Accepted formats to bring for mastering are;
  • Audio Files
    24 bit audio files, on DVD or CD ROM, are the preferred digital format to present for mastering. Accepted file formats are, .WAV or .AIFF. Please do not supply MP3s. Discs may be Mac or PC format. Sampling rates may be from 44.1 - 192kHz. When bringing audio files, please supply relevant information such as sample rate, and bit rate. Split mono, or stereo interleaved files are fine.     Our preferred choice is 24bit, interleaved .wavs, burnt on a DVD Rom. We do accept audio files on USB or Firewire drives, however, these drives must be scanned for viruses prior to mastering, which can take up valuable session time.
  • 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch analogue tape
    Speeds may be 30 ips or 15 ips. When supplying mixes on analogue tape, ensure the tapes are wound tail out and please provide calibration tones. Recommended tones are 1kHz, 10kHz, 100Hz and 50Hz at 0VU
  • DAT (Digital AudioTape)
    44.1kHz or 48kHz. 16 or 24 bit resolution. 
    (n.b. presently, 24 bit DATS can only be made  
     using the Tascam DA-45HR recorder)     
  • CD-Audio (CD-DA)
    Recordable compact disc (44.1kHz, 16 bit)      
     
  • Alesis Masterlink 'CD24'
    Masterlink files may be 16 or 24 bit. (44.1 -  96kHz)
  • Vinyl or Acetate discs can be brought in to be either directly transferred to CD, or, have full sonic restoration applied (De-clicking, De-crackling, De-noising). Discs may be 16 2/3, 33 1/3, 45 or 78 rpm. It is important to note that pre 1950, there were many different standards of equalisation that discs were cut by. At Crystal Mastering we have a selection of various phono pre-amps, as well as experienced engineers to deal with this particular issue. Crystal Mastering also has the ability to play back 16 inch, transcription discs.
  • Analogue Transfers from just about any obscure format is another service we offer. Whether it's from a  standard audio cassette, reel to reel machine or wire recorder, Crystal Mastering has an arsenal of retro playback equipment to transfer your audio material. All transfers are carried out on perfectly maintained machines as well as mastering grade converters and audiophile quality cabling.  Open reels may be of the following speeds; 15/16 , 1 7/8, 3 3/4, 71/2 , 15 or 30 ips.  2 track and 4 track formats accepted.
 
If you're unsure about a format that we may accept, simply call us and our engineers will be happy to discuss the options. We may even be able to give you some tips to get the best result.
 
 
ips = inches per second
 
 
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