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 shares why he chose KSD for his Dolby Atmos setup, how they transformed his spatial accuracy, and the workflows he’s refined over years of immersive mixing. Whether you’re monitoring in stereo or building a 9.1.6 rig, this interview is full of actionable insights on gear, workflow, and client-ready results.
Key Highlights:
Why He Switched to KSD Speakers
After demoing the A200 mk2, Alex overhauled his entire monitoring setup with KSD for their full-range clarity, phase accuracy, and compact footprint. He moved to an all-KSD immersive rig including A200 mk2 LCR, C55 surrounds, and C5 ceiling speakers.
Studio Workflow and Gear Rundown
From a Mac Studio running Pro Tools to the DAD MTRX Studio interface, Alex shares how he calibrates his room, manages routing with Dante, and integrates outboard gear like the H9000 into his signal chain.
Atmos Mixing Philosophy
Alex starts with a strong 5.1 foundation – drums, bass, guitars, vocals – and builds outward using creative positioning, subtle LFE usage, and tools like the Halo Upmix and Energy Panner for movement and depth.
Monitoring and Binaural Translation
With most clients reviewing Atmos mixes on headphones, Alex ensures tonal consistency by monitoring in both binaural and speaker setups. He uses deliberate placement and EQ compensation to maintain balance and impact.
Advice for Newcomers
From mixing on headphones and renting certified Atmos rooms to understanding the importance of sonic personality, Alex offers practical guidance for engineers starting out in spatial audio.
Watch the Full Interview
This conversation goes far deeper than gear lists. It’s a rare, honest look at how one engineer is helping shape the future of immersive music.
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