Dolby Atmos Mixing

Mixing in Dolby Atmos

What do we need to mix in Dolby Atmos?
Prior to mixing in Dolby Atmos, your songs are usually mixed and mastered in stereo first. Dolby Atmos mixes are normally done from the mixed stems of the stereo mix and adjusted to sound like the master in the process.

As a minimum therefore, we need your mixed stems, and the mastered stereo track (to be used as a reference). In an ideal world, you would also provide us with your multi-tracks, as from time to time the mixed stems can have some of the original sounds in the song missing. This allows the engineer to find those missing sounds and continue with the mixes without delay. Similarly, it is always a good idea to include the final stereo pre-master, as this can help the engineer ensure the mixed stems are sounding as they should.

What if I don’t have mixed stems?
If your mix was done at a time when mixed stems weren’t a required deliverable or you simply don’t have the mixed stems, the Atmos mixes can be done from the multi-tracks. However, this is a lengthier process, which may incur additional fees.

What does the creative process look like?
The first thing we will do is ask for notes or directions from you – for example, it might be that you prefer something subtle, keeping the essence of the original stereo mix but using some of the additional space that the Dolby Atmos format provides; or perhaps the contrary, taking full advantage of the format and making the song as immersive as possible. In every case, we will ensure that the balance and direction of the original stereo mix is maintained. Our role is to tastefully translate what you’ve crafted into the immersive audio format, ensuring the care and effort put into the music is not lost, but enhanced.

What does the approval process look like?
We strongly recommend listening to the mixes in a studio where possible, as this is the only way of listening to the mixes in full resolution. However, if attending the studio session isn’t possible, we can provide you with the binaural renders, which can be reviewed on any headphones from any device. It is important to remember that the binaural renders are for headphone monitoring only, and they won’t sound good on speakers, soundbars or other speaker devices.

Deliverables
Once the mixes are approved, we will deliver ‘ADM MWAV’ files for each individual song. We will ensure that these deliverables meet the criteria that DSPs require, through their automated file analysis systems, in order to ensure the successful uploading of files.