I would ask the mastering engineer what formats he/she accepts. 24 bit data files would be my suggestion but today there are so many formats that it best if you ask first. Hope this helps.

Data files should be fine, but best to check with the ME. Write down the ISRC codes, if you have them, on a piece of paper and give them to the ME. You have to apply for the code, usually takes about a week. They are used to track sales on itunes and such and radio play in Europe. Burning files is fine to do faster, then just do a verify afterwards. Then pop the disc in and make sure everything is there and can be read.

cool, thanks guys.

Send two copies.

Most Mastering Engineer's should be able to use a CD with data files, and most prefer it. I took an audio CD into a mastering session once, and the ME had to play it in real-time into is DAW, so I had to play for the hour of transfer time.

DeeDrive wrote: Most Mastering Engineer's should be able to use a CD with data files, and most prefer it. I took an audio CD into a mastering session once, and the ME had to play it in real-time into is DAW, so I had to play for the hour of transfer time.

Why didn't he extract it from the CD and import it? Unless he's applying processing during load-in this doesn't make sense to me. Seems like unnecessary D/A/D steps even if doing a sample rate or bit depth conversion.

It is a good trick though...
$$$$$$$$$$ :wink: $$$$$$$$$$$ :twisted:

Well, maybe because in wav format the resolution is 24 bits and/or 96Khz. I never started to Master a CD project with a Audio CD to start with. Really need to have the Files in data format (wav, aiff). Plus if editing is needed, noises, dc offset etc...how can I work with an Audio CD if it is not imported as a valid format ?

There could be a couple of reasons for playing in an audio CD in realtime. One is quality. Some Rom drives won't error correct when ripping and there is a noticable sound difference. Where as when you play an audio CD, whether or not you use the analog or digital outputs, it's error correcting. the software you are using to rip can also cause some problems. I didn't believe it myself until I tried it on several drives and different software. There are also issues as to whether the combination will clip off the ends of tracks. In other words, there are lots of variables to ripping where playing has none. It also give the ME a chance to listen down and see what they are dealing with, so it's not waisted time. Ever since my tests, I always play into the DAW.

Michael Fossenkemper wrote: There could be a couple of reasons for playing in an audio CD in realtime. One is quality. Some Rom drives won't error correct when ripping and there is a noticable sound difference. Where as when you play an audio CD, whether or not you use the analog or digital outputs, it's error correcting. the software you are using to rip can also cause some problems. I didn't believe it myself until I tried it on several drives and different software. There are also issues as to whether the combination will clip off the ends of tracks. In other words, there are lots of variables to ripping where playing has none. It also give the ME a chance to listen down and see what they are dealing with, so it's not waisted time. Ever since my tests, I always play into the DAW.

Michael -

Do you process on load in or load out? It would seem that the additional conversion would also cause a degredation in quality (also jitter issues) that might be eliminated with a reliable extraction program if just using it for a transfer?

The issue with error correction is a very good point.

Some info on this here:

http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/~aa571/daefaq.htm

http://www.cdrfaq.org/faq04.html#S4-18

I process on load in and some on load out if needed. That's a good link for describing some of the problems, thanks.

DeeDrive wrote: Most Mastering Engineer's should be able to use a CD with data files, and most prefer it. I took an audio CD into a mastering session once, and the ME had to play it in real-time into is DAW, so I had to play for the hour of transfer time.

Doesn't some engineers process it directly from the CD deck so nothing further is needed in the computer?

Ammitsboel wrote: [quote=DeeDrive]Most Mastering Engineer's should be able to use a CD with data files, and most prefer it. I took an audio CD into a mastering session once, and the ME had to play it in real-time into is DAW, so I had to play for the hour of transfer time.

Doesn't some engineers process it directly from the CD deck so nothing further is needed in the computer?

That's what Michael and I were referring to as processing on load-in.

That makes sense. After reading the content of the links that Tom supplied, I will give it a shot for sure. Still, you need a reliable cd deck or D/A and nothing to edit before.

Interesting, guys.

Tom - thanks for that 1st link!

dpd wrote: Tom - thanks for that 1st link!

No prob!

Masteringhouse wrote: [quote=Ammitsboel][quote=DeeDrive]Most Mastering Engineer's should be able to use a CD with data files, and most prefer it. I took an audio CD into a mastering session once, and the ME had to play it in real-time into is DAW, so I had to play for the hour of transfer time.

Doesn't some engineers process it directly from the CD deck so nothing further is needed in the computer?

That's what Michael and I were referring to as processing on load-in.

Great!
Maybe I should try with less beer next time.

Ammitsboel wrote:

Great!
Maybe I should try with less beer next time.

Or maybe I should have a few Whitbreads!

I really like the tone around here! :lol: