Prepare a Dolby Atmos music release by checking source files, stereo alignment, distributor support, deliverables, deadlines and project scope.
Insights for artists preparing a release
These guides answer the questions that often appear between the final mix and the finished release. They are written for artists and labels making real decisions about mastering, source files, loudness, stereo mixing and Dolby Atmos.
The aim is not to build a library of production tricks. Each article should help you decide what the project needs, prepare the right material or understand the service you are commissioning.
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Read: Preparing a music release in Dolby Atmos
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Learn how streaming normalisation affects playback, why louder is not always better and how to make mastering decisions around the music and release.
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Understand the difference between mixing and mastering, which problems belong in each stage and how to know when a stereo mix is ready for release.
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Learn what audio mastering changes, what remains a mix issue, how a mastering engineer helps and how to prepare a finished stereo mix for release.
Human and AI mastering compared
A fair comparison of automated mastering and individual engineering attention, including when either route may be sufficient.
Apple Digital Master delivery
Learn what the programme means, why the source must be genuinely 24 bit and what Vigilante Studio includes for eligible recordings.
Preparing a mix for online mastering
File formats, resolution, headroom and the notes to include before you upload a finished stereo mix.
Read with the release in mind
The guides link back to the appropriate service when the next step is clear. If the question is specific to your own track, ask Rupert rather than trying to turn general advice into a fixed rule.