FAQs
What should I do to my files when I submit them?
To get best results, give us the original source WAV or AIFF files.
Do not send mixes that have been imported into iTunes or converted to MP3.
Print the mix with no digital overs and no limiting or other processing.
Keep levels WELL below 0 dBFS. -5 dBFS should be fine.
Export as stereo interleaved WAV or AIFF files.
DO NOT send us MP3, FLAC, or WMA files.
Do not perform Sample Rate Conversion or Bit Depth Conversion.
Label files clearly with Artist Name and Song Title. Please include notes specifying Album Title and Song Titles in correct sequence as well as Side A/Side B information, and prefered RPM speed for vinyl. If you have obtained ISRC codes for CD please include these as well.
FILE FORMAT: Stereo WAV or AIFF
SAMPLE RATE: 44.1KHz- 96KHz
BIT DEPTH: 16, 24, OR 32
DITHER: None
HEADROOM (peak): -3dBFS max
DYNAMIC RANGE: More is better than less
What should I do when I receive the master files?
*Before sending the master files into production, it is important to meticulously review them and ensure that they are error-free and exactly what you want. By approving the content, you release Enormous Door Audio Mastering from any liabilities related to the production of approved material.
When we deliver your finished vinyl and/or CD master, we prefer to send high quality WAV files for vinyl master, and DDPi fileset with checksum for CD master. DDPi stands for Disc Description Protocol Image. A DDPi is essentially a digital file set version of a Production Master CD. All PQ data including CD Text, ISRC codes and a UPC code can be contained within the digital file set. The information contained within these digital files is EXACTLY the same as what would be burned to a physical Production Master CD. The physical CD-R is prone to defects and corruptions and is no longer required for submitting your project to most vinyl and CD pressing plants.
When you receive master ZIP files from us, they will contain all the information the plant needs to complete your project:
VINYL MASTER:
High-resolution WAV files for both sides A & B with all songs in correct sequence, with correct spacing between songs.
Cue sheets for both sides A & B detailing start and end times as well as proper spacing between songs.
CD MASTER:
DDPi fileset with checksum verification, artist/song information(metadata), as well as ISRC codes if supplied by client.
CD cue sheet detailing RedBook certified pre-gaps, as well as all start and end times for each song.
Upon receipt of masters - DO NOT import these files into itunes!
DO NOT attempt to burn a CD-R to submit to plant!
(These masters you have received have very specific formatting that can be compromised by iTunes and burning software.)
Your lacquer-cutting engineer or pressing plant should give you instructions about how to deliver these files to them. Most will use an FTP server to which you can simply drag and drop the master ZIP files and upload. (If for some reason you require a physical PRODUCTION MASTER CD, we will be happy to burn one correctly for you.)
What are the differences between CD, DIGITAL, STREAMING, and MP3 masters?
CD MASTER:
CD master will contain a DDPi image file for the manufacturing of physical CD’s. It will also contain the relevant information that needs to be embedded within the CD.
DIGITAL MASTER:
Digital master will be provided as individual WAV files optimally formatted for distribution as digital downloads.
STREAMING MASTER:
Streaming master will be provided as individual WAV files formatted to the LUFS loudness specifications required by online streaming platforms.
MP3 MASTER:
MP3 master will be provided as individual high-resolution 320 kilobytes per second MP3 files with embedded song metadata that will show on playback devices.