FAQ

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Due to be updated ASAP (note added 04/07/2026)

Common questions about Orbit, organized by topic.

File support

What file types can Orbit open?

Orbit opens ADM BWF files — broadcast wave files (.wav) that contain ADM metadata describing beds, objects, and their automation. These are the standard master format for immersive audio content.

Orbit also opens IAMF files — raw .iamf streams and IAMF carried in .mp4.

Regular stereo or multichannel WAV files without ADM metadata won't load. If you're not sure whether a file has ADM metadata, try loading it — Orbit will tell you if the required metadata is missing.

Can Orbit open MP4 or other video files with Atmos audio?

Only when the MP4 carries IAMF / Eclipsa Audio. Consumer MP4s with Dolby Atmos use different encoding (Dolby Digital Plus or Dolby TrueHD) and are not supported — for those, work from the ADM BWF master.

What's the maximum file size Orbit can handle?

Orbit can handle large ADM files — there's no hard limit. However, import time and waveform generation scale with file size. For very large files, the initial load may take longer, but subsequent opens are faster thanks to waveform caching.

Can Orbit export or render audio?

Yes. File → Export Audio… (⇧⌘B) renders a binaural file in every edition; Orbit Pro adds speaker-layout targets and ranged export. Orbit Pro can also export IAMF / Eclipsa Audio deliverables with File → Export as IAMF/Eclipsa Audio… (⌘R). PDF reports that document the ADM content are available via File → Export PDF… (⇧⌘E).

Playback and monitoring

Does Orbit sound exactly like the Dolby Renderer?

Not necessarily. Orbit uses its own rendering pipeline optimized for QC workflows. The goal is accurate representation of spatial intent, not bit-for-bit matching with Dolby's implementation.

For final deliverable validation where exact rendering matters, use Dolby tools. Orbit is designed to help you catch issues quickly, not to replace certification workflows.

Can I monitor in 5.1 instead of 7.1.4?

Yes. Select Multichannel monitoring, then choose a layout — 5.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.4, Quad and others are built in — from Layout under Spatial Options in the sidebar's Monitoring tab. You can also describe your own rig with OSLS. Orbit still renders to its 7.1.4 bus first, with binaural and stereo derived from that.

Why does binaural sound different from other Atmos renderers?

Orbit uses speaker-based binaural rendering: it first renders to a virtual 7.1.4 speaker layout, then applies HRTF processing to those speaker feeds for headphone playback.

Some renderers use object-based binaural rendering, where each object gets its own HRTF processing. The two approaches sound different — speaker-based has a more room-like character, while object-based can feel more separated. Neither is wrong; they're different tools for different purposes.

We hope to bring both approaches to Orbit in the future for full flexibility.

Orbit's approach is designed to help you understand how the mix will translate to physical speakers.

Licensing and privacy

Do I need internet to use Orbit?

It depends on your license type:

• Trial licenses have a 24-hour offline grace period. You'll need to connect at least once a day for license validation.
• Paid licenses (Standard, Educational, Organizational) only need internet for initial activation. After that, they work offline for up to 30 days before needing to reconnect for license refresh.

New to Orbit? After signing in, Start 14-Day Free Trial gives you 14 days of Orbit Pro — see Licensing.

All playback, analysis, and QC features run entirely on your machine — the internet connection is only for signing in, license validation, update checks and optional usage data.

Does Orbit upload my files or track my usage?

Your files, no. Your ADM files stay on your machine. Waveform caches are written locally next to your ADM files. Head tracking data (from AirPods or camera) is used only for binaural rendering and never leaves your device.

Orbit can share optional, pseudonymous usage data (which features you use, never your files or account). A one-time Help improve Orbit notice lets you opt out, and you can change it any time in Preferences ▸ Privacy ▸ Share usage data. Other network traffic is account sign-in, license validation and update checks. See Data & Privacy for full details.

Can I use Orbit on multiple machines?

Yes. Standard and Educational licenses include 2 activations, so you can use Orbit on a studio workstation and a laptop, for example. If you need more activations, deactivate a machine first or contact support about organizational licensing.

Organizational licenses can have custom activation counts to match your team's needs, and admins can revoke licenses remotely through the admin dashboard.

Is Orbit affiliated with Dolby?

No. Orbit is developed by South Loop Studios and is independent of Dolby Laboratories. Orbit is not endorsed by or affiliated with Dolby. Always use Dolby tools for certification and final deliverable validation when required.