premastering
Premastering, also known as mastering, is a step in the production of compact discs(CDs) and DVDs. Premastering improves the quality of the original recording through audio processing techniques, noise reduction techniques, and compression techniques.
During premastering, the audio or video data stored on a master - which is usually a magnetic tape - is transferred to the CD premaster.
Premastering includes data formatting with the division of the data into individual data blocks with error detection, compiling and editing the content, determining the order and spacing of the individual tracks on the compact disc, leveling the signals, suppressing the noise between the tracks, and finally writing to a blankdisc. Each title is given a PQ code so that the CD player can find the individual titles and so that the individual and total playing time of all the titles can be displayed.
The blank is used for the mastering resp. the glass master.