Exploring Context Dependent Panning Automation Approaches for Immersive Melodic Rap Productions

This study introduces a Dolby Atmos mixing approach that applies the classification of production elements, a process based on the recording analysis framework by Moylan (2020: 43). In that framework, musical materials are classified as either primary, supportive, ornamental or contextual elements. In this study, Moylan’s classification of elements was used to determine the application of panning automation within individual melodic rap songs. To assess the impact of this context dependent panning automation approach on Dolby Atmos melodic rap productions, perceptual audio evaluations were conducted that gathered both listener ratings and comments. In addition to the data gathered from the perceptual audio evaluations, results were triangulated with practitioner reflections to inform overall conclusions on the influences of this Dolby Atmos mixing approach. Conclusions suggest that this context dependent panning automation approach could enhance Dolby Atmos listening experiences of melodic rap.