Audio Metadata Guide
Understanding Metadata in Mastering, CD Production and Digital Distribution
What Is Audio Metadata?
Audio metadata refers to the embedded information within your audio files or disc image that describes each track and the overall album. It plays a critical role in CD manufacturing, digital distribution, and tracking royalties.
Types of Audio Metadata
Track-Level Metadata
- Track Titles: Exact names of songs on the disc.
- Track Numbers: Order of songs as they appear.
- ISRC Codes: Unique identifiers used for tracking and royalties.
- Start/End Times: Precision timing for each track.
- Index Points: Cue points for complex or continuous recordings.
Disc-Level Metadata
- Album Title: The name of the complete release.
- Artist Name: Performer or band name.
- UPC/EAN Code: Used for retail and sales tracking.
- Catalog Number: Internal or label reference.
- Total Duration: Full run-time of the disc.
Technical Metadata
- CD-Text: Metadata readable by compatible CD players.
- PQ Subcodes: Include timing, indexing, and copy protection flags.
- Copy Protection Flags: Indicates digital copying rules.
- Pre-Emphasis: Flags for legacy EQ treatment (rare today).
Optional Enhancements
- Songwriter and Composer Credits
- Publisher Information
- Genre or Subgenre
- Copyright Year
- Label Contact Info
Why Is Metadata Important?
Proper metadata ensures your music is represented correctly across all platforms. It guarantees accurate reproduction for CD manufacturing, supports automated tracking for royalties via ISRC/UPC, and helps digital platforms display correct information during digital distribution.
How We Handle Your Metadata
As part of our DDP Image Creation Service, we embed all necessary metadata to Red Book standards. We handle everything from ISRCs and UPCs to CD-Text and PQ codes, ensuring your master is ready for duplication and digital release.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I provide my own ISRC codes? Yes, you can provide your own ISRCs or request us to generate them if needed.
- What’s the difference between CD-Text and ID3 tags? CD-Text is embedded in the disc image and readable by some CD players, while ID3 tags are used in MP3 files for digital playback.
- Do I need a UPC code? UPC codes are recommended for commercial releases and required by many distributors and retailers.
- Will I get a chance to review the metadata? Absolutely. We send a DDP player along with your image so you can preview all data before final approval.
Need Help With Audio Metadata?
If you're preparing an album for CD or digital release and want to ensure everything is perfect, get in touch with us.
We make the technical stuff easy, so you can focus on the music.