Frequently asked questions
What is Headphone Dust?
We are the premier destination for high-resolution & immersive audio, curated by Steven Wilson, the visionary mastermind behind some of the most acclaimed Dolby Atmos remixes in music. Headphone Dust is more than a store - it’s a passion project to make immersive audio more accessible to listeners worldwide.
Why is Headphone Dust the definitive way to listen?
Headphone Dust delivers the artist’s vision in its purest form. With hi-res stereo, 5.1 surround, and Dolby Atmos in one file with our Definitive Digital Edition (MKV) releases, you get every sonic detail: crisp vocals, layered instruments, and immersive spatial effects, switchable instantly to suit your setup. Our HD Digital Editions (FLAC/Apple Lossless) also offer the best possible stereo/5.1 audio quality available.
What is the MKV file included on your Definitive Digital Editions and what does it do?
All our Definitive Digital Editions includes an MKV file, an open-standard multimedia container that can encapsulate video, multiple high-resolution audio tracks and metadata in a single file. They support advanced audio formats, making them ideal for high-quality playback. On a single MKV file you will find Hi-Res Stereo (pristine audio for headphones or speakers) Hi-Res 5.1 Surround (Multi-channel sound for home theaters), Dolby Atmos (Immersive spatial audio for compatible setups), and chapters for easy track navigation. Select releases can also include special Binaural 'Headphone Dust' mixes, instrumentals and even 4K video (music videos, visuals).
Think of it like a "virtual Blu-ray!"
How do I play the MKV file that comes with my Definitive Digital Edition?
See our Playback Guide for detailed instructions.
How do I access my downloads?
After checkout, you can either download your files directly from the store or via the download link emailed with your order confirmation. At any time, you can sign back into the store with your email address to access your downloads.
Did you buy a redeem code from one of our partner stores? If so, follow these instructions on how to get your downloads.
How does purchasing from Headphone Dust support the artists?
Buying directly from Headphone Dust ensures artists receive a higher share of proceeds compared to streaming platforms or third-party retailers. Your purchase supports their creative work, from crafting immersive mixes to producing high-res video, helping fund future projects.
What if I don’t have a Dolby Atmos or 5.1 Surround system?
No problem. The Headphone Dust MKV file includes high-res stereo for standard setups, and you can switch to it instantly. You can enjoy the album’s full quality as the artist intended on any device, from headphones to speakers. Also, on select releases, you can find special Binaural 'Headphone Dust' mixes: these are stereo versions of the Atmos mix designed specifically for headphones, which provides a 3D audio experience on any pair of headphones, requiring no specialised hardware! Yes, it's amazing.
Do I need specific hardware and software to be able to listen to Dolby Atmos in maximum quality (Dolby TrueHD)?
Yes, but it's actually a lot easier than you might think. For a list of our recommended hardware/software for Dolby TrueHD Atmos, see our Playback Guide, where you can find handy guides of how to get the most out of our MKV files depending on your setup.
I've got an Apple TV 4K connected to an Atmos soundbar. Can it play Dolby Atmos from the MKV?
Yes you can, although there is a catch, as the full resolution (Dolby TrueHD Atmos) is not supported. On Apple TV 4K, use the Infuse Pro app to play the MKV files (separate subscription required) and make sure Dolby Atmos is enabled in your Apple TV settings. When playing back the MKV in Infuse Pro, switch the audio track to Dolby Atmos (not Dolby TrueHD Atmos). It's important to note that this isn't the full resolution Dolby True HD Atmos experience, but we think it still sounds great (it's the same Dolby E-AC3 codec Netflix/Disney+ etc use for Atmos playback). Check our Playback Guide, where you can find handy guides of how to get the most out of our MKV files depending on your setup.
What quality are the HD Digital Editions available in?
The majority of our HD Digital Editions are available in 24bit 96kHz FLAC (hi-res quality), although you may find some older titles that are only available in 44.1kHz 16bit (CD quality).
On releases that have video material, what can I expect to see here?
Essentially anything that typically would be included in a Blu-ray release! Music videos, visualisers, live concert footage (on select live albums) and artwork/stills, all presented in the highest quality available. All video is presented in 4K but please note due to availability that some content will have been upscaled from 1080p/720p video sources. We use direct ProRes to H265 encoding to minimise compression where possible.