Audio file check

An audio file for distribution must meet several requirements:

1. WAV format (an uncompressed audio file). Never MP3.
2. At least 16-bit and 44.1 kHz, ideally 24-bit and 48 kHz (at most 32-bit and 96 kHz).
3. No faulty metadata (e.g. an invalid date).

The first and third points are checked by the recording form itself – a file that is not a genuine WAV or has an invalid date in its metadata will not upload. A recording in lower quality than 16-bit/44.1 kHz, on the other hand, will be rejected by the platforms. That is why you need to have the file ready in advance.

To check it, you can upload your audio file below and find out whether the file meets the requirements or not:

A few general notes:

• The format must be a genuine WAV. If you only change the extension in the file name (e.g. from “audio.mp3” to “audio.wav”), it will not work, because you are only changing the extension of the file name – not the file itself.
• The minimum requirements are 16-bit/44.1 kHz, but for better quality we recommend 24-bit/48 kHz.
• Some programs (typically Logic Pro X) save an invalid date into the file (day or month “00”). Distribution will reject such a file – the tool above will detect it. The solution is to export without metadata, or to remove the metadata with the WAV file metadata cleaner tool. In Artists Bez Labelu, you can also do this right in the recording form.
• Uncompressed WAV files are large – keep that in mind when uploading. You can upload files of up to 900 MB.
• Make sure the audio is not clipping and has the right loudness. You can measure this with the LUFS and True Peak check tool, and in Artists Bez Labelu with the Master check, a shortened version of which appears as soon as you select a WAV in the recording form.
• If you want to see the specific metadata stored in the file (tags, date, loudness), use our Audio file metadata viewer – it reads WAV, FLAC, AIFF, MP3 and M4A.