Classic Master and Apple Digital Masters – Excellence in Mastering

Classic Master is proud to be part of a select group of mastering studios worldwide that have been approved by Apple to offer Apple Digital Masters mastering services.

Previously known as “Mastered for iTunes”, this program is now labeled “Apple Digital Masters”, ensuring the highest possible audio quality within the Apple Music and iTunes ecosystem.

What is Apple Digital Masters?

In the Apple Digital Masters format, projects are mastered in high resolution (24-bit/44.1kHz), considering that they will be exclusively played in AAC on Apple Music and iTunes. This approach follows the same principle as the CD era, where audio was specifically optimized for its intended playback format.

Once mastering is completed, the final file is delivered to Apple in HD WAV (24-bit/44.1kHz) format and then converted by Apple into AAC 256kbps. This process ensures a significant increase in quality, preserving the sonic integrity of the original master.

Apple Digital Masters – Innovation and Sound Excellence

Apple has a well-established tradition of innovation and excellence in sound, both for computing and content creation.

Since the launch of the original Mac, which was capable of handling audio without requiring additional hardware or software, Apple has been a pioneer in enhancing the digital sound experience. This commitment earned Apple a GRAMMY® for Technical Excellence in Music, making it the first and only computing company to receive such an honor.

With the introduction of iTunes, Apple chose to standardize the AAC format instead of the more popular MP3, recognizing AAC’s superior sound quality, especially at similar bit rates. In collaboration with Dolby and Fraunhofer, Apple has continuously improved its AAC encoder, setting new standards for digital audio quality.

Classic Master – A Commitment to Quality

As a certified mastering provider for Apple Digital Masters, Classic Master is aligned with Apple’s philosophy and is dedicated to continually enhancing the quality of digital audio for streaming. We apply the most advanced mastering techniques to ensure that every project achieves maximum sonic fidelity, providing an exceptional listening experience for Apple Music and iTunes users.