NUGEN Audio Halo Vision Plug-In Serves as 'Spatial Compass' for Michael Phillips Keeley

Composer and re-recording mixer relies on immersive 3D visualization tool for Dolby Atmos projects

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Composer and Re-recording Mixer Michael Phillips Keeley has built his career around immersive storytelling, working from his Dolby Atmos-equipped studio, Sound Striker. Central to his workflow is the NUGEN Audio Halo Vision plug-in, a 3D immersive analysis tool he calls indispensable for modern Atmos mixing. Keeley relies on Halo Vision's real-time 3D immersive visualization to maintain full awareness of how energy is distributed throughout a mix, which is essential for ensuring his creative intent translates across formats.

Why it matters

As immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos demand precise object placement and bed management, tools like Halo Vision that provide visual clarity and spatial awareness are becoming increasingly important for audio professionals working in this space. Keeley's reliance on Halo Vision highlights how these types of analysis tools are enabling creatives to better navigate the complexities of mixing for immersive formats.

The details

Keeley deploys Halo Vision across a range of high-profile projects, including theatrical trailers, streaming releases and immersive mixes, as well as other specialized projects. He has used the plug-in for mixing the planetarium show 'Signs of Life' at Griffith Observatory in 28.1 surround, as well as 'Pacific Standard Universe' in Dolby Atmos at the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater. Halo Vision has also been integral to Keeley's work as both composer and re-recording mixer on the upcoming horror thriller film 'Valley of the Horntak', where he utilized the plug-in to visually track the energy distribution of unconventional sound design elements upmixed into Atmos.

  • Keeley has been using NUGEN Audio plug-ins, including Halo Vision, for over 10 years.
  • Halo Vision was used in the mixing of the 'Signs of Life' planetarium show and 'Pacific Standard Universe' Dolby Atmos presentation.

The players

Michael Phillips Keeley

A composer and re-recording mixer who has built his career around immersive storytelling, working from his Dolby Atmos-equipped studio, Sound Striker.

NUGEN Audio

An audio software company that produces the Halo Vision 3D immersive analysis plug-in, which Keeley calls indispensable for modern Atmos mixing.

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What they’re saying

“I've been using NUGEN Audio over the past 10 years, and the brand's plug-ins have really become an essential part of my workflow, especially when mixing Dolby Atmos. For me, Halo Vision isn't just a meter, it's a spatial compass. The plug-in's 3D immersive awareness gives me that instant visual clarity that really helps me know exactly where the energy lives for critical, cinematic mixes.”

— Michael Phillips Keeley, Composer and Re-recording Mixer (digitalmedianet.com)

“Halo Vision becomes incredibly important in those large-scale immersive venues, where speaker arrays wrap around and above the audience because it allows me to visually see how the energy is distributed through the dome of sound. The plug-in's 3D sound field display enables me to confirm that percussive hits, ambient beds and moving objects remain balanced and cohesive throughout the space. It is also a big help in determining where and how to pan certain objects around the room and how wide to make some of the beds.”

— Michael Phillips Keeley, Composer and Re-recording Mixer (digitalmedianet.com)

What’s next

Keeley plans to continue utilizing Halo Vision and other NUGEN Audio tools in his upcoming immersive audio projects, including more theatrical trailers, streaming releases, and specialized presentations.

The takeaway

As immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos become more prevalent, specialized analysis tools like NUGEN Audio's Halo Vision are proving invaluable for audio professionals like Keeley who need to maintain precise control and visualization of the spatial elements in their mixes to ensure creative intent is preserved across multiple delivery formats.