FAQ
Some Questions we get asked pretty often.
What does CPS stand for?
Cycles per second, It was commonly used instead of Hertz as the unit for frequency prior to the implementation of the International system of units in 1960. Some pre 1960 studio equipment will be labeled in CPS and KCPS. I always liked “Cycles per second” more than “Hertz”.
What do I send to you?
Your stereo mixes, in the highest quality available, Wav or Aiff files at 24 bit, and their original sample rate. No MP3’s or AAC’s.
Please ensure there is some headroom on your final mixes, leave off the limiters or other loudness processors, as these will “limit” what is possible in the mastering process. Buss compression is ok if its been a part of your mixing process, but if you’re feeling unsure, print 2 versions, one with and one without, and we can choose whatever we feel will suit the track best.
If you have been sending out client References with a limiter or maximizer, it would be great to get those as well, so we know what they've been listening to.
Please ensure there is some silence before the start of your track, and the tail rings out completely (clean up any noise from individual tracks, but let it decay naturally). We can massage the fades to get them perfect here.
Can you process out my Instrumental/TV/ Alternate mix?
Absolutely, there will be a charge for the extra processing time, just make sure it is identical in every other way to the original mix, including level and length.
How do I send it to you?
For digital files, we like Wetransfer a lot, here is a link to our channel! https://cpsmastering.wetransfer.com/
If you already have them on dropbox or google drive, thats great too. Just pass us an invite or link.
No matter how you get them to us, just make sure they are well labeled/organized
What other information do you need?
If you are having an EP or LP mastered, In addition to the mixes, it is great to get the:
Album name, Artist name, Track order and Titles, ISRC and UPC if you have them, and the final release formats.
For any complex timings or fades a Wav or MP3 reference of how the tracks should flow into each other is a great way to get it sounding perfect.
What's an ISRC?
Its a code that can be embedded into the DDP master for your record, once sent off for manufacture this will be embedded in your CD’s, These can also be input upon upload to digital distribution sites. If you don’t have them you can find some more information here and apply for codes through your local agency here.
What is a DDP?
DDP stands for Disc Description Protocol, and is a format for used for the secure transfer, approval and delivery of masters to digital distribution. If you are having CD’s made, You will receive a DDP file of your masters from us, as well as our player application (Mac and PC) so you can proof the exact masters to be sent off, burn a reference CD, or export them as wav files for digital distribution or for reference in another program .
CD text vs iTunes information
CD text can be embedded into the final master DDP to have CD’s manufactured, The text entered will be readable on some car and home theatre style CD players, but will not be read by computers when the CD is input. In order for CD information to show up in iTunes, you must register the manufactured CD with a company like gracenote.
How do I get my track titles to show up in iTunes when I put the CD in my computer?
You must register your manufactured CD with a company called Gracenote. Luckily this is a pretty easy process!
1-Insert a manufactured CD into a computer with iTunes
2-Select “do not import”
3-Enter all the information you with to appear (click on sone one and “get info” command-I on amac)
4-In iTunes 11 under the options tab, choose “Submit CD Track Titles”
5-In about 2 days all internet connected computers will have access to the info when someone inserts your CD
What is “Mastered For iTunes”
A set of tools apple has put out to allow content creators to submit high resolution files and audition these to ensure the best possible playback quality on the iTunes store release. These files must be supplied by a MFiT certified studio, which we are.
If you didn't find an answer to your question here, or just want to chat, please Contact Us