Mastering
We generally expect you to deliver finished masters to Key in order to manufacture your products. We can offer advice on mastering and arrange for your project to be mastered if you require. The following are some general guidelines.
Audio CDs
Audio CDs should be delivered on a Red Book standard CDR. The Red Book standard specifies all the technical details and allows for extra data such as ISRC codes and barcode numbers to be added. You can find out more about the Red Book at http://www.riaa.com/issues/audio/standards.asp.The final CD will be an exact replica of the master you provided.
DVDs
A DVD program has to be fully authored before it can be supplied as a master. You can do this yourself or Key can organise it for you. After authoring, supply a DLT (Digital Linear Tape) or a DVD-R. If you require CSS encryption, please make sure you have enabled your DLT at the authoring stage.
Vinyl
Vinyl masters are supplied to the pressing plant as lacquers or DMMs, which are produced in a cutting house. We are happy to accept lacquers or a CDr master for which we will organise a cut ourselves.
IMPORTANT ! DO NOT FORGET
Track List
Please supply a full track listing and timings with all masters.
Always keep a copy of your master.
Do not send your only copy to Key Production.
Assign each release a Catalogue Number
It is important to allocate your master a catalogue number. This number should be unique and will be applied to your CD/DVD/Vinyl label and outer artwork so that each part is correctly married up to ensure the final product is correct. Examples are PTDCD001 ZXDDVD1005 ORPLP12001. Check CDs, DVDs and vinyl from your collection to see examples of this kind of number.
