Mastering for Digital Distribution

Since the late 90's Digital Distribution has been on the rise as an authoring format for mastering.
We offer Digital Asset Encoding (DAE) for all Digital Distribution platforms.

Process:  Not all MP3's are created equal

Proper use of perceptual encoding to create digital assets is a multi-stage process and never follows a "one size fits all" model.  Mastering for Digital Distribution breaks down as follows:

• Defining Formats • Analysis/Measurement • Codec Tuning • Encoding • Verification • Tagging • Delivery Defining Formats: What outlets are you targeting? • Direct-To-Fan (D2F) sales at your website? • Digital Music Retailer (DMR) sales? • Cellular Music Store sales? Different uses call for different approaches to encoding, different bitrates, targeted filesizes, and fidelity.

Analysis/Measurement:

Files must be analyzed for frequency/channel content, and measured for potential errors during encoding. For example, encoding at different bitrates can introduce clipping depending on the source material and choice of codec used.

Codec Tuning:

Various codecs have tuning options, and may be applicable to the encoding depending on input parameters such as target bitrate, file size, usage, and delivery platform.

Encoding:

Once the files have been analyzed, and codecs/parameters chosen, the encoding occurs and the digital assets are created.

Verification:

Upon completion of encoding, verification of results such as file size constraints, fidelity, and clipping are performed.

Tagging:

After verification, all assets are tagged (Cover Art, Artist Name, Track Name, ISRC codes, etc...).

Delivery:

Delivery of the encoded assets can be done via checksum web delivery, Data CD-R media, or included as a custom E-CD solution along with CD Masters.