CDR and DVD-R Labeling

It is very important to label your media as clearly as possible. This is when some proper CDR pens (I like the TDK ones) come in very useful; they seem pretty expensive, but they last for ages and let you fit a lot of info on the disk. It is also very useful to choose blank media with lots of space on the surface.
This is the standard info you must mark up on the blank media used. If you can't fit some of it on the disk itself then mark up the inlay card, but remember that the two can become separated…

Mixes, Unedited | Multitrack, Unmixed | Submaster (or other description)
Artist: _______________
Album Title: _______________
Record Label: _______________
Disk and File Format: (e.g. Stereo AIFF, 44.1 kHz/24 bit)
Disk No._____ of _____
Date: _____/_____/_____
Contact Name: _______________
Phone Number: _______________
Catalogue Number: _______________

This information, along with the some additional info, should be saved as a README.txt file on the disk so it cannot be lost. This is the additional information I recommend you should include…

Tracking Log/Notes for Mix Engineer

This README.txt file should be written during and after the tracking session(s). It contains the information that used to be written on the tape box and the track sheet. Put down anything which will be useful for the mix engineer. Don't forget to include all the information which is also on the media itself (see above).

TRACK LIST 1 Kick D112 2" on axis 2 Snare Top SM57 2" edge 3 Snare Bottom C1000 4" centre INVERTED 4 Hi Hat NT3 6" edge 5 Rack Tom SM58 6" edge 6 Floor Tom SM58 4" edge 7 OHL KM184 7' high, 4' in front 8 OHR KM184 7' high, 4' in front 9 Bass DI 10 Elec Gtr SM57 2" edge of cone 11 Keys DI 12 Vox 1 U87 Cardioid 8" 13 Vox 2 U87 Cardioid 8" ISSUES Kick needs more click Snare bottom overloaded mic pres in second chorus Vox 1 and 2 to be comped Ground loop hum in elec gtr

Notes for Mastering Engineer

This is the main way for the mix and mastering engineers to communicate. This information, along with the essential media information listed above, should be saved as a README.txt file on the media and printed out and sent with the media.

Track Name: I Don't Need You File Name: 07_dontneed.aif CD Track Order: 07 Length (approx.): 3:35 ABS Time/DAT or CD Program ID (not relevant if this is a disk of files): N/A ISRC: ES6080132805 Comments: This song needs a fadeout; try starting around 3:05 and be out by 3:25 from the second repeat of the guitar riff. Please cut the sticks at the beginning. The chorus needs to feel 'bigger' than the verse.

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