Introduction
With the release of Pro Tools 2020.11, Avid introduced the ability to bounce a mix to ADM BWF. This facilitates faster than real time mastering and eliminates the need to configure synchronization. However, there are still several functions that require the Dolby Atmos Renderer, including:
- Monitoring the Dolby Atmos mix with various speaker layouts and downmix selections
- Recording with punch-ins
- Generating re-renders, including binaural re-renders
- Optionally Generating program-level metadata for the bounce to ADM BWF
Preparing to Bounce a Mix to ADM BWF
The I/O Setup Bus tab now includes Mapping to Renderer and Bed/Object Group columns.
The Mapping to Renderer column replaces the Mapping to Object column present since v12.8. The Mapping to Renderer column now allows mapping of Bed outputs to Renderer inputs as well as mapping Object metadata to Renderer inputs. This is required to include Bed(s) in the bounce to ADM BWF. The Renderer input configuration window has to have Bed and Object inputs that match the Bus tab in order to be able to successfully map Beds and Object ahead of a bounce to ADM BWF.
If any mapping is missing when closing the I/O Setup, a warning dialog appears as shown below.
The Bed/Object column assignments can pull group names and input assignments to groups from the Renderer. Alternatively, the group names and assignments to groups can be independently and manually configured in Pro Tools or pulled from individual tracks when importing session data or from an ADM BWF on import as session data.
Clicking on an assignment in the Bed/Object Group column brings up the prompt to open the Manage Bed/Object Groups window, as shown below.
Clicking on this opens the Manage Bed/Objects Groups window.
When set to Dolby Atmos Renderer, the Group names currently defined in the Renderer Input Configuration window will be listed, and the input assignments to groups will be pulled from the Renderer. When set to Pro Tools, a warning dialog appears.
Once accepted, the Manage Bed/Objects Groups window display is controlled by Pro Tools. New groups can now be created and assigned to mapped Beds and Objects as shown below.
When Bed/Object Groups are managed by Pro Tools, the group names and input assignments to groups can be made while importing an ADM BWF.
New in Pro Tools 2020.11 is an option to add Bed/Objects Group names to the I/O Setup when importing an ADM BWF.
Note that input descriptions set in the Input Configuration window of the connected Renderer will be included in the ADM BWF independent of whether the Bed/Object Group Master is the Renderer or Pro Tools.
Bouncing a Mix to ADM BWF
Once the I/O Setup is configured and a mix is complete, the bounce to ADM BWF can proceed. To bounce a mix to ADM BWF:
- Choose File > Bounce Mix (Option+Command+B).
- Select WAV (Dolby Atmos ADM BWF) from the File Type dropdown menu.
- The Beds and Objects mapped to the Renderer in the I/O Setup Bus tab are listed if they meet the following criteria:
- The bus must be mapped to a Bed or Object.
- The bus must be actively used in the session.
- The bus must be active.
- Click on I/O Setup to make any corrections needed.
- Set the FFOA, if needed.
- Select the source of program-level metadata from the following:
- Factory Default
- Connected Renderer (only available if connected to a Renderer)
- Previous ADM File (most recently imported ADM BWF)
- Program level metadata includes:
- Trim and downmix metadata
- Binaural render mode metadata
- Set the File Destination.
- Check Offline for faster than real-time bounces.
- Click Bounce.
The speed of an offline bounce to ADM BWF is dependent on the session and CPU.
Open the bounced ADM BWF in the Renderer to generate re-renders as needed.
Convert the bounced ADM BWF to .atmos with the Dolby Atmos Conversion Tool and open in the Renderer to unlock if any program-level metadata edits or punch-ins are required.
Navigation
Next: Module 8.7 – Recording Live Re-Renders
Previous: Module 8.5 – The Dolby Atmos Music Panner