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Module 6.5 – Exporting Dolby Atmos Master Files

  • Updated

Topics covered in this article: 

  • Exporting Dolby Atmos ADM BWF master files 
  • Exporting Dolby Atmos IMF IAB master files

Introduction 

A Dolby Atmos project will typically require delivery in one or more Dolby Atmos master file formats. 

Master file formats include the following: 

  • .atmos file set – comprised of .atmos, .atmos.audio, and .atmos.metadata files 
  • ADM BWF – .wav file 
  • IMF IAB – .mxf file (for post production use only) 

Note that IMF IAB is considered a mezzanine rather than a master format. While the audio is uncompressed, the panning automation is quantized with IMF IAB. 

Both ADM BWF and IMF IAB can be exported from an open master file. A .atmos master file cannot be exported from an open ADM BWF or an IMF IAB. 

The .atmos package can be created only as part of a new master recording in the Dolby Atmos Renderer, or by using the Dolby Atmos Conversion Tool. The Dolby Atmos Conversion Tool can be used to create an .atmos file set from ADM BWF, IMF IAB, and other Dolby Atmos Theatrical master file formats. 

Both the ADM BWF and IMF IAB export windows allow for export of the entire master, or for export of a user-specified range. This is particularly useful to trim off a slate, synchronization 2-pops, or any unnecessary post-roll when exporting Master Files to be used as encoding masters. 

Only 48kHz masters can be used for export operations. 96kHz masters can be converted to 48kHz and other formats using the Dolby Atmos Conversion Tool. 

 

Exporting a Master as an ADM BWF 

To export an ADM BWF from a loaded master file: 

  • Choose File > Export Audio > ADM BWF, or press Command+A (Mac) or Ctrl+A (Windows). The Export Master to ADM BWF .wav dialog box will display. 

          blobid0.png

  • Click the Choose directory button, and select a save location for the ADM BWF master. 
  • In the File name field, type a name for the ADM BWF file. 
  • (Optional) In the Optional settings section, set the time range for the file: 
  • Click (enable) the Set manually radio button. 

          blobid1.png

  • In the In field, type in the timecode value where the file should start. 
  • In the Out field, type in the timecode value where the file should end. 
  • Click Export. A window overlay provides feedback to show the status of the export. 
  • When the export has completed (100%), click the Close button to dismiss the window. 

The new ADM BWF .wav file will now be available at the specified destination. 

 

Exporting a Master as an IMF IAB 

When configuring the IMF IAB for export, a primary language must be set. This is required as part of the IMF specification. 

The In/Out points adjust to the frame boundaries at the start and end of the file if the master does not start and end on a frame boundary. This happens whether you manually set the In and Out points for the export or use the inherited start-to-end values of the input file. 

To export an IMF IAB from an open master file: 

  • Choose File > Export Audio > IMF IAB, or press Command+A (Mac) or Ctrl+A (Windows). The Export Master to IMF IAB .mxf dialog box will display. 

          blobid2.png

  • In the Export Master to IMF IAB .mxf dialog box, click the Choose directory button, and set a path for the IMF IAB master. 
  • In the File name field, type a name for the IMF IAB file. 
  • Do one of the following to select a primary language: 
  • Click the Primary Language drop-down menu and select the desired language. 
  • Click in the Primary Language field, type the first letters to scroll to the desired language, and then select it. 

          blobid3.png

  • (Optional) In the Optional settings section, set the time range for the IMF IAB file: 
  • Click (enable) the Set manually radio button. 
  • In the In field, type in the timecode value where the file should start. 
  • In the Out field, type in the timecode value where the file should end. 
  • Click Export. A window overlay will display, showing the status of the export. 
  • When the export has completed (100%), click Close to dismiss the window. 

The new IMF IAB .mxf file will now be available at the specified destination. 

The start time of an IMF IAB .mxf will default to zero. A custom start time can be defined when opening the file. This information is not written to the file, but it will be used as a reference within the Renderer until the master is closed. 

Master file exports performed using the Renderer Remote application will only allow export to the external workstation. Only the local drives on the external workstation will be available for export. Network attached storage will not be available and should not be used. 

 

 

Navigation 

Next:  Module 6.6 – Offline Loudness Analysis   

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