Delivering Dolby Atmos Music: A Complete Guide

4 min read

Use Hitskope to upload and distribute Dolby Atmos audio to Apple Music. Give your listeners an immersive, multidimensional sound experience.

What is Dolby Atmos?

Dolby Atmos is an advanced audio technology that allows sound to move around the listener in a 3D space, including overhead. It creates a fully immersive audio experience.

Apple Dolby Atmos Technical Specs

  • ADM BWF (.wav) file.
  • All audio tracks must be 24-bit LPCM audio at 48kHz.
  • A Dolby Atmos track must be created from multitracks or stems created from multitracks.
  • Upmixing from a stereo release is not allowed.
  • Extracting stems ("de-mixing") from a stereo release is not allowed.
  • A Dolby Atmos track consisting only of a stereo mix placed in the sound field with added ambience or reverb is not allowed.
  • You must conform and sync the Dolby Atmos files with the stereo reference files for the same project.

TIDAL Dolby Atmos Technical Specs

  • ADM BWAV (.wav)
  • Minimum required sample rate of 48 kHz and a bit depth of 24 bits
  • The file must be created with a 24fps timecode and provided as an ADM BWAV file.
  • No additional silence at the start of the deliverable when compared to the corresponding stereo deliverable.
  • The file end should be 0ms from the end of the track including any fade out.
  • 48kHz BWAV ADM Binaural Render Mode should be set for all channels
  • All deliverables should be conformed and synced to the original stereo reference master.
  • Loudness Target: -18LKFS based on ITU-R BS. 1770-4 recommendations. Peaks should not exceed True Peak: -1dBTP
  • Binaural metadata is present in all ADM output and should be checked before Master creation to ensure correctness.

Enabling Dolby Atmos

Enable Dolby Atmos for your account and your clients:

  • Account Setup: Enable Dolby Atmos in your account settings. Set a track limit if you need to manage costs. Limits reset on the 1st of each month.
  • Cost Control: Use limit settings to control monthly expenses. Adjust limits throughout the month. Monitor usage in real-time. You'll receive a detailed report with your monthly invoice.

Creating a New Release with Dolby Atmos

To include Dolby Atmos in new releases:

  • Step-by-Step: When creating a new release, add Dolby Atmos to any track in the track list. Review all requirements for Dolby Atmos audio. Upload your file under the Dolby Atmos tab.
  • Create & Distribute: Finalize the release and distribute it to stores, starting with Apple Music.

Adding Dolby Atmos to an Existing Release

To add Dolby Atmos audio to releases already live:

  • Step-by-Step: Open a release from your catalog. Select the track you want to update. Use the Dolby Atmos tab to upload your Dolby Atmos file. Ensure the duration matches your stereo file exactly to avoid delivery issues. Assign a unique ISRC for the Dolby Atmos track, distinct from the stereo version.
  • Important: If the release is already live, it must be taken down from stores supporting Dolby Atmos (currently Apple Music) before redelivery.

Key Features

  • Upload & Distribute: Upload Dolby Atmos tracks and distribute them directly through Hitskope.
  • Enhanced Audio Quality: Deliver sound from all directions with enhanced spatial accuracy.
  • Integrated Workflow: Manage both Dolby Atmos and stereo tracks in one place.

Availability

Dolby Atmos distribution is currently available to Apple Music. Releasing your music in Dolby Atmos increases your chances of being featured in Apple's spatial audio playlists and gaining editorial support. Dolby Atmos releases display a special badge on the album detail page on Apple Music.

Pricing

Hitskope's standard Dolby Atmos delivery fee is $20.00 per track, recoupable from your royalties. Each Dolby Atmos track must be delivered alongside a stereo track. If your contract specifies different terms for spatial audio delivery, those apply — check your agreement or reach out to your account manager.

Track Limit Settings

Set a limit on the number of Dolby Atmos tracks uploaded across your account each month to control spending. Limits reset on the 1st of each month. A detailed billing report will help you manage costs and bill customers accordingly.

Options:

  • Set a Limit: Specify the maximum number of Dolby Atmos tracks that can be uploaded per month.
  • No Limit: Allow unlimited Dolby Atmos track uploads.

Adjust these settings anytime in your account settings.

How to Mix in Dolby Atmos

For best results, follow Dolby's guide to learn about creating Dolby Atmos mixes. For studio support, check out the list of Dolby Atmos-enabled studios equipped with the necessary technology and expertise.