A method of encoding channel or object based input audio for playback, the method including the steps of: (a) initially rendering the channel or object based input audio into an initial output presentation; (b) determining an estimate of the dominant audio component from the channel or object based input audio and determining a series of dominant audio component weighting factors for mapping the initial output presentation into the dominant audio component; (c) determining an estimate of the dominant audio component direction or position; and (d) encoding the initial output presentation, the dominant audio component weighting factors, the dominant audio component direction or position as the encoded signal for playback.