The DDP Mastering Layout Explained

CD sales may be on the decline but there are still plenty of artists requiring masters ready for CD replication. The format of selection is a DDP which means Disc Summary Method. Whatever you have to know is clarified here ...

Exactly how we utilized to do it

For several years the standard method to give a master all set for replication was to produce a 'redbook' CD master. This was a premium quality CDR produced in a CD heater. It worked but there were numerous drawbacks. The physical medium had to be by hand mistake checked several times with the process from first development to last replication. However all CDRs consist of mistakes combined with can sometimes be declined from the replication company. They discs are susceptible to damage as well as can quickly be broken. Plus it takes some time as well as added expenditure to send them in the blog post. Waste!

Just how we do it now ...

In 2016 the requirement, favored method of sending a CD master is to give a 'DDPi picture' (Disc Summary Protocol picture). This style is made to bring the web content of optical discs which include CD. The DDP is a set of files as well as should consist of 5 parts.

• Audio photo (. DAT file).
• DDP Identifier (DDPID).
• DDP Stream descriptor (DDPMS).
• Subcode descriptor (PQDESCR).
• A text file is likewise consisted of which contains track titles as well as timings.

These data can be saved on a disk drive or sent out online. It's a very robust style which has a built-in mistake inspecting system (MD5 checksum). This assures that the masters have not been tampered with as well as will be identical about the winds up on the duplicated CD. The total file dimension will be no bigger than around 750mb and also can easily be sent by means of a documents transfer service or FTP. So no shipping expenses or delays lingering for the postman. The only disadvantage of the DDP style is that it cannot be played in a regular CD player. However you can acquire a complimentary PC/Mac software application player which will load up the DDP file so you could play back your CD. You can likewise inspect track IDs, CD-Text, ISRC codes as well as voids between tracks. Creative things.

All CD replication business need to approve the DDP format. If they don't then I would certainly recommend you switch over firms. This is a solid sign that they typically aren't as much as date or reliable. Additionally, keep an eye out for additional charges to offer your master as a DDP.