DATA / PCM
Compact Disc - Digital Data

PCM AUDIO - Indicates Pulse Code Modulation file such as .WAV files. These could be raw mixes or finished high-bit rate masters for audition purposes. Following checks would include the sample rate (SR) and bit depth (BD) including “Floating Point” (F) if applicable.

MISC / DATA

Indicates miscellaneous data. This could be MP3 files or graphics, session files, etc. The content will normally be indicated in the DESCRIPTION line below.

ERROR CHECK

The Block Error Rate (BLER) of each individual disc. Each disc is individually checked to meet with RedBook specs. The peak and average C1 levels and total C2* count is listed on each disc. No disc leaves MASSIVE Mastering unless the BLER is well below HALF of the acceptable rate.

* While the level of C1 errors can be relatively high, one single C2 error will take a disc out of compliance with RedBook standards. This count should always be “0” on an audio disc.

NFP - DNU - OBS

These indicators are at the top for a reason - Occasionally referred to as “Afterthought” indicators, they are normally added AFTER the disc has been auditioned. Most replication “flubs” could have been corrected if all discs contained these designators. 

In order of appearance: 

NFP: Not For Production - For whatever reason, this disc is not a production master. It may be unfinished, it may need additional editing. The data contained may be useful or in need of modification, but the disc itself should not be used as-is.

DNU: Do Not Use - Once a disc has ANY reason to NOT be used , this box should immediately be checked. No replication house will touch a DNU designated disc without a serious explanation why. Normally indicative of something bad or error-laden, but not a bad idea to use everyday just to play it safe.

OBS: Obsolete - Pretty self-explanatory here. There’s a newer version, but we want to keep this one “for the archives” or something. Wouldn’t hurt to mark the other two designators on this disc also.

CD-DA AUDIO
Compact Disc - Digital Audio

CD-DA-TEXT - This disc is a RedBook compliant PMCD with CD Text Support for CD players that read CD-TEXT. A fine option, every replicated disc will contain this information. It’s not only “cool” - It embeds your information into the data. This disc is suitable for use as a replication master.

CD-DA - This disc a standard RedBook compliant PMCD. This disc is also suitable for use as a replication master.

CD-DA REFERENCE - MASSIVE Mastering will rarely use this option. This disc is a collection of WAV files written to CD-DA standards for reference purposes only and is NOT suitable for use as a replication master. INDICATORS: DAO: written in Disc-At-Once mode. TAO: Written in Track-At-Once mode.

ORIGINAL: This is an original disc straight from the DAW to the DISC.

1:1 COPY: This disc is a 1-to-1 copy of the original disc. Commonly referred to as a “safety” copy.

REPLICATION MASTER: This disc is intended to be the final replication master

CLIENT: The Client TITLE: The project title DESCRIPTION: If CD-DA, may indicate “E.P.” or “Full Length” CD. If DATA, may indicate “Graphics” or “MP3 Files” or other. REFERENCE: The MASSIVE Reference Number. Each individual disc that leaves MASSIVE Mastering is assigned a serial number incorporating the date and other information. DATE: The date of the burn. SRS: Indicates if this disc is part of a series of discs - Multi-disc sets, compilations, recitals, etc.