Submitting Digital Files for Mastering
We are happy to master from your digital files. If you intend to send AcousTech Mastering files for cutting please read this in its entirety. There is a ½ hr charge for loading them in. (In doing so, we also have to create a second, offset file, to run in sync for preview information to feed the cutting lathe’s groove-spacing computer, and this takes studio time.) AcousTech will only accept files for mastering in the following configuration:
Your files must be submitted on a DVD (or CD is OK if they will fit). We do not accept files by FTP or any other Internet means.
Your files must be submitted as sequenced, edited SIDES. In other words do NOT send a file for each song, and do not send separate left/right files. Keep the file names on the disc VERY SHORT, preferably SIDE A and SIDE B. I don’t need artist names or extensions or mix info. Sonic Solutions HD will not allow building a visible waveform if the file names are long. DO NOT LOCK THE FILE.
Send .wav files only, sometimes called Broadcast Wave Files or BWFs. NO AIFFs …and NO MP-3s.
All tracks MUST BE AT THE SAME SAMPLING FREQUENCY. NO EXCEPTIONS. …this means NO, we will not convert them for you.
We accept files up to 96 kHz and 24 bit. (44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96 kHz are fine.)
State clearly on the disc, or with accompanying paperwork, what the sampling frequency and bit depth are. (On paper or on the disc surface, NOT in a pdf or other file on the disc)
If your project is 44.1/16 bit, DO NOT SEND FILES. Send an audio CD or CD-R. There is no sonic advantage to sending files. Save yourself $125.
