The world of recorded audio is in transition from compact disc
to other digital formats, both low-resolution (MP3, etc) and high.
We want our clients who are making CDs now to be well-prepared
as their music moves - as it inevitably will - into the high-resolution realm.
To that end, we have embraced the DSD/SA-CD technology and have
added multi-channel and DVD mastering and authoring resources
to the Boulder complex. We provide authoring for all DVD formats.
To be ready for the hi-res future, we advise our clients to record
and mix to the highest resolution digital format available, or to analog.
Stereo mix-down media should be 24 bit PCM at sample rates
up to 192 kHz, DSD, or analog. Since there are so many variables for
surround projects, we advise you to call to discuss your project.
Direct Stream Digital/Super Audio CD
Airshow is among the first studios to offer DSD recording, mastering,
editing and authoring. DSD is the core technology behind the
Sony/Phillips Super Audio CD (SA-CD) release format,
an audio disc with two recording "layers": a CD layer fully
compatible with today's CD players, and a DSD layer offering
the highest audio quality available-in stereo and 5.1 surround formats.
DSD is ideal for vivid, direct-to-stereo recording of solo or ensemble
music performance, whether live or in session. It is also unparalleled for
multitrack mixdown and archiving of analog recordings. You can "future proof"
your mixes: DSD recordings can easily be converted to the 44.1kHz/16
or 24 bit standard, resulting in better-sounding CDs now.
DSD is a major advancement in audio technology. Absent are the
artifacts and the "digital" sound found in 44.1/16 bit or 24
bit digital systems. By sampling the signal with a single bit
converter at a rate over 2.8 Megahertz, DSD offers an
extremely wide dynamic range (over 110dB) and extended frequency response
(up to 100kHz), rivaling or surpassing the best analog and 96kHz
digital recording systems.
We have written extensively on working in this high-resolution audio-only format.
See The Artist's and Producer's Guide to Super Audio CD.
We can email you a comprehensive description of services,
SACD Mastering, Format Conversion and Authoring @ Airshow Mastering;
just ask.
Audio for DVD-Video
DVD is a video-oriented medium capable of carrying high-resolution
stereo audio and surround audio, along with video and interactive elements or assets.
With the enormous popularity of DVD-Video, artists are increasingly
choosing to release peformance footage. Airshow engineers have been
involved in all phases of recording, mixing and mastering live audio tracks
for DVD-Video releases. We furnish our clients' audio in PCM stereo, Dolby
Digital and DTS surround formats.
DVD Audio
DVD-Audio is the newest member of the immensely successful DVD family,
finally bringing high fidelity sound to the format. DVD-Audio is a DVD disc,
with encoding schemes that emphasize the audio elements. Typical allocation
of DVD capacity in commercial audio releases is a high-resolution stereo mix,
a high-resolution 5.1 surround mix, some still image content, a short video,
and an interactive menu.
Disc Authoring
SA-CD, DVD-Video and DVD-Audio are all formats that require authoring. In the case
of DVD releases, this includes visual menu creation as well as interactivity.
For SA-CD, it is the step which adds SA-CD Text and playability to the disc.
Airshow authors SA-CD masters in-house; Airshow's clients may use Airshow's
authoring partners for DVD authoring.
Surround Mixing
We built The Home-Away-from-Home-Studio™ in Boulder for mixing engineers
who work with digital workstations. The room provides very accurate monitoring
for both stereo and near-field surround mixing, and is available for daily or weekly rental.
