Preparing your Audio files for Mastering

Physical Audio Masters for Disc Replication

It’s important that your master sounds exactly the way you want it to sound, with all of the songs in the correct order and the right amount of spacing between songs. You should make a safety copy of your master before you ship or deliver it anywhere.

Your master must be mixed to two tracks, edited, and sequenced. Make sure it sounds exactly like you want it to sound, with all the songs in the correct order and the right amount of spacing between songs.

We do not provide equalization or level adjustments unless requested. 

If you have ordered audio mastering from the SoundLab, please download and fill out the SoundLab Engineering questionnaire, to help our engineers get the most out of your master.


Disc Description Protocol (DDP) Saves You Time and Money

Instead of mailing in your audio master, upload a Disc Description Protocol (DDP) file. DDPs offer the same audio fidelity as a disc, but you don't have to make a trip to the post office, you don't have to spend money mailing us your master, and you save time as uploading is a bajillion times faster than mailing. Simply choose the "Audio CD" option when uploading your content; Our step-by-step software will help you do the rest.

Track listing form

You must download and complete a Track Listing Form to include with your audio master for disc replication. Required information on the form includes a complete and accurate running time log listing all events (tones, silences, songs, outtakes, noises, etc.) as they occur.

The maximum length for CDs is 79:45 minutes. For programs over the industry recommended 78:00 total time, you must submit a signed disclaimer form with your order.

Master formats we accept
We can accept your master on one of the following formats:
• CD-R master (16-bit/ 44.1kHz CDA format only) *
• Digital Audio Tape (DAT)
• Mini Disk
• DDP 2.0
• 1/2" or 1/4" Analog Tape

* DAT, analog tape, and Mini Disk masters will need additional work performed by the SoundLab in order to prepare a replication ready master.

Additional technical information:
Digital Audio Tape (DAT)
• Digital Audio Tape: 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz sampling rate
• Pre-roll: 10-15 seconds recorded silence. (Optional) Calibration tone: 1 kHz at -12 dB (never at 0 dB).
• Start IDs: sequentially numbered, placed at the start of each selection, one number per song.
• A sampling rate of 44.1 kHz is highly recommended.
• Your dB meters should peak no higher than 0, with no over levels, and must average above -15 dB (Red Book minimum standard).
• Be sure your DAT and box are labeled.

1/2" or 1/4" Analog Tape
• 30 ips, 15 ips, or 7 1/2 ips.
• Alignment (test) tones at head: 1 kHz, 10 kHz, and 100 kHz at 0 dB operating level.
• Indicate type of noise reduction, if any, and include proper tones.
• Leader tape at head and tail of tape (15 seconds minimum) and two to four seconds in between songs.
• Tape slow-wound, tails out, in properly labeled box.

Handling masters
Handle all masters carefully, both before and after recording. Touch CD masters only by the edges and keep them free of fingerprints and scratches that can cause data errors. Make sure your master and box are labeled clearly with your contact information.