Topics covered in this article:
- Supported master file formats
- Playing back a master file without synchronization
- Playing back a master file with synchronization to LTC
Supported Master File Formats
You can play back a Dolby Atmos master file in the native .atmos format or other supported master file formats using the Renderer.
Typically, an external synchronization source is used to start playback in conjunction with video playback. Alternatively, the Renderer’s transport controls can be used for audio-only playback.
The Renderer can open the following Dolby Atmos master file types for playback:
- .atmos (or .damf)
- ADM BWF .wav
- IMF IAB .mxf
- Cinema print master (.rpl)
- Digital Cinema Package (DCP) IAB .mxf
- pmstitch .xml
When playing back an .mxf file, a dialog prompts the entry of Start time. The default starts playback at frame 1 (timecode 00:00:00:00).
Playing Back a Master File Without Synchronization
This task does not require the DAW to be open.
To open a master in the Renderer:
- In the Renderer, choose File > Open Master File, or press Command+O (Mac) or Ctrl+O (Windows).
- Locate the Dolby Atmos media file and open it.
The Renderer updates and provides information about the master in the top right of the Renderer window:
- File path and name
- Locked status
- Frame rate (timecode rate, in fps)
- FFOA (if any)
- Start and end times
The Source Input/Master button automatically enables (if it was previously disabled).
To play back the open master in the Renderer:
- In the Source section, ensure that the Master button is enabled. With a master open and the Renderer in Master mode, you can play back and listen to the master.
- In the timecode readout, enter the timecode for the location where you want playback to begin. By default, the timecode readout location is the start of the currently loaded master file.
- In the Renderer transport section, disable the synchronization button and click the Play button to start playback.
- When done, stop playback by doing one of the following:
- Click the Stop button to stop playback and return the timecode location to the start of the loaded master file.
- Press the Spacebar or click the Play button to stop playback at the current location.
Playing Back a Master File With Synchronization to LTC
To open a master in the Renderer:
- In the Renderer, choose File > Open Master File, or press Command+O (Mac) or Ctrl+O (Windows).
- Locate the Dolby Atmos media file and open it.
The Renderer updates and provides information about the master in the top right of the Renderer window:
- File path and name
- Locked status
- Frame rate (timecode rate, in fps)
- FFOA (if any)
- Start and end times
The Source Input/Master button automatically enables (if it was previously disabled).
To play back the open master in the Renderer:
- In the Source section, ensure that the Master button is enabled. With a master open and the Renderer in Master mode, you can play back and listen to the master.
- Enable the Sync On/Off button (clock icon) to put the Renderer into chase mode, synchronizing to LTC from your DAW.
- Ensure that the Renderer and the DAW session have the same frame rate (fps) and sample rate. If mismatched, change the Renderer frame rate in Driver preferences, and make any changes required in your DAW settings.
- Start the DAW transport a few seconds prior to the open master start time revealed in the master status in the top right of the Renderer window:
- Incoming LTC will be displayed in the timecode window.
- The master file will play back synchronized to the DAW when the DAW transport rolls past the master file start time.
- Stop the DAW transport to stop playback.
Navigation
Next: Module 6.4 – Unlocking a Dolby Atmos Master File for Punch-ins and Metadata Updates