BWAV ADM Creation Guidelines: Dubbing

Article Updated: August 6, 2025

INTRODUCTION

When delivering secondary audio and AD to Backlot, Netflix requires the file format to be BWAV ADM with bed separation between the dialogue and M&E*. This article outlines best practices for creating a BWAV ADM files for Dubbing and Audio Description assets

While this guidance focuses on workflows using Dolby Atmos Renderer or Pro Tools (2023.12 or newer), Netflix accepts sound mix delivery via BWAV ADM from any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) capable of producing a standards-compliant BWAV ADM file.

Getting Started With ADM Rendering

When delivering 5.1 Secondary Audio or AD to Netflix, the most efficient and reliable approach is to create your final ADM file using pre-printed stems exported directly from your mix session where you can verify the loudness measurement is correct. It is crucial to ensure that, when summed, these stems include all required elements to accurately represent the intended 5.1 mix and meet the Netflix dialogue-gated loudness target of -27 LKFS.

For Atmos deliveries, we recommend setting True-Peak limiters on all beds and objects at -2.3 or lower. Loudness should be checked via a 5.1 rerender.

Setup Using ProTools Internal Renderer

Requirement - Pro Tools 2023.5 or newer.

Ensure “Internal Renderer” is selected in the “Dolby Atmos” tab in the “I/O Setup” window. Images below show how this will look for 5.1 mixes (fig 1) and Atmos mixes (fig 2)

fig 1

fig 2

Group Labels Requirement By Deliverable Type (Internal Renderer)

Requirement - Pro Tools 2023.5 or newer.

Setting up group labels can be done in the “Dolby Atmos” tab of the I/O Setup window. By clicking on the “Groups” you can see the pre-defined groups available, to add a new group select Manage Bed/Objects Groups

Depending on the deliverable you are working on, you should follow the labels below.

Secondary Audio, Product Trailers and Supplementals

Dubbed Dialogue Group Label - Dubbed Dialogue
M&E Group Label - M&E

Note: For Atmos, it is only necessary to ensure dubbed dialogue is routed to a Dubbed Dialogue group. Generally, it's acceptable to use the existing group names for Atmos M&Es, however, please flag any inconsistencies to your Netflix representative so we can address them as needed.

VO (UN-style) or Lector Style Dubbing

If the Printmaster is used as the OV source, please label as below

Narration Group Label - Narration
Printmaster Group Label - M&E

If the DME files are used as OV source please label as below

VO or Lector Group Label - Narration
OV Dialogue Group Label - Dialogue

OV Music Group Label - Music

OV Effects Group Label - Effects

Audio Description

Audio Description Group Label - Audio Description
M&E Group Label - M&E

If the DME files are used as OV source please label as below

Audio Description Group Label - Audio Description
OV Dialogue Group Label - Dialogue

OV Music Group Label - Music

OV Effects Group Label - Effects

To route the 5.1 stems to the appropriate bed group, you can choose the groups you have already set up in track output/sends.

When working with Atmos ensure tracks are assigned to beds and objects matching the required channel width. In this example, beds are 7.1.2 and objects are mono.

Rendering The ADM (Internal Renderer)

Requirement - Pro Tools 2023.5 or newer.

When you are ready to render the ADM, you can follow the steps below.

Under “File,” select “Bounce Mix”
Select “WAV (Dolby Atmos)” in the File Type drop-down menu.
Set a logical file name for the resulting BWAV ADM Printmaster.
1. Example: 2036234_ChefsTable_Season2_Episode2_23976_en_L_R_C_Lfe_Ls_Rs_ADM_48k24b_V1 (for 5.1)
2. Or 2036234_ChefsTable_Season2_Episode2_23976_en_Atmos_ADM_48k24b_V1.wav (for Atmos)
Check the “Offline” box in the lower left corner and click “Bounce” to render the file

Setup Using The Dolby Atmos Renderer

Configure the DAW of choice to pass the following data as outlined in the Dolby Atmos Renderer User’s Guide
1. Audio via Dolby Audio Bridge
2. Sync via Dolby LTC Generator
3. Atmos Metadata via DAW IP settings