Mastering Specs

Everything you need to prepare your master for production.

CD Replication | DVD Replication | CD & DVD Duplication | Vinyl Pressing

We always recommend having your project professionally mastered — a good mastering engineer gives your recording the balance, consistency, and polish that separates a homemade sound from a major-label release. But if you’re mastering your project yourself, make sure your files meet the specs below. Note the differences between replication and duplication before you begin.

CD Replication

Your production master can be submitted in any of these formats: DDP image file, PMCD / CD-R, or a pre-manufactured CD.

Program times (Red Book standard):

  • Maximum program time: 79 minutes 59 seconds
  • Masters over 74 minutes 40 seconds require additional mastering time and may incur additional costs (discs outside Red Book spec may not play in all players)
  • Minimum program time: 1 minute; minimum track duration: 3 seconds

PMCD / CD-R masters must be recorded in one uninterrupted session (disc-at-once) and be Red Book compatible — playable on standard CD players. Submitted discs must be in perfect condition with no scratches or imperfections. Do not use CD-RW (rewritable) discs.

We test every master for digital errors before replication and will notify you of any problems. A $25 fee may apply for resubmitted masters.

DVD Replication

We accept DDP image files or an authored, playable DVD-R. Raw video files (MP4, MOV, etc.) must be authored for DVD first — ask about our DVD authoring services.

  • For DVD-9 projects, include the layer break point.
  • DVDs can be authored for NTSC or PAL and encoded for any region (1–6). We replicate according to the specs on your original master — format and region are up to you and your authoring technician. NTSC is the standard for North America.
  • CSS copy protection (prevents disc-to-disc copying) is available at no additional charge — just let us know when you place your order.

CD & DVD Duplication

For short-run duplication, we accept DDP image files or WAV files (16-bit / 44.1 kHz). DDP master creation from WAV files is available for an additional charge. We do not accept MP3s.

Vinyl Pressing

Submit two single-sided WAV files — one for Side A and one for Side B — with your desired gaps between songs built in. Files may be up to 24-bit / 192 kHz.

  • Optimal side length: 15–18 minutes
  • Maximum side length: 24 minutes (longer sides require narrower grooves, reducing volume and dynamic range)
  • Indicate your song sequence and side breaks clearly
  • If we’re not cutting your lacquer, make sure it’s done by a reputable cutting engineer

Questions about your master? Give us a call at 1-888-GROOVE-8 — we’re happy to help.