the massive ddp application ddp / cue play and ddp-to-cd authoring software

Offering DDP as a delivery solution (the ONLY delivery solution for many) is nothing new -- The ability of the average client to utilize DDP to its fullest potential was another story -- Until now…

DDP (Disc Description Protocol) File sets are the preferred delivery format of most replication plants. The big problem with DDP delivery to the client has always been that the typical mastering client, even most recordings studios, had no way of being able to audition the file. The accepted solution, still in practice but becoming increasingly rare, was to supply the client with a production master disc that could be played on any CD player. That disc would be auditioned by the client and then sent to the plant - and/or the client would simply have to trust that the DDP being sent to the plant was the same audio and data presented on their reference CD-R.

The fact that all CD's inherently contain a varying amount of errors, along with the physical issues and limitations (smudges, scratches, age, UV damage, etc.) doesn't disqualify it as a valid delivery format -- But the fact that DDP is not at all susceptible to these errors and limitations has always made it a superior choice. And the added benefit of being able to be sent electronically to the client - and the plant - saves time, money and materials for everyone involved. Gone are the days of DDP being delivered physically on 8mm Exabyte tape - Now, a simple ZIP'd folder, delivered via FTP, is standard.

The upsides are many - The downsides are none. Still, as DDP load back was basically out of reach to the typical client without dropping a good amount of cash, a solution that would make DDP and CUE files the norm as a delivery format from the mastering facility wasn't in the cards.

The ideal solution should do several things: It should allow the client to audition a DDP or CUE "in place" just as it would be auditioned at the mastering facility or the pressing plant. It should allow the client to author a disc from DDP or CUE files for audition purposes or short-run duplication (or even as a production master for professional replication). It would need to read and export all primary PQ data -- CD TEXT, ISRC codes, etc. And above all else, it should do these things while having *zero* impact on the fidelity of the audio.

That solution is here at MASSIVE Mastering - And it does all these things and more.

MASSIVE Mastering is excited to present exclusively to our clients, MASSIVE DDP by Sonoris Audio Engineering.
MASSIVE DDP allows you to:

• Audition DDP (Disc Description Protocol) files before you send them to the plant.
• Play .CUE files from a master PCM file.
• Check all relevant PQ information (CD TEXT, ISRC codes, etc., etc.).
• Export a valid PQ log from a DDP or CUE file.
• Actually CREATE YOUR OWN reference discs, directly from the DDP or CUE file.
• Create your own MASTER discs for short-run duplication - PQ log and all.
• Locally save individual PCM (.wav, .aif) files from a DDP image or CUE file (ISRC codes embedded in .wav file following the MPG / EBU standard).
• Export to MP3 and AAC

All this and more in a simple-to-use, low-profile, stand-alone application for your PC or MAC, included in LP packages at no charge to our clients. Save money, save time, all while using the superior delivery format.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOUR PROJECT?

If you've not used DDP or CUE files before as a delivery format, here's how using MASSIVE DDP can benefit your project:

STANDARD REPLICATION (CD-ROM Compact Disc Digital Audio Discs from the plant - Typically, runs of 500 units or more):

This is the most typical application for DDP. Instead of having to audition a CD-R premaster disc, you can audition straight from the DDP player, create your own reference discs for audition on other systems or to send a few out to radio stations or band VIPs, etc., etc., etc. Upload the file directly to the plant and never have to worry about scratches, fingerprints, postage or mishandling.

SHORT-RUN DUPLICATION (CD-R Compact Disc Digital Audio Discs, done 'in house' or from many short-run plants - Typically, runs of less than 500 units):

Audition your DDP or CUE file and "Save Audio Files" to upload individual files to the plant. OR, author a CD-R to mail to the plant or use as a master disc on a local duplication machine. OR, simply burn CD-R's directly from MASSIVE DDP's "Burn Audio CD" menu and never worry about read errors from a dirty or damaged CD again!

ONLINE DISTRIBUTION (Apple Music* / iTunes, Amazon, your own website, etc., with no physical version needed):

Although many online distribution points utilize the MP3 format (which can easily be supplied to you from MASSIVE Mastering), you can still use MASSIVE DDP to export individual PCM files if you should ever decide to use these higher-resolution files for any purpose. Plus, the ability to author a disc on demand directly from the CD-quality data whenever you'd like (radio stations, personal use, etc.).

* MASSIVE Mastering is an approved ADM / Apple Digital Masters (Formerly MFiT - Mastered for iTunes / iTunes Plus) mastering facility. MASSIVE DDP will NOT export files in the proper resolution for an Apple Digital Masters release - although the 16-bit 44.1kHz files it will export can be used for standard Apple Music release.

Save time, save money, save your sanity while using the true industry-standard delivery format. We're absolutely thrilled to place the convenience and bullet-proof reliability of DDP into the hands of every one of our clients.

LONG STORY SHORT: The MASSIVE DDP application allows you to skip the discs. No shipping, no waiting. Burn your own or send the DDP file directly to the plant - Or both. Burn a reference or two and back up the project to a hard drive, a thumb drive, the cloud - or all of them.

NOTE: MASSIVE DDP is provided as a service to our clients. It is NOT a freeware program and requires a security key code. Massive Mastering clients will be provided with a serial code for their exclusive use.