We currently accept these and other fine formats:

• 1/4” & 1/2” analog tape at 7.5, 15 or 30ips.
• Sony Direct Stream Digital (DSD) 1-bit 2.822MHz (via DVD+RW
  on the Tascam DV-RA1000 high definition audio master recorder)
• Digital Audio Tape (D.A.T.) recorded at 16-bit - 32, 44.1 or 48 kHz
• Mini Disc* (Standard magneto-optical - NOT “DATA” MD)
• Audio CD-R / RW
• Data CD-R / RW or DVD-R / RW (WAV or PCM - other formats call first!*)
• MASTERLINK RedBook or CD-24 - Read below!
• Digital Compact Cassette (DCC)
• Standard Audio Cassette*
• VHS Cassette*
• MP3 Files:* Please, at LEAST 192kbps for decent sound quality

* NOTE: MP3, cassette, MiniDisc would be considered “last resort” formats - Only use if the only possible version of a project isn’t available in a standard higher resolution format. *IF* the only version is one of these formats, do NOT alter it - Don’t make PCM versions of existing MP3’s, don’t make DSD versions of existing PCM data or CD’s, etc. Changing the format will NOT increase the quality of the source material. In some cases, it can damage it substantially.

** Alesis offers the CD-24 ISO BUILDER (FREE!!!) that will convert a collection of 24-bit .AIF files into an .ISO image file. After the ISO file is created, use your CD writer software to “Create CD from Image File” (check your software’s instructions) and PRESTO! You now have a CD-24 readable by MasterLink OR your PC’s CD/DVD drive! If you don’t have a MasterLink, just check to make sure that your CD drive reads the AIF files before sending out.

If sending stems (hourly rates apply), it’s preferred to have songs grouped together on the same discs whenever possible.

*Do NOT send project files or proprietary file types! ProTools projects, SDII’s, NPR’s, etc. are not acceptable. If sending digital mixdown files, they must be PCM data (WAV, AIFF, etc.). If in doubt, please contact first!

FTP SERVICE IS AVAILABLE - Files can be transferred to MASSIVE Mastering via FTP by scheduled FTP session.

F.A.Q. - “Should I mix to DAT or CD-R?”

It’s a good question.  It’s also a trick question...

Although the sonic difference is, well, probably inaudible in most cases, Digital Audio Tape (DAT) has a much lower error rate than an audio CD-R.  Even at 44.1k and 16-bit, DAT is the choice.

But I did say it was a trick question...  Here’s the trick.

If you are mixing to a hard disk system that can export a WAV or PCM type file, a CD-R will have a lower error rate than anything.  Remember: A WAV file is straight DATA.  The data is going to the CD-R with a bit-by-bit comparison and should be basically error-free.  This also gives you the opportunity to write 24-bit files, which are audibly superior to 16-bit. Even though your master PMCD will be a 16-bit copy, working with 24 (or 32) bit mixes is the way to go.