Audio Mastering and How To Get Started

Preparing your Audio Master for replication

Your CD Master must be mixed to two tracks, edited, and sequenced. Make sure it sounds exactly like you want it to sound, with all the songs in the correct order and the right amount of spacing between songs.

We do not provide equalization or level adjustments unless requested. As part of our mission to make you sound great, we are offering a FREE Mastering review - upon request - when you place a new CD replication order. A SoundLab engineer will preview your master to determine whether or not your CD would benefit from post production. We'll give you our honest opinion with no sales pitch.

To get started, please download and fill out the Engineering questionnaire, to help our engineers get the most out of your master.

Track listing form

You must complete a Track Listing Form with your master. Required information on the form includes a complete and accurate running time log listing all events (tones, silences, songs, outtakes, noises, etc.) as they occur.

For CD replication, track starts should be indicated on the log.

Maximum program lengths vary by format. For CDs, the maximum length is 79:45 minutes. For programs over the industry recommended 78:00 total time, you must submit a signed disclaimer form with your order.

Master tape formats we accept

We can accept your master on one of the following formats:
• CD-R master (audio or files)
• PMCD master (pre-mastered CD)
• Digital Audio Tape (DAT)
• 1610 or 1630 U-matic Tape
• Mini Disk
• DDP (exabyte tape or cd image)
• 1/2" or 1/4" Analog Tape

Handling masters

Handle all masters carefully, both before and after recording. Touch them only by the edges and keep them free of fingerprints and scratches that can cause data errors. Make sure your master and box are labeled clearly with your contact information.