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The WiiM Amp Pro, WiiM Amp Ultra, and WiiM Ultra support Dolby Digital Audio, making them perfect for building a 5.1 surround sound system. The 5.1 surround sound system creates an immersive audio experience by delivering sound from multiple directions. This setup is ideal for movies, gaming, and music, offering six channels:

  • Five full-range audio channels (Front Left, Center, Front Right, Surround Left, Surround Right)

  • One subwoofer channel for low-frequency effects (LFE)


With the 5.1 surround sound system, you'll feel enveloped in sound, enhancing the dynamics of your audio experience. You can achieve this immersive audio setup by connecting multiple WiiM devices in a multi-room configuration. This approach is flexible and cost-effective, allowing you to enjoy the full 5.1 channel experience. This guide will show you how to set up a typical 5.1 surround sound system using WiiM devices.

Learn More about WiiM Dolby 5.1 Surround System



The WiiM Dolby 5.1 surround system is powered by advanced audio processing and multi-device collaboration. It requires 2 to 4 WiiM devices to set up. One device functions as the Group Lead, while the others functions as Followers. For details about device requirements, see Device Requirements and Typical Configurations.


Here is how 5.1 audio channels are handled by the Group Lead and Follower devices:


1. Front Left, Front Right, and Subwoofer


The Front Left, Front Right, Subwoofer audio channels are automatically handled by the Group Lead device using advanced algorithms. This ensures the optimal reproduction of the front channels and subwoofer channel, providing clear and precise audio from the group lead speakers.


2. Center 


The Center audio channel can be assigned to a dedicated Follower device. Using a dedicated center speaker improves voice clarity and dialogue in movies and TV shows. 


If no dedicated center speaker is assigned, the Center audio channel will be automatically distributed between the Front Left and Front Right audio channels using an advanced algorithm, ensuring optimal audio reproduction.


3. Surround Left and Surround Right


The Surround Left (SL) and Surround Right (SR) audio channels can be handled either together by one Follower device or separately by two Follower devices. These channels fill the space with immersive side and rear audio, enhancing the overall soundstage. 

 

WiiM devices seamlessly combine front, center, subwoofer, and surround channel processing—enabling you to effortlessly build a complete Dolby 5.1 surround sound system for a truly cinematic audio experience. 

Device Requirements and Typical Configurations


A WiiM Dolby 5.1 surround system requires 2 to 4 WiiM devices:


  • One device functions as the Group Lead. This must be a WiiM Ultra, WiiM Amp Pro, or WiiM Amp Ultra.

  • The other devices function as Followers. They can be any combination of WiiM streamers and WiiM Edition AudioPro speakers, except the WiiM Mini.


The WiiM Mini is not supported in a WiiM Dolby 5.1 surround sound system.


Here are three typical configurations, depending on your desired level of immersion: 


Configuration 1: Minimum Setup – 2 Devices

  • Device 1: Group Lead (Front Left, Front Right, Center, and Subwoofer)

  • Device 2: Follower ( Surround Left and Surround Right )


Configuration 2: Balanced Setup – 3 Devices

  • Device 1: Group Lead (Front Left, Front Right, Center, and Subwoofer)

  • Device 2: Follower (Surround Left)

  • Device 3: Follower (Surround Right)


Configuration 3: Best Surround Experience Setup – 4 Devices

  • Device 1: Group Lead  (Front Left, Front Right, and Subwoofer)

  • Device 2: Follower (Center)

  • Device 3: Follower (Surround Left)

  • Device 4: Follower (Surround Right)

Before You Begin


  • Make sure your TV has an HDMI ARC output port.

  • Place the speakers properly.

  • Connect all  WiiM devices to the same Wi-Fi network.

Steps to Set Up a 5.1 Surround Sound


Step 1. Connect the Group Lead WiiM Device to Your TV


  1. Use an HDMI cable to connect the group lead WiiM device to your TV.

  2. Set your TV to output audio to your group lead WiiM device.

  3. Set the audio output format on your TV to Auto, Dolby Digital Audio, or a similar option.

  4. Open the WiiM Home app on your mobile device.

  5. Go to the Browse tab and set the group lead WiiM device's Source Input to HDMI ARC.


Step 2. Connect the Group Lead WiiM Device to Your Subwoofer


Connect the group lead WiiM device to your subwoofer using an RCA cable, then adjust the subwoofer settings in the WiiM Home app to match your preferences.


For details, see How to Connect Your Subwoofer with the WiiM Amp or WiiM Amp Pro and How to Connect Your Subwoofer with the WiiM Ultra.


Step 3. Create a Multi-Room Setup in the WiiM Home App


  1. Go to the Devices tab in the WiiM Home app.

  2. Tap the Chain Link iconon the group lead WiiM device which is connected to your TV.

  3. Select the other WiiM devices from the device list.

  4. Tap Done to group WiiM devices and set up a Dolby 5.1 surround audio system.


Step 4. Adjust Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound Settings 


  1. Go to the Now Playing page in the WiiM Home app.

  2. Tap theicon to enter the Dolby Surround 5.1 Audio settings page.

  3. Make the following settings:
  • Enable Surround 5.1 Audio.

  • Optionally, assign the center speaker. If you have a dedicated WiiM device for the center audio channel, assign it as the center speaker. 

  • Assign surround speakers: 
      - When using one WiiM device as surround speakers, set it to Surround Left&Right.
      - When using two WiiM devices as surround speakers, set them to Surround Left and Surround Right, respectively.

  • Adjust Group Audio Delay. For details, refer to Using the Group Audio Delay Setting for WiiM Multi-Room Audio.


By leveraging multiple WiiM devices in a multi-room setup, you can achieve a 5.1 surround sound system and enjoy the immersive benefits of this audio format.

Tips


  • Place the speakers around the listening area at ear level with front speakers near the TV, surround speakers slightly behind or to the sides, and the subwoofer near the center for optimal sound.

  • The audio or video being played must support Dolby Digital Audio format; otherwise, achieving a 5.1 channel sound experience will not be possible.