.MP3 or .WAV file (open audio files)

If you would like to burn / replicate an audio CD or MP3 CD, we generally require the finished master.

A master is a container that includes all necessary information, so we can use it directly for pressing/burning without having to collect additional metadata, etc.

For example, for a data CD (MP3), it is common for such a container file to be saved in a format such as .ISO. An .ISO contains all information directly, such as the correct file system, folder structure, file names, and so on.

With an audio CD master it is similar; it also contains various details such as:
track order, track titles, album name, ISRC or EAN codes, pause times between tracks, etc. Typically, an audio CD is transferred digitally in the DDP container format.
Alternatively, you can also send us a burned audio CD by mail.

However, if you are not sure how to create a correct MP3 or audio CD master, our professional sound engineers can provide this service for a small flat fee of EUR 47.60 incl. 19% VAT.

In professional environments, this process is also referred to as pre-mastering and should not be confused with mastering. Based on your specifications, we define:

- Track order
- Pause times between tracks (if none are included in the audio data)
- Track / artist names, ISRC and EAN code (CD-Text)

Once you have placed your order with us, you can upload your .WAV/.MP3 files. Our system will recognize them automatically and ask whether you would like to add master creation (pre-mastering). After you confirm, you can send us all details in the master creation form; such as track order, pause times, ISRC, EAN codes, and much more. We will then create your audio CD master based on that information.

If you would like to save the EUR 47.60, you are welcome to use the other options, such as sending us your audio CD; for example, simply burned and sent by mail. The only important thing is that it must truly be an audio CD and not a data CD. Or you can ask your recording studio directly whether they can create a DDP with all information for you.

Pre-mastering = Creating an audio CD master, similar to what you know from CD burning software where you can enter track titles, album name, pauses between tracks, track order, ISRC or EAN codes as metadata. The sound is not changed!

Mastering = Mixing the music, changing the sound, e.g., normalization, etc.