These tools allow your music to be heard exactly as it was intended: with studio quality, greater emotional impact, and a prominent presence on the world's most important platforms.
What is Apple Digital Masters?
Apple Digital Masters (formerly known as Mastered for iTunes) is Apple's quality standard for digital music distribution. It offers 24-bit audio fidelity, greater dynamic range, and sonic precision with no audible loss.
Benefits:
Top-quality sound on Apple Music and the iTunes Store.
Official "Apple Digital Masters" badge.
Greater editorial presence and playlist positioning.
Professional coding with official Apple tools.
Requirements:
Files in WAV, CAF or FLAC format , in 24-bit , with a frequency between 44.1 kHz and 96 kHz .
Clean mixes, without clipping or distortion.
Mastered by an Apple-certified engineer (we can connect you with one or handle the process).
Optional: Validation with tools such as afconvert , afclip , Apple Droplet , and AURoundTripAAC for technical verification.
A single Apple Digital Master file works for both the AAC and the new Lossless (ALAC) formats on Apple Music. You don't need to submit two separate masters.
What is Dolby Atmos (Spatial Audio)?
Dolby Atmos is an immersive audio technology that allows you to mix your music in a three-dimensional space. Unlike traditional stereo, Atmos places sounds above, below, and around the listener, creating an immersive experience.
Benefits:
Immersive, high-impact audio.
Support for Apple Music, TIDAL, Amazon Music , and other streaming services.
High probability of editorial visibility and playlist curation.
Improved listening experience with AirPods, HomePod, and compatible devices.
Technical requirements:
Final file in BWF ADM WAV format , 5.1 or 7.1 mix.
Minimum resolution: 24-bit / 48 kHz .
Production in compatible software such as Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Nuendo, Ableton Live , among others.
How to submit your material to UMW Recordings Inc.?
Prepare your master's degree :
Apple Digital Masters: in WAV/CAF/FLAC, 24-bit.
Dolby Atmos: in BWF ADM WAV, certified mix.
Contact us directly and send us the files along with the metadata.
We verify technical compliance and manage submission to the platforms.
We distribute your music with a badge of quality and professional technical support.
Technical recommendations
Do not artificially convert a 16-bit file to 24-bit (“bit-padding”).
No upsamples: always work at the highest native resolution available.
Avoid clipping. Allow at least -1 dBFS of headroom to ensure a clean conversion.
Use tools like afclip to detect digital distortion before sending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit the same song in Dolby Atmos and as an Apple Digital Master?
Yes. If you meet the requirements for both formats, your song can be distributed in Dolby Atmos and also as an Apple Digital Master , with both badges visible in Apple Music.
Do I need to be certified to deliver Apple Digital Masters?
No. But the mastering engineer must be Apple-certified . At UMW, we can connect you with one or help you manage the entire process.
Does Apple really use my original file?
Yes. Apple uses advanced encoding processes to maintain the fidelity of your original file. That's why it's important that your master meets technical standards from the start.