Mastering Specs

Everything you need to prepare your master for production.

CD Replication & CD Duplication | DVD Replication & 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 & CD Duplication

Your production master can be submitted in any of these formats: DDP image file, PMCD / CD-R, or a pre-manufactured CD. DDP master creation from WAV files is available for an additional charge. We do not accept MP3s.

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 & DVD Duplication

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.

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.