Mercenary Magnetics launches $79 checker for immersive audio masters

Mercenary Magnetics has released ADM Master QC, a macOS app that checks immersive ADM BWF masters against major-label delivery specs before files leave the studio. The one-time tool aims to catch common rejection issues in seconds and is now available for $79 at launch.

Why it matters: - Immersive audio masters can be rejected for technical issues that are not audible in the room. - ADM Master QC is designed to catch those problems before delivery, which could save engineers from reopening sessions days or weeks later. - The app targets mix and mastering engineers working with major labels and distributors, plus studio staff who review files before they go out.

What happened: - Mercenary Magnetics released ADM Master QC, a macOS application for checking ADM BWF immersive masters against published major-label delivery specifications. - The app is available now. - The launch price is $79, down from a $99 list price. - The product was built by Chris Bell, founder of Mercenary Magnetics.

The details: - Engineers drag and drop a master into the app and receive a report in seconds, with each measured value shown next to the published limit. - The app checks Direct Render, which is a common reason immersive deliveries are bounced. - The report covers integrated loudness in LKFS and true peak in dBTP against delivery limits. - The app analyzes LFE content and shows a spectrum plot against the specification window. - It reviews channel, bed and object configuration, including empty objects. - It checks sample rate, bit depth and file structure. - It verifies metadata completeness. - If the ADM file does not contain enough information for a check, the report says so instead of hiding the gap. - When a check fails, the report identifies the fix, such as trimming LFE that is 0.3 dB above spec and re-rendering. - Reports can cover a single master or a full album. - Users can save reports and attach them to delivery emails. - The app reads files only and does not modify, re-render or re-encode them. - ADM Master QC runs offline and does not require upload or a license server. - The app is a pre-delivery reference, not a certification, and the label still decides acceptance. - It is a one-time purchase with a perpetual license for three Macs. - Updates are free as published specifications change. - The app requires an Apple Silicon Mac with M1 or later and macOS 14 Sonoma or later. - ADM Master QC is Developer ID signed and Apple notarized. - Purchase is available at the launch checkout. - Product details are available at the software page.

Between the lines: - The product reflects a workflow problem in immersive audio delivery: many failures are technical, repeatable and detectable before export. - Bell said he built the tool to avoid discovering QC problems after the session is closed and the client has moved on. - The launch also signals a niche but practical market for specialized pre-delivery tools in immersive audio production.

What's next: - Mercenary Magnetics says updates will continue as published delivery specifications change. - The app’s acceptance will still depend on each label’s own QC process. - The product is positioned for ongoing use by studios delivering immersive masters on a regular basis.