Dolby Digital is often perceived as being quiet because of Dolby’s philosophy and their approach to sound mixing. This philosophy is rooted in their longstanding relationship with Skywalker Sound, a renowned sound design company known for their work in the film industry.
Dolby’s philosophy is to make normal sounds quieter, which means that when you watch a movie or listen to music in Dolby Digital, the volume levels for everyday sounds are reduced. This might seem counterintuitive at first, as we are used to hearing things at a certain volume. However, Dolby’s intention behind this approach is to create a more dynamic and immersive audio experience.
By making normal sounds quieter, Dolby creates a contrast between the quieter moments and the really loud sounds. This contrast enhances the impact of dramatic moments, making them sound even more intense and powerful. Imagine watching an action movie where explosions and gunshots are suddenly incredibly loud compared to the dialogue or background sounds. This sudden increase in volume creates a sense of excitement and adds to the overall cinematic experience.
So, when you watch a movie in Dolby Digital, you might find yourself needing to turn up the volume to hear the dialogue or quieter sounds clearly. This is because Dolby intentionally lowers the volume of these elements, making you adjust the volume to a higher level. It’s a deliberate technique to make the really loud moments stand out and create a more immersive experience.
This approach is not limited to movie theaters. Dolby Digital is also used in home theater systems and audio devices, where the same principle applies. You might notice that when watching movies or listening to music with Dolby Digital, you need to increase the volume to fully appreciate the impact of the loud sounds.
Of course, individual preferences and setups can also affect how Dolby Digital is perceived. Factors such as room acoustics, speaker placement, and personal audio settings can all influence the overall sound experience. Therefore, it’s essential to consider these factors when setting up your audio system to ensure the best possible Dolby Digital experience.
Dolby Digital’s perceived quietness is a deliberate choice made by Dolby to create a contrast between normal sounds and really loud sounds. This approach enhances the impact of loud moments and adds to the overall cinematic experience. So, next time you watch a movie in Dolby Digital, remember to turn up the volume and get ready for those incredibly dramatic and intense sound moments.