FAQ
The purpose of the mastering process is to add a ‘touch’ to the finished recording so that it sounds as balanced and consistent as possible when played back on different sound systems. This is the final step before playback, broadcast, replication or distribution. Also, it doesn’t hurt to get feedback from an unbiased ear
Here’s one way to think of mastering: When a farmer takes a fresh apple to the grocer, mastering can be seen as the process of cleaning that apple to a shine and wrapping it in vacuum packaging so that it remains fresh, leaving an attractive appearance to the shopper.
For those more familiar with film & video production, it is the audio equivalent of “grading’.
To book a session, we require a 50% deposit (non-refundable) which secures your time on the schedule.
No. We require a 50% deposit to secure your time on the schedule. Rest 50% before final delivery.
You’ll receive a mastered WAV file ready for download.
Bit Resolution
16-Bit or 24-Bit
Sample Rate
44.1 kHz for CD Redbook, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, or 96 kHz for DVD and video.
File Format
WAV, AIFF, W64.
Dither
Please DO NOT dither.
Beginnings and Endings
Allow enough time for edits. Please leave at least 500 ms at the start of the recording.
Compression and Limiting
Be minimal with processing on the master bus, If compression and limiting is the type of sound you desire then make sure you have sufficient headroom for mastering.
Track Labelling
Please give song files with the correct name and number: “01-Song name.wav”
The major difference between the two formats is that a PMCD master is a physical disc, whereas a DDPi master is a file, that can be burnt onto a DVD, sent via the internet, or backed up onto a hard drive. We recommend the DDPi format because a DDPi can be backed up onto multiple hard drives, so with this format, you will only ever need to pay for one master. With a PMCD master, the master is a physical item and if it is lost or damaged you will need another.
CD-Text is information such as release and song name that be encoded on a PMCD or DDP master. Some, but not all, CD players (such as DJ and car systems) can read this text.
iTunes uses an online Database called Gracenote to display the info about an audio disc, which is not relevant to CD-text encoding.
ISRCs are a 12-digit code that identifies a sound recording. iTunes and other digital distributors use them to track sales and radio stations use them to track the number of plays to calculate royalty payments.
UPC (sometimes also known as EAN) stands for Universal Product Code and is a 13-digit code that is a type of barcode. They can be encoded into CD Masters (either DDPs or PMCDs), although they are not required. CD masters require the code to be 13 digits however some UPCs are supplied as 12 digits. In that case, we can ensure compliance by adding a 0 to the beginning of the code.
HELP
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