When your stereo master is complete, we provide a range of professionally prepared audio files suitable for streaming, digital distribution, CD manufacture and other release formats.
Each file serves a slightly different purpose, so it is useful to understand what you are receiving and which version you should use.
We prepare all deliverables to professional standards, with careful attention paid to sample rate, bit depth, peak levels and overall quality control.
All masters are prepared with streaming playback in mind. This includes appropriate True Peak headroom to help reduce the risk of clipping and inter-sample peaks during encoding and playback across different streaming platforms and devices.
Below is a breakdown of the different files you may receive and what each one is designed for.
As standard, our stereo mastering orders include:
Which Stereo Master Should I Use?
For most modern music releases, one of the supplied 24-bit WAV files should be used for digital distribution.
If your distributor accepts 96 kHz files, the 96 kHz / 24-bit WAV provides the highest-resolution version of your master.
If 96 kHz is not supported, your 44.1 kHz / 24-bit or 48 kHz / 24-bit master will normally be the appropriate choice.
The 44.1 kHz / 16-bit version is primarily intended for CD-related applications, while MP3 files should mainly be used for previews, reference listening and situations where smaller file sizes are required.
By supplying multiple professionally prepared formats, we make sure you have the correct master available whether you are releasing your music through streaming services, manufacturing CDs, pressing vinyl, performing live or preparing your music for future projects.
Standard Stereo Deliverables
96 kHz / 24-bit WAV
Our highest-resolution stereo master supplied as standard. Where your distributor supports 96 kHz audio, this is generally the best-quality version to upload and retain as your main archive master.
48 kHz / 24-bit WAV
A high-quality professional format commonly used for video, broadcast and digital content. It can also be used for music distribution where 48 kHz is supported.
44.1 kHz / 24-bit WAV
One of the most widely accepted professional digital music formats and an excellent choice where your distributor does not accept higher-resolution 96 kHz files.
44.1 kHz / 16-bit WAV
Traditionally associated with audio CDs and suitable for CD duplication, replication, DDP creation and Red Book-compatible CD masters.
320 kbps MP3
A compressed audio format designed for smaller file sizes. MP3 should not normally be used as your main distribution master, but is useful for previews and reference listening.
Optional Stereo Deliverables
Apple Digital Master
Prepared for release through Apple's ecosystem in accordance with Apple Digital Masters requirements.
Vinyl Master
Prepared specifically for the vinyl cutting process with consideration given to dynamics, low frequencies, stereo information and the limitations of vinyl.
Instrumental
The complete music mix with the vocals removed. Useful for live performance, sync, television, film, remixes and promotional content.
Acapella
The vocal elements of the song without the main instrumental. Useful for remixes, DJ use, live performance and future production work.
PA / Live / Show
Designed for live performance, typically removing the main lead vocal while retaining backing vocals, effects and the rest of the production.
Radio Edit
A shorter version of the finished track, often created by reducing intros, outros, breakdowns or repeated sections.
Extended Edit
A longer version commonly created for DJs, often featuring extended intros and outros to provide more time for transitions and mixing.
Alternate Master
An alternate master may be supplied where a different mastering approach, tonal balance, level or specific use case requires another version.