Massive topic and not discussed as often as it should be.
The QC process is often much more involved and time consuming than the signal processing part of the session.
The details are somewhat specific to the format but the basic elements are often similar when performing a QC process for, say, DSD files, SACD, Blu-Ray or transfer and archival.
DDP QC:
(1) open all supporting files (i.e ddpid, ddpms, CDText.bin) and double check catalogue number and verify all data is written correctly to each file to verify book compliance.
(2) load DDP back in to new Source EDL in Master Project to double check PQ against Destination (Master) EDL and the generated PQ list
(3) double check UPC/EAN, ISRC and CDText
(4) load image.dat back in to another source EDL and null against the Destination EDL.
(5) output (soundBlade) Secure Player reference file, open the reference checking UPC/EAN, ISRC and CDText while listening through the entirety of the release on headphones as sole focus.
(6) generate SHA-256 checksum on image.dat and individual files in DDP folder, including the DDP folder itself and create associated logs.
(7) Zip folder and generate another SHA-256 Checksum.
(
Validate all SHA-256 Checksums.
(9) DDP and track exports provided on Flash drive for client (along with all source transfers and interim assets). All documentation printed as hard copies to be filed.
(10) Backup DDP including all individual track assets, supporting documentation and the entire project to LTO6 for archive. The backup includes duplicates of all interim storage devices (i.e CF Cards and SSD caddys) used during transfer and processing. Run comparative analysis against source folder.
(11) Generate manifest of backup including file paths and checksums for comparative analysis when, for example, remastering the project in future or creating changes.
(12) FTP Secure Player reference file to client for approval including all documentation.
(13) FTP Zip of DDP to factory including specific documentation and checksum.
(14) Email specific documentation to factory as fail safe.
Individual Track Asset QC:
(1) Import all generated track assets in to a new Source EDL in the Master Project and null Source EDL against Destination EDL.
(2) Double check metadata is correctly populated and embedded in each file (i.e ISRC and EBU Core expression) and matches the metadata log sheet.
(3) Double check (EBU R128) loudness values are correctly embedded in each file and matches the generated XML loudness report.
(4) Generate all support metadata documentation such as XML, JSON files to be added to the database. Perform comparative analysis.
(5) Listen to each audio file export in sequence on headphones as sole focus.
(6) Perform bit comparison with DDP. One is created even if no physical release is intended.
(7) Generate SHA-256 checksum on each file and the compilation folder and output associated logs.
(
Validate all Checksums.
(9) DDP and Track exports on Flash drive for client including all documentation and interim assets. Run comparative analysis against source folder.
(10) Backup DDP including all track exports, including all supporting documentation and the entire Master project to LTO6 for archive. Run comparative analysis with source folder.
(11) Generate manifest of backup including file paths and checksums for comparative analysis when, for example, remastering the project in future or creating changes.
(12) upload individual tracks with all supporting documentation to distributor. Include all checksums for verification.
(13) complete and double check XML profile against baseline metadata for DDEX Release Delivery.