Step 1: Source File Preparation


The starting point of an SACD ISO is your finished mix. Ideal source specs:


  1. Format — WAV or FLAC (lossless; avoid lossy transcoding)
  2. Sample rate — 44.1kHz or 48kHz (non-standard rates will be resampled)
  3. Bit depth — 24-bit preferred, 16-bit acceptable
  4. Levels — keep sufficient headroom (-1dB to -3dB peaks)

About multitrack mixes


If you provide stems, we can control each track's dynamics and noise reduction more precisely, but a longer coordination period is needed. A finished mix is the fastest path to delivery.


Step 2: Mastering


Before entering the DSD domain, all processing is done in the PCM domain — this is both a technical constraint and best practice.


Noise reduction & restoration


We perform spectral analysis to identify and treat:


  • Noise floor reduction — background noise from the recording environment
  • Click/pop repair — digital clipping during recording
  • Frequency balance — adjusting over- or under-emphasized bands

Dynamics optimization


Independent musicians' works often have either too wide or too narrow dynamic range. We calibrate dynamics to genre, giving the SACD master both impact and breathing room.


Step 3: PCM → DSD Modulation


This is the core stage, performed by the dpdo engine's Delta-Sigma modulator:


  • Upsampling — upscale the PCM signal through a high-quality interpolation filter
  • Noise shaping — design the noise transfer function to push quantization noise into the ultrasonic region
  • 1-bit quantization — final output at DSD64 / DSD128 / DSD256 / DSD512

The modulator's order and tap count directly affect final sound quality. Our dpdo engine defaults to 4096 taps and a 9th-order modulator, striking the best balance between computational precision and sound quality.


Step 4: SACD ISO Authoring


Once the DSD master files are ready, we move to ISO packaging:


  1. Import metadata — album name, artist, track list, cover art
  2. Build directory structure — SACD-compliant Master TOC / Area TOC
  3. DST encoding — optional DST compression for multichannel tracks to save capacity
  4. Generate ISO — output the complete SACD image

ISO contents


  • Stereo DSD tracks — 2ch DSD master files
  • Multichannel DSD tracks — 5.1ch surround (if multitrack provided)
  • Cover & metadata — embedded album info and artwork
  • CUE file — optional, for splitting and management

Step 5: Quality Verification


Before delivery we perform:


  • Spectral analysis — verify noise shaping is correct and no anomalous frequencies exist
  • CRC check — ensure file integrity
  • Playback test — verify compatibility on Foobar2000 / DSD players

Deliverables


You will receive:


  • SACD ISO file — complete album image
  • DSF tracks — per-track DSD files for direct playback or editing
  • Mastering report (PDF) — spectrum plots, level statistics and technical parameters

What You Need to Do


Just send us your finished mix and requirements — we handle the rest. Start a project.