How to Setup Speaker Layout Options
Setup Speaker Layout Options
Understand and Choose the Right Layout for Your Surround or Atmos Setup
Why This Step Matters
Choosing the correct layout ensures:
-
The correct audio signals are sent to the right speakers
-
Your system decodes content properly (e.g. Atmos vs Surround)
-
Accurate EQ, distance, and level calibration per speaker position
Layout Format Explained
Lithe Audio uses the format:
X.Y.Z, where: example 5.1.2
-
X = Number of main/surround speakers (front, centre, surrounds)
-
Y = Number of subwoofers (LFE channel)
-
Z = Number of overhead/height speakers (Dolby Atmos)
All Available Layout Options and What They Mean
🟣 Basic Stereo & Entry-Level Setups
| Layout | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 | Front Left + Right | Simple stereo audio; background music |
| 2.1 | 2.0 + 1 Subwoofer | Adds bass for small TV or media setups |
| 3.0 | Left, Centre, Right | Improves dialogue (centre) with stereo |
| 3.1 | 3.0 + 1 Subwoofer | Adds bass while maintaining clear dialogue |
| 3.0.2 | 3.0 + 2 Height Channels | Entry-level Dolby Atmos without rear surrounds |
| 3.1.2 | 3.1 + 2 Height Channels | More immersive Atmos setup without rear channels |
🟣 Mid-Level Surround Sound Setups
| Layout | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | Front L+R + Rear L+R | Basic surround without centre or sub |
| 4.1 | 4.0 + 1 Subwoofer | Balanced system for small to mid-sized rooms |
| 4.0.2 | 4.0 + 2 Height Channels | Surround setup with added vertical imaging |
| 4.1.2 | 4.1 + 2 Height Channels | Great for living rooms with ceiling speakers |
🟣 Full Home Cinema Setups
| Layout | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0 | FL, FR, Centre, Surround L/R | Standard 5-channel movie setup |
| 5.1 | 5.0 + 1 Subwoofer | Most popular layout for home cinema |
| 5.0.2 | 5.0 + 2 Height Channels | Atmos-enabled setup without subwoofer |
| 5.1.2 | 5.1 + 2 Height Channels (Atmos) | ✅ Ideal Dolby Atmos home theatre |
| 7.0 | 5.0 + 2 Rear Surrounds | Traditional expanded surround layout |
| 7.1 | 7 speakers + 1 Subwoofer | Best for large rooms without ceiling speakers |
Which Layout Should You Choose?
| If you have... | Choose This Layout |
|---|---|
| 2 front speakers only | 2.0 |
| 3 front speakers (L/C/R) + sub | 3.1 |
| Full surround (FL, FR, C, SL, SR) + Sub | 5.1 |
| Above + 2 ceiling or up-firing Atmos speakers | 5.1.2 |
| Surround sound + rear speakers (no Atmos) | 7.1 |
| Basic surround + 2 Atmos, no rear surrounds | 5.1.2 or 4.1.2 |
| No subwoofer? | Choose a .0 version |
What to Do After Selecting Your Layout
Once you’ve selected the layout that matches your speaker setup:
-
Drag-and-drop speaker icons to match physical positioning.
Tap:
-
Channel Levels – balance volume per speaker.
-
Channel Distances – adjust delay based on seating position.
-
Bass Management – assign subwoofer crossover correctly.
-
Recommended Layout for 8-Channel Systems: 5.1.2
For systems with 8 available speaker channels, we recommend configuring your setup as a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos layout to take full advantage of immersive audio formats.
What’s Included in a 5.1.2 Layout:
-
2 Front speakers (Left & Right)
-
1 Centre speaker (for dialogue clarity)
-
2 Rear/Surround speakers (Surround Left & Right)
-
2 Height speakers (ceiling-mounted or up-firing for Dolby Atmos overhead effects)
-
1 Subwoofer (for deep bass and low-frequency effects)
Why 5.1.2 Is Recommended:
-
Provides full surround sound coverage around the listener
-
Adds vertical dimension to audio (e.g., helicopters, rain, atmospheres) with Dolby Atmos height channels
-
Optimised for cinema-grade sound in living rooms, media rooms, and home theatres
-
Uses all 8 speaker outputs efficiently for maximum performance and immersion
💡 Tip: Ensure speaker layout and placement match the 5.1.2 configuration in the app to enable accurate calibration and decoding.
Related Articles
How to Setup Automatic Room EQ Mode
Setting up Auto Room EQ Auto Room EQ is designed to optimise your speaker system based on the unique acoustic properties of your room. It automatically adjusts the frequency response for improved clarity, balance, and overall audio performance. ⚠️ ...Spec Sheet - Cinema Hub
Please download the Cinema Hub Spec Sheet via link -Connection Diagram - Cinema Hub
Please download the Cinema Hub connection diagram via link -Documents - Cinema Hub
Please download the Cinema Hub user manual via link -How to configure Bass Management Setup
Lithe Audio Bass Management Setup Optimised Settings for Clarity, Impact, and Efficiency Bass management ensures each speaker plays only the frequencies it is best suited for, improving overall system performance and preventing distortion or ...