Tonstudio Gress Elevates Immersive Audio with Genelec-Powered Dolby Atmos Room

In the historic Bad Cannstatt district of Stuttgart, Tonstudio Gress is setting new benchmarks for immersive audio production. The facility, founded by brothers Alexander and Raymond Gress in 1989, has unveiled a state-of-the-art 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos control room built around Genelec’s acclaimed 8000 Series monitors, delivering precise localisation, clarity, and creative flexibility for a diverse range of projects.

From its humble beginnings as a local studio, Tonstudio Gress has evolved into a multifaceted audio powerhouse specialising in cinematic sound design, spatial mixing, and high-end voice production. Over the decades, the studio has built a reputation for meticulously crafted audio for both national and international clients, spanning feature films, television, museum installations, and music.

“Whether you’re a solo artist or a major institution, we approach every project with the same dedication,” says co-founder Raymond Gress. “The new Atmos room is a continuation of that ethos – it allows us to deliver truly immersive, emotionally engaging soundscapes with confidence.”

The Atmos room

At the heart of the new 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos room lies a carefully configured Genelec monitoring system: 8040B models for LCR channels, 8030C monitors for surrounds, and 8020D units for the height array. This system, powered by an AVID MTRX interface and DADman software, provides a hybrid workflow that combines the reliability of analogue with the flexibility of modern immersive formats.

“We’ve been working with immersive audio for years, so the transition to Dolby Atmos was a natural step,” explains Gress. “The Genelec monitors immediately gave us enhanced localisation, greater detail, and significantly reduced listening fatigue. It’s exactly the level of precision we need for critical mixing sessions.”

The upgrade reflects Tonstudio Gress’ ongoing commitment to cutting-edge audio. Their original Genelec 5.1 setup, featuring five 1030A monitors and a 1092A subwoofer, is still in regular use – a testament to the brand’s reliability and longevity. “Our 5.1 Genelecs have been trusted reference points for countless TV mixes,” adds Gress. “With the new Atmos suite, we now have a future-ready system that complements that legacy.”

The project benefited from the expertise of Dolby’s David Ziegler and German reseller SMM Munich, who provided critical guidance on designing a balanced and cost-effective room. Final calibration was handled by renowned acoustician Roger Baltensperger, who optimised the space for consistent, fatigue-free monitoring across all positions.

“It’s a setup that just works – day in, day out,” says Gress. “We were able to achieve exactly the results we envisioned while staying within our budget.”

Since completing the upgrade, Tonstudio Gress has expanded its Dolby Atmos Music services, taking on projects for major streaming platforms alongside film and television post-production. The studio’s expertise in immersive sound has also found applications in museum and exhibition installations, where precisely sculpted soundscapes help bring narratives to life.

“This new room opens up fascinating creative possibilities,” says Gress. “We can now craft experiences that go beyond traditional stereo or surround formats – something audiences don’t just hear but genuinely feel.”

Tonstudio Gress has long been ahead of the curve when it comes to immersive formats. Their early experiments included binaural radio plays recorded deep in the forests of southern Germany, followed by years of refining 5.1 mixing workflows. This foundation made the transition to Dolby Atmos both seamless and inspiring.

Looking ahead, the studio remains focused on delivering quality, care, and creativity, with Genelec monitors providing the foundation for every project. “Genelec has always given us a sound we can trust,” says Gress. “This new Atmos room simply takes that trust to the next level.”

For more information about Tonstudio Gress, visit www.tonstudio-gress.de. To learn more about Genelec’s range of professional monitors, visit www.genelec.com.

Review: Genelec 8381A

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