CD Mastering Articles

Articles

What is Metadata?

Prep Your Tracks for
Digital Distribution

Is My Audio CD
Redbook Quality?

Performing FTP
Transfers

What is an
ISRC Code?

Choosing a
CD Manufacturer

Choosing a
Mastering Facility


	Articles: While there are more and more "What Is Mastering" articles popping-up daily, there's a high degree of supplemental information that can really assist you in the mastering process; from preparation, general mastering knowledge, and what to do after your session. This section aims to provide helpful information within these areas. NOTE: All articles are available online and as downloadable Adobe Acrobat .PDF files. PC:Right-Click and choose "Save Target As" Mac:Option+Click and choose "Save As" You may download a free version of the Adobe Acrobat Reader here .

	Article: What is Metadata?

	Orginally a tech feature for Performer Magazine (June 2008 issue), this expanded article delves into the arena of exploring metadata: a word used ubiquitously by the digital distribution community to denote information associated to a given track (track name, artist name, etc). Thos article aims to explain the surface-level knowledge of metadata, how it can be associated to a given song/media, and a look into emerging technologies such as lyrics, liner notes, and album art. Read this article online here. Download the article as a .PDF here.
	Article: Preparing your tracks for Digital Distribution

	A DIY feature for Performer Magazine (Dec 2007 issue), take an inside look at preparing your music for digital distribution. As you’ll read, control over the fidelity of your recordings is changing hands from you and your mastering engineer to the big digital distributors. Look through the process of getting your music sold online while hopefully maintaining the best possible audio fidelity in the process. Read this article online here. Download the article as a .PDF here. View the article at Performer Magazine online here
	Article: Is Your Audio CD REALLY Redbook Quality?

	While data formats (or especially tape) is preferred, many clients choose to bring their final mixes to the mastering session via Audio CD. However, I've been noticing a growing amount of Audio CD's arriving that have gone through a lossy encoding stage. This new article focuses on this phenomenon, how it happens, and how to avoid it. Read this article online here. Download the article as a .PDF here.
	Article: Performing FTP Transfers

	An increasing number of studios, producers, engineers, and musicians wish to exchange files via the internet, and while more people today are tech-savy, there is still a need to assist those new to performing an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) operation of audio files over the internet. This article was written with the goal that anyone can supply their client with: a) FTP Server Address b) Login / Username c) Login / Password and along with this document, lead a user through the FTP operation (Configuration, Upload, and Download) in a visual tutorial style, using freeware tools readily available for both the Windows and Macintosh platforms. If you are an audio professional that regularly makes use of FTP transfers with your clients and wish to provide a tutorial, feel free to link to or distribute this document to your clients. Read this article online here. Download the full article here.
	Article: What is an ISRC Code?

	Originally defined in the Redbook standard, ISRC codes have sat mainly un-used for years. Digital Distribution introduced new demand for these codes (to track online sales, etc...) however awareness of what/how/why the codes are generated & used can still be a mystery to many. This article aims to help simplify & educate on the topic. Read this article online here. Download the full article here.
	Article: Choosing a CD Manufacturer

	Originally published in the August 2005 issue of Performer Magazine, this article provides an in-depth look at assessing your options in the marketplace of what to look for, what to watch-out for, and how to get the most out of making CD's for your release. Read this article online here. Download the full article here.
	Article: Choosing a Mastering Facility

	Originally published in the July 2005 issue of Performer Magazine, this article focuses on what qualities to look for in choosing a mastering engineer that's best-suited for your project. Read this article online here. Download the full article here.