DDP player instructions

If you have received a DDP file as part of your mastering package, this information is for you.

Background:

A DDP image file is a format that CD pressing plants and record labels prefer because it can be delivered with a guarantee to be free of digital errors. It also embeds ISRC codes (when applicable) and CD Text information, as well as custom song to song spacing that the mastering engineer sets. It is an exact copy of the final CD that the pressing plant will create.

Instructions:

Imperial Mastering has provided you with the link to a compressed (zipped) DDP folder of your Master CD Image. We recommend that you download and listen to the DDP file right away to make sure everything is correct.

Inside the zip file there is a DDP player app that you can use to listen to the DDP, check CD Text and export WAV or MP3s. After you have approved the DDP image, you can pass the zip file directly to your CD pressing plant or record label. If you plan to press vinyl or upload to digital streaming services, you will need individual song WAV files which you can export directly from the DDP player app or ask Colin for these files (usually provided).

Unzipping the DDP file:

Most computers today include software to compress and uncompress Zip files. Most likely you can just double click or “right click” to open, “unzip” or “uncompress” the file. If you have a PC without a file compressor utility, download Z-Zip ( https://www.7-zip.org/).

After uncompressing the zip file, you will see a new folder on your hard drive next to the zip file. In that folder is the DDP image file and other associated files. You will also see a folder called “Player”. Inside the Player folder you will see a small program for Mac and PC that will open the DDP Image file. Double click on the player program to open it.

The player may ask you if you want to import the CD text, click “yes”.

The player will allow you to play each song like a CD player. You can also see the CD text information and you will see a button to let you burn a CD if you have a CD burner on your computer.

p.s. The DDP player responds more quickly than a CD player does. Skipping from track to track using the player may sound slightly more abrupt than when playing a CD. This is normal.

Exporting WAV or MP3 files

Using the DDP player, you can also export each song as a WAV or MP3 file.

Select File > Save All Tracks As Audio Files
Select WAV for a high resolution format that is identical to the original.
Select MP3 if you need a smaller file format for emailing or other uses. 320 KBPS is the best quality and is preferred.

When exporting, you can use the default file naming system or change it. Select a new folder on your hard drive and export the files. You can re-name the files yourself later if you do not like the file names the player creates.

Thats it! If you have any questions, email Colin at: imperialmastering@gmail.com