold up across platforms.
He uses EQ compensation and mindful panning to keep tonal balance intact, making sure that even subtle spatial effects translate well to two-channel playback.
Advice for Newcomers
For engineers new to immersive audio, Alex offers relatable, practical advice. He encourages starting with headphone mixing if budget or space is a constraint. Renting Dolby-certified rooms for final renders is another effective option.
Most importantly, he emphasizes the value of developing a unique sonic identity. In a growing field, personality matters just as much as technical precision.
Watch the Full Interview
This conversation goes far beyond gear lists. It’s a rare and honest look at how one engineer is helping shape the future of immersive audio—one thoughtful mix at a time.
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