Dolby Atmos & Spatial Audio

Spatial audio is a general term used to describe all multi-channel audio formats that allow users to Spatial audio is a general term used to describe multi-channel audio formats that create a 3D sound environment surrounding the listener. The leading format, particularly in music applications, is Dolby Atmos.

Music that has been mixed in Dolby Atmos can be delivered to Apple Music, Tidal and Amazon alongside the standard stereo versions so that subscribers with compatible playback systems can choose a more immersive experience.

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Dolby Atmos is closely associated with Apple, which heavily markets spatial audio on the Apple Music streaming service. The link below provides more information on how Atmos audio is available to Apple Music users. It is also supported by Tidal and Amazon Music Unlimited.

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Atmos versions are produced and supplied as a separate “side-loaded” file to the stereo master. Creating a spatial audio mix and producing Dolby Atmos deliverables requires compatible DAW software (including Ableton Live, Apple Logic, Avid Pro Tools, and Steinberg Nuendo) and, more importantly, the ability to accurately monitor in a well-calibrated multi-channel environment. Many recording facilities now offer Atmos mix studios. Some also provide Atmos mixing services and can work from stems to recreate your mix in a spatial audio environment.

Please see the links below for more information:

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Delivering a spatial audio version of your release may increase your potential audience and help your music reach new listeners. There are fewer new releases available in Atmos each week, and there are dedicated playlists and other marketing channels specific to spatial audio, so there may be more opportunities for your music to be highlighted. Adding Atmos audio to a high-profile catalog release could also help it resurface.

As an incentive, Apple Music pays a slightly higher royalty rate for tracks that have Atmos versions available. This applies to all streams, not just those where the user listens in 3D. However, delivering a spatial audio version does not guarantee additional visibility or a greater number of listeners. The extra time, cost, expertise, and resources required to create Atmos versions may not necessarily be offset by a potential increase in earnings.

Also, not all music may suit a spatial audio environment, and a poorly mixed Atmos version may not impress listeners. There are only a few services where Atmos tracks can be delivered, and a minority of users may choose to listen to the Atmos versions.

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First, create your release in the portal as usual. At any time after adding the stereo masters, you can supply the Dolby Atmos ADM WAV files using your preferred file-sharing service. Note that an Atmos file for a single track is likely to be at least 1GB and may be much larger, depending on the number of channels.

You may also provide a secondary set of unique ISRCs to identify the Atmos recordings. This is a requirement for delivery to Apple Music, but we can optionally generate these for you.

Note that Atmos audio must be supplied for all tracks on your release. If Atmos audio is available only for selected tracks from an album, these will need to be released as separate singles or an EP. Use the form below to submit your Atmos release details.

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For new releases, Atmos audio should ideally be submitted at the same time or before you submit your release on the portal—typically a few weeks before release. To maximize marketing opportunities, submit them as far in advance as possible, but at a minimum, no later than 7 working days before you want them to be available.

Atmos files can be added retrospectively to titles that have already been released. However, note that this will not create a new standalone release; it will simply update the existing product. It is generally more challenging to leverage marketing opportunities post-release.

If you are adding Atmos files to a release that is already available in stereo, consider doing so as part of a remaster or deluxe package that can be marketed as a new product.

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Processing and managing Atmos delivery requires significant additional resources. For this reason, Kudos charges an administration fee of £10/track.