CD Mastering

CD Mastering is similar to mastering for other formats such as Vinyl or Digital Release. However, there are some slight changes in audio mastering process, as well as the preparation of the final files.

For CD Mastering, a mastering engineer can make the tracks louder than the vinyl release, as well as allowing more width in the low end. For multi-format releases, often the vinyl master is similar to the CD master, with mono-ized low frequencies, and slightly less overall loudness.

When preparing the CD master, a mastering engineer can also encode metadata, which includes CD-Text, ISRCs, and a UPC/EAN (Barcode).

What Is CD-Text?

CD Text can be encoded during CD mastering, and read by some cd players during playback.

There are several CD text fields available, however, the most commonly used ones include:

Disc title
Performer
Track name
ISRC
UPC/EAN
CD text is optional but nice to have.

What Are ISRCs?

ISRC stands for International Standard Recording Code and can be issued for free by a region’s ISRC body. In Australia, IRSCs are allocated by ARIA.

Simon’s production company, ninety nine 100, can provide ISRCs directly to you for mastering projects.

What Is A DDP Image?

DDP Stands for Disc Description Protocol and is a special file format used for the creation of optical discs including CDs and DVDs. A DDP Image has multiple parts including the audio, track order, cd text, and more.

The good thing about a DDP Image is that you can email it directly to your disc manufacturer, avoiding delays or damage that may be caused if mailing a physical disc.