Mastered for iTunes (Windows need not apply)

[iriebill1]

If I'm reading right folks making music on Windows platform aren't invited to the party.

http://images.apple.com/itunes/mastered ... itunes.pdf

Does it follow that they don't want a piece of our artists' sales either?

They sure know how to blow their own horns, however.



Made by kids for kids!

[ChrisNW]

I believe it's true, you need a Mac to run the MFiT "Mastering Tools," which include the Master for iTunes Droplet and afclip command-line tool. However, I imagine a Windows user could still create AAC's within their iTunes player, and carefully A/B with the original lossless version.

FWIW, I find most of my clients elect to use their CD master for download services, like iTunes and Bandcamp, rather than having me prepare a unique MFiT version. However, knowing this, I usually set a fairly conservative ceiling to avoid sample peaks when converted to lossy formats.

[Waltz Mastering]

If I'm reading right folks making music on Windows platform aren't invited to the party.

In lieu of not having a Mac, you can use the Sonnox Toolbox http://www.sonnoxplugins.com/pub/plugin ... olbox.html
to audition.

Even then, you're supposed to get approved by Apple for Mfit releases..
. but the thing is, as mentioned above is to have a lower peak ceiling.
1dB-ish of headroom will get you in the ballpark to prevent their converters to not produce unwanted artifacts on masters that are pushed to the edge.

If the masters are conservative in the first place, there's not much to stress about as it's only the ultra crushed stuff that brought the whole thing about anyways and I doubt there are many people buying songs from itunes just because of the Mfit tag.
If they really cared about quality, people wouldn't buy lossy and Apple wouldn't sell lossy. gl

[iriebill1]

Thanks guys,

I was more concerned with reassurance that I hadn't missed anything than worry about submitting a technically flawed work.

BTW - I haven't seen the procedure for certification. Must you submit a potential release for evaluation, jing up with a fee, or both.

Any info would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Bill

[Waltz Mastering]

The certification is pretty easy. It's mainly just showing that you know how to use the apps linked here https://www.apple.com/itunes/mastered-for-itunes/ under "mastering tools" but you can substitute the Sonnox plug on a PC. I'll pm tomorrow with the contact info.

[iriebill1]

TW,

Outstanding! Thank so much.

tomb rules,

Bill