Master Specifications - Eastco Multi Media Solutions

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Master Specifications

Below are our guidelines for submitting your master to Eastco for manufacturing. Our general guidelines applicable to ALL masters are listed below, followed by specific guidelines for Audio CD Replication & Duplication, CD-ROM Replication, Audio Cassette Duplication and Video Duplication.

General Master Guidelines

Masters must be "READY TO RUN":
     - songs in correct order
     - needing no equalization, compression, or level adjustment
     - complete list of song titles
Masters that are not "ready to run" will incur additional charges for mastering. Equalization, level adjustments, etc. ARE NOT provided unless specifically requested and will be billed at an hourly rate with a one-hour minimum.
While we can accept all master formats, there may be nominal charges associated with certain formats.
NEVER send your only copy! Always supply us with a "RUNNING MASTER".
A Master Log is required to be supplied by the customer for all formats! Projects without a completed Master Log will be put on hold until one is supplied!
Prepare a list that is accurate to locate beginning and ending points.
Prepare a guideline of spurious noise information that indicates any unusual noises or general notes regarding the quality of the recording.
Eastco is not responsible for errors in your Master Log or if no Master Log is provided.

Master Guidelines for Audio CD Replication & Duplication

CD-R is the preferred master format for CD replication & duplication. Other formats are accepted but will incur additional charges for re-mastering to CD-R.
CD-R masters must be burned "Disc at Once" in a single session and must be PQ coded .
CD-R masters must conform to Red Book standards.
CD-R masters must be 16 bit, 44.1 kHz and peak no higher than 0 db ("digital zero").
CD-R masters must be free of C2 Errors .
CD-R masters must be free of scratches, fingerprints, etc…
The maximum number of tracks on a CD is 99.
The minimum track length is 4 seconds.
The maximum length of a CD is 74 minutes.
80 minute discs are possible, contact us for details.

Master Guidelines for Audio Cassette Duplication

CDR or DAT are the preferred master formats for Audio Cassette Duplication. Other formats are accepted but will incur additional charges for conversion to CDR or DAT.
For analog tapes, test tones are recommended ( 1K at peak program level )
For DAT masters:
- Program material should be recorded at 0-dB peak max.
- Must be in ABS Time Code
- 44.1 kHZ Sample Rate
- 2 Minutes of Silence Before Program Begins
- Include 3 Minutes of Silence Where Sides Break & Indicate Tracks for Sides A & B
- Start IDs sequentially numbered one ID per song.
- Complete from start to finish, accurate absolute time log.

Master Guidelines for Video Cassette Duplication

Preferred master formats:
- VHS NTSC (Hi-Fi or Linear Audio tracks)
- S-VHS NTSC (Hi-Fi or Linear Audio tracks)
- 8 mm NTSC
- ¾” U-matic NTSC (Audio on channel 1,2, or both)
- Betacam SP NTSC
- DVC PRO or mini DV (recorded in SP mode only)
D1, D2, D3, MI, MII, 1", Hi-8 formats or anything in the PAL or SECAM standards require a conversion to one of the above formats.
Unless otherwise noted in writing, all master tapes are run as is. The following needs to be indicated when the master is submitted:

The correct audio track for duplication (ie: hi-fi or linear for VHS, or channel 1, 2 or both for ¾”, Beta cam SP and DVC Pro)
Specific detail of any additional editing services required (cross fading,omitting portions of a program, audio dubbing)

Master Guidelines for CD-ROM Replication

Due to the wide array of content available to be delivered on CD-ROM, your master guidelines will be specific to each project. Contact us to find out what specifications your project requires.