Preservation

Audio Reproduction Master [AUD-R1]

Record Type: Audio Recordings

Expected Use: Reproduction Master

Product Name: Audio Reproduction Master [AUD-R1]

Product Purpose: The purpose of this product is to respond to reference and reproduction requests.

Nature of Source Material: Any digital master audio file not at risk due to deterioration or obsolescence.

Possible File Derivatives: This reproduction master file can be used to create any distribution file of equal or lesser capture quality.

Other Information:

  • This product can be used as either a reproduction master or distribution file.
  • Reproduction and distribution files may have additional improvements such as the application of an equalization (EQ) curve for grooved discs.

File Properties

Container Format
  • Broadcast WAV (.wav) as defined by The European Broadcasting Union in document Tech 3285
  • Uncompressed
  • Version: 1
Capture Information
  • Encoded to Linear Pulse Code Modulation (LPCM)
  • Sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz
  • Bit depth: 16
  • Sound field: dependent on original source material
  • Byte order: Little endian

Typical file size for Mono: ~ 5.3 MB/minute or .317 GB/hour
Typical file size for Stereo: ~ 10.5 MB/minute or .635 GB/hour

Quality Control

Quality Control for Digital Audio Reproduction Master Products

The Audio–Video Lab relies on visual and auditory quality control (QC) and spot checks to confirm completeness and technical characteristics of the files.

Metadata

The filename contains metadata that associates the file with external sources of descriptive and technical metadata. Each filename is a unique identifier composed of the item’s record group, series, and item number.

Rationale

Reproduction masters are at a high enough quality that they may be used in a production context. Distribution copies are at a low enough bitrate that they are able to be easily streamed or downloaded via an internet connection.

Distribution copies include an online delivery option.

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