We currently accept these and other fine formats:
* NOTE: MP3,
cassette, MiniDisc would be considered “last
resort” formats - Only use if the only possible
version of a project isn’t available in a
standard higher resolution format. *IF* the
only version is one of these formats, do NOT
alter it - Don’t make PCM versions of existing
MP3’s, don’t make DSD versions of existing PCM
data or CD’s, etc. Changing the format will
NOT increase the quality of the source
material. In some cases, it can damage it
substantially.
** Alesis offers the CD-24 ISO BUILDER (FREE!!!) that will convert a collection of 24-bit .AIF files into an .ISO image file. After the ISO file is created, use your CD writer software to “Create CD from Image File” (check your software’s instructions) and PRESTO! You now have a CD-24 readable by MasterLink OR your PC’s CD/DVD drive! If you don’t have a MasterLink, just check to make sure that your CD drive reads the AIF files before sending out.
If sending stems (hourly rates apply), it’s preferred to have songs grouped together on the same discs whenever possible.
*Do NOT send project files or proprietary file types! ProTools projects, SDII’s, NPR’s, etc. are not acceptable. If sending digital mixdown files, they must be PCM data (WAV, AIFF, etc.). If in doubt, please contact first!
FTP SERVICE IS AVAILABLE - Files can be transferred to MASSIVE Mastering via FTP via our secure OFMS.
F.A.Q. (from the 1990's, but I thought I'd leave it for nostalgia) - “Should I mix to DAT or CD-R?”
It’s a good question. It’s also a trick question...
Although the sonic difference is, well, probably inaudible in most cases, Digital Audio Tape (DAT) has a much lower error rate than an audio CD-R. Even at 44.1k and 16-bit, DAT is the choice.
But I did say it was a trick question... Here’s the trick.
If you are mixing to a hard disk system that can export a WAV or PCM type file, a CD-R will have a lower error rate than anything. Remember: A WAV file is straight DATA. The data is going to the CD-R with a bit-by-bit comparison and should be basically error-free. This also gives you the opportunity to write 24-bit files, which are audibly superior to 16-bit. Even though your master PMCD will be a 16-bit copy, working with 24 (or 32) bit mixes is the way to go.
- It almost goes without saying - Nearly any digital PCM format - .wav, .aiff, etc., at any sample rate up to 192kHz.
- 1/4” & 1/2” analog tape at 15 or 30ips.
- Sony Direct Stream Digital (DSD) 1-bit 2.822MHz (via DVD+RW on the Tascam DV-RA1000 high definition audio master recorder)
- Digital Audio Tape (D.A.T.) recorded at 16-bit - 32, 44.1 or 48 kHz
- DVD-A (Stereo)
- HDCD (Stereo)
- SACD (Stereo)
- Blu-Ray Audio (Stereo)
- Mini Disc* (Standard magneto-optical - NOT “DATA” MD)
- Audio CD-R / RW
- MASTERLINK RedBook or CD-24 - Read below!
- Digital Compact Cassette (DCC) (yes, we actually have a DCC machine)
- Vinyl (33-1/3 & 45 RPM only)
- Standard Audio Cassette*
- VHS Cassette*
- MP3 Files:* Please, at LEAST 256kbps for decent sound quality (and only if that's the only thing available).
** Alesis offers the CD-24 ISO BUILDER (FREE!!!) that will convert a collection of 24-bit .AIF files into an .ISO image file. After the ISO file is created, use your CD writer software to “Create CD from Image File” (check your software’s instructions) and PRESTO! You now have a CD-24 readable by MasterLink OR your PC’s CD/DVD drive! If you don’t have a MasterLink, just check to make sure that your CD drive reads the AIF files before sending out.
If sending stems (hourly rates apply), it’s preferred to have songs grouped together on the same discs whenever possible.
*Do NOT send project files or proprietary file types! ProTools projects, SDII’s, NPR’s, etc. are not acceptable. If sending digital mixdown files, they must be PCM data (WAV, AIFF, etc.). If in doubt, please contact first!
FTP SERVICE IS AVAILABLE - Files can be transferred to MASSIVE Mastering via FTP via our secure OFMS.
F.A.Q. (from the 1990's, but I thought I'd leave it for nostalgia) - “Should I mix to DAT or CD-R?”
It’s a good question. It’s also a trick question...
Although the sonic difference is, well, probably inaudible in most cases, Digital Audio Tape (DAT) has a much lower error rate than an audio CD-R. Even at 44.1k and 16-bit, DAT is the choice.
But I did say it was a trick question... Here’s the trick.
If you are mixing to a hard disk system that can export a WAV or PCM type file, a CD-R will have a lower error rate than anything. Remember: A WAV file is straight DATA. The data is going to the CD-R with a bit-by-bit comparison and should be basically error-free. This also gives you the opportunity to write 24-bit files, which are audibly superior to 16-bit. Even though your master PMCD will be a 16-bit copy, working with 24 (or 32) bit mixes is the way to go.