Question 1

What Is Dolby Atmos/ Spatial Audio

Accepted Answer

Dolby Atmos is a surround sound format that allows the mixer to place and move sound in a three-dimensional space, creating an immersive listening experience. Unlike traditional surround sound, Atmos can be enjoyed without specialized equipment or software. While it offers a different experience compared to stereo, it is not necessarily "better" or "worse"; just a unique way to engage with audio.

Question 2

Where can I hear Atmos?

Accepted Answer

For Music: You can enjoy Dolby Atmos music on platforms like Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music Unlimited, and Melon.
For Video Content: If you’ve been streaming on Apple TV+, HBO Max, Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Vudu, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered Dolby Atmos. Look for the Dolby logo on your movies or shows. While not all content on these platforms features Atmos audio, many do.

Question 3

How do I listen to Atmos Music?

Accepted Answer

I've got you covered. Here's a handy link that will show walk you through how to check out some music in Atmos, using Apple Music, Amazon, or Tidal and exactly how to enable it.
https://professional.dolby.com/music/how-to-experience-dolby-atmos-music/#gref

If this still doesn't help, feel free to shoot me a message, and I'll get you sorted out asap

Question 4

What files do I need to send you for an Atmos mix?

Accepted Answer

1) Your final, Approved Stereo Master
2) Stems from your stereo mix session

*Bonus points for letting me know what the tempo/bpm is

Question 5

What files do I need to send you for an Atmos master?

Accepted Answer

1) An ADM-BWF file
2) Your final, approved, stereo master.

Question 6

What Files will I receive for an Atmos mix/master?

Accepted Answer

You get three files per song
1) ADM-BWF - This is the master file to be used for distribution. It can not be listened to without specialized software
2) BIN re-render - This is what you use to listen to the atmos mix on headphones. This is what will be heard in headphones *
3) MP4 - This is what you use to listen to the atmos mix on a consumer playback device such as a macbook pro, or a soundbar.

*This is what it will sound like for all streaming services currently offering EXCEPT apple music. To hear what it will sound like on headphones on apple music, save the MP4 into the files app on an ios device.

Question 7

How can I listen to my Atmos mix/master

Accepted Answer

Put on some headphones, download the BIN file and give it a listen!

Here's a great link for how to listen to atmos with Apple devices.
https://professionalsupport.dolby.com/s/article/How-can-I-QC-my-mix-on-Apple-devices?language=en_US

If you've got a macbook pro or other playback device (Apple tv 4k, Smart TV, Soundbar etc) just play the mp4

For PC and Android devices it varies, but a quick google search will usually give you the answer. If you're still not sure,  just shoot me a message and I'll be more than happy to walk you through it!

Question 8

My Atmos mix/master seems quiet compared to stereo...

Accepted Answer

That's because it is! Due to the very strict loudness guidelines of Atmos, any song in Atmos can not be louder than -18 LKFS (integrated) or else it will be rejected. But don't worry, streaming services are pretty good about loudness normalization with Atmos.

Question 9

Which file do I use for distribution?

Accepted Answer

The ADM-BWF. That is the master file.

Question 10

Why/Do I need An Atmos mix?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is that You don’t need an Atmos mix, but you might want one. Here’s why:
Unique Listening Experience: Dolby Atmos offers a completely different way to experience music, with sound that can envelop you or place you in various environments, from a concert hall to a practice space. It provides a more dynamic and immersive mix compared to stereo.
Increased Revenue: increased payout per stream.  (Apple Music) see here 
Growing Popularity: A significant number of listeners are already enjoying music in Atmos. In January 2023, Apple Music reported that over 80% of subscribers engage with Spatial Audio, and plays in Atmos have grown over 1,000%.
Playlist Placement: Apple Music is significantly less likely to feature your music in curated playlists if it doesn’t have an Atmos version. Conversely, having an Atmos version available also makes your song eligible to playlisted in Atmos specific playlists. While this might not affect major artists like Taylor Swift, it can be crucial for independent artists looking to gain visibility.
Virtual Reality: As VR and AR technologies advance, immersive audio like Atmos is becoming more relevant. It enhances the realism of virtual environments and is increasingly integral to these experiences.
Music Licensing for TV/Film: Dolby Atmos is becoming standard for film and TV streaming platforms such as Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. An Atmos mix is often a requirement for sync licensing, ensuring your music meets industry standards for these platforms.

Ready for the long answer? Strap in.

There's a few ways you can look at it. 
From an Artistic and Listener’s Perspective: A good Atmos mix can be a completely different listening experience  than stereo. It can wrap around you or make you feel like you're in a practice space with your favorite band, sitting next to your favorite pianist, standing in an arena or sitting in a pit with the orchestra. It all depends on the source material and what makes sense for the music. Sometimes it's just a more open and dynamic mix than stereo. But it's always an opportunity to experience the music in a different way.

Second, Let's look at it from a business perspective: There's no way around it: Atmos increases your cost. It's another thing you need to pay for. But what do you, the artist get out of it?  Firstly there is a slight bump in payment per stream (for apple music it's an additional 10%) More importantly, you're staying competitive. Major Labels like Sony and Universal have both decided to invest heavily in Atmos, with the CEO of universal saying this:
"Grainge noted that nearly half of UMG’s streaming consumption and 80% the label’s top-50 streaming artists’ music are available in immersive (or Atmos) versions to date"

And while Labels are investing, people are listening.
With apple music making this statement in January 2023
"Since launch, the number of monthly Spatial Audio listeners has more than tripled, with more than 80 percent of worldwide subscribers enjoying the experience, while monthly plays in Spatial Audio have grown by over 1,000 percent"

It's also the worst kept secret in the music industry that Apple music will not add your music (with some rare exceptions) to their Apple curated playlists if it does not have an Atmos version. This might not be a big deal for someone like Taylor Swift (although all of her recent albums DO have Atmos versions) but for an independent artist, getting added to Apple playlists can do wonders for reaching a larger audience.

Beyond just staying competitive, or trying to get bumped into an apple music playlist, there's another thing to consider.
With the rapid advancement of virtual and augmented reality technologies, immersive audio is becoming increasingly relevant. As VR and AR environments evolve, Atmos and other immersive audio formats are essential for creating realistic and engaging virtual experiences.

Finally, consider the licensing aspect.  Dolby Atmos has been a staple in major films since Disney's "Brave" in 2012. Today, platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Disney+, Paramount+, and Amazon Prime Video all incorporate Atmos for streaming content. As more films and shows embrace Atmos, having your music in this format is increasingly essential.

While it’s still an relatively new for music, Atmos mixing is becoming a standard requirement for music synchronization in media. Just as instrumental and a cappella mixes have long been essential deliverables, an Atmos mix is becoming crucial for securing placements in films and TV shows.

Zach Szydlo Atmos Engineering

About Me

Selected Dolby Atmos Mixes

Dolby Atmos Mixing • Atmos Mastering • QC & Deliverables

Atmos
Mixing Playlist

Discography

Contact Me

Frequently asked questions

What Is Dolby Atmos/ Spatial Audio

Where can I hear Atmos?

How do I listen to Atmos Music?

What files do I need to send you for an Atmos mix?

What files do I need to send you for an Atmos master?

What Files will I receive for an Atmos mix/master?

How can I listen to my Atmos mix/master

My Atmos mix/master seems quiet compared to stereo...

Which file do I use for distribution?

Why/Do I need An Atmos mix?

Zach Szydlo Atmos Engineering

About Me

Selected Dolby Atmos Mixes

​

Dolby Atmos Mixing • Atmos Mastering • QC & Deliverables

Atmos Mixing Playlist

Discography

Contact Me

Frequently asked questions

What Is Dolby Atmos/ Spatial Audio

Where can I hear Atmos?

How do I listen to Atmos Music?

What files do I need to send you for an Atmos mix?

What files do I need to send you for an Atmos master?

What Files will I receive for an Atmos mix/master?

How can I listen to my Atmos mix/master

My Atmos mix/master seems quiet compared to stereo...

Which file do I use for distribution?

Why/Do I need An Atmos mix?

Atmos
Mixing Playlist