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R/E/P => Mastering Dynamics => Topic started by: jdg on April 18, 2011, 05:07:06 PM

Title: file naming conventions
Post by: jdg on April 18, 2011, 05:07:06 PM
how are you guys naming your "master" files.
esp those doing alot of digital delivery.

i used to go: track_number-song_name-version

these days im more inclined to use the file name as i got it from the client with a -version after it.

Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Mastertone on April 18, 2011, 05:21:50 PM
For listening copy's / approvals i usually go tracknumber_clientsfilename_mystudioname, any revisions gets the date added to that.

Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: DOMC on April 18, 2011, 05:23:19 PM
filename_studioname for me
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: PBM on April 18, 2011, 05:44:09 PM
how are you guys naming your "master" files.
esp those doing alot of digital delivery.

i used to go: track_number-song_name-version

these days im more inclined to use the file name as i got it from the client with a -version after it.

I use the file name as given by the client (or a shortened version) with _PBM to mean the mastered version. As I sometimes (actually, often) limit again after the first pass I'll put the gain added as a further element e.g. Bethel Blues PBM+1

Everything else is in my notes.

Cheers,

Eric

 
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: jdg on April 18, 2011, 05:49:43 PM
im thinking if i was the client, i would like to line everything back up like i had, and having the same file name could make that easier... but i may be vitamin D deficient at this point, and not thinking straight....
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: TotalSonic on April 18, 2011, 05:58:14 PM
project name_file type_date_track number
i.e.
booty_fresh_revised_master_041811_01

or sometimes I include the resolution or side info as well when multiple formats or vinyl pre-masters have been requested:
i.e.
booty_fresh_lp_master_24-96_041811_A

When bouncing a cue sheet layout to disc SAWStudio just appends the track number to the end of the name for each of the wav files it renders out, so for the most part I don't have to think about the track numbering.

Best regards,
Steve Berson
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: bblackwood on April 18, 2011, 06:17:09 PM
Interesting seeing all the ways guys address this...

I create reference files in sequence, using initials for tracks titles, followed by format, so for a standard 16/44.1 reference of a track called 'Rock Song', I'd create:
01_RS_16441

Revisions get a v2, v3, etc added to look like:
01_RS_v2_16441

Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Waltz Mastering on April 18, 2011, 06:54:34 PM
these days im more inclined to use the file name as i got it from the client with a -version after it.

That's what I do.  Song name as provided by the client.

I'll include the song number if the client has it in the name originally.

If there is a revision, I'll put the revision number after the name.

If I do a couple versions of the same song,
I'll put a general code like Bv, H^, Mv, or L^
Where B is bass H is highs M is Mids and L is Level..and I'll add 24 if it's 24 bit
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: PBM on April 18, 2011, 07:02:18 PM
That's what I'll do.  Song name as provided by the client.

I'll include the song number if the client has it in the name originally.

If there is a revision, I'll put the revision number after the name.

If I do a couple versions of the same song,
I'll put a general code like Bv, H^, Mv, or L^
Where B is bass H is highs M is Mids and L is Level..and I'll add 24 if it's 24 bit

What happens when you get Sibilant Highs with Impacting Transients?
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Gold on April 18, 2011, 07:09:44 PM
What happens when you get Sibilant Highs with Impacting Transients?

Time to see the dentist. Ouch.
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Waltz Mastering on April 18, 2011, 07:13:26 PM
What happens when you get Sibilant Highs with Impacting Transients?
There's nothing worse than when it's
Flat & Ultra Conservative @15 Khz...ed
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: DOMC on April 18, 2011, 10:45:01 PM
awesome

Boosted Obvious Outake Bass is sometimes an issue as well
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: JimK on April 18, 2011, 11:40:17 PM
Brighter Added Lows Limited Significantly.

Seriously though, I've also done song title followed by version (vX).
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Greg Reierson on April 19, 2011, 09:19:08 AM
Original Song Title: "Bob's Song"
Processed and Captured File: "Bob's Song v1" (processed 24 bit file at native rate, not limited)
Delivered File: "Bob's Song v1 44k16L" (final mastered track, typically 44k1/16 limited)


GR
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Jerry Tubb on April 19, 2011, 10:13:48 AM
Similar here:

01_Django's Moustache_EQ2_Vinyl

I don't mess with the date or the sampling rate in the title unless needed.

If required I'll abbreviate the title to:

01_Django's_EQ2_V

Especially to fit soundBlade's character limit ;-)

I found using song title initials was too vague, for me.

JT
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: pmx on April 19, 2011, 10:42:56 AM
recorded premasters get named rec_01_title, revisions become 01a etc. if all is approved the master files get the prefix mst_01_client_title. maybe not the most readable system, but there's no room for mistakes which is more important imho, especially when doing post/sd/rerecording jobs.
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: BiigNiick on April 19, 2011, 11:20:23 AM
what interesting responses  :D

my naming convention is to start with a sequential number, then a space, then the official name of the track as it should appear in the CD-Text.  when new versions are generated the old file is renamed to V1 (or V2, etc. . .) and the newest file has no postfix.
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: aleatoric on April 19, 2011, 12:24:05 PM
I just do "song name_mv1".  The mv1 stands for "mastered version 1".  If I get a revision the next version will be "mv2".  Simple and it works for me. 
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: subvert on April 19, 2011, 01:28:14 PM
Project files I tend to name:

Client Name - Artist Name - [Track Number] - Track/Album Name

and

Client Name - Artist Name - [Track Number] - Track/Album Name - Limiting

Digital Delivery Files I name:

Artist Name - [Track Number only if known] - Track Name - Subsy Master [revision version if not the first]

[info in square brackets optional and only used when known]
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Millice on April 19, 2011, 04:08:27 PM
01.SongTitle.MV#.110419

(Track #.SongTitle.MasteredVersion#.YearMonthDay)

Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Dave-G on April 19, 2011, 04:35:20 PM
Mine go:

TrackNumber_RevNumberIfNeeded_SongTitle_Format

ie:  01_RockSong_16441.wav

I like adding the format-suffix in case there's a higher rate/wordlength version saved for any reason, or to distinguish between multiple MP3 bitrate versions at a glance, (if they're in the parts order/file-pile) ... and I avoid spaces and punctuation in the title to make them more URL friendly.

Also, if there's any kind of comparison/shootout going on, I'll add my name or studio name and of course, zip the file along with 2 other, brutal/horrible-sounding versions of the song, each with one of you-guys' names subtly added to the filename.

ie: unzips to deposit the following in the client's comparison pile: 

RockSong_Sonopod_16441.wav
Docksong_Blackwood_really_did_this.wav
rock_song_McCaigs_best_possible_work_really.wav

If the client seems exceptionally difficult I put Tom Bethel's name on 3 copies of the 'good' one. 

good times, good times.
-DG
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: MoreSpaceEcho on April 19, 2011, 06:09:06 PM
you are on fire in this thread.

i'm a simpleton, long file names and underscores make my eyes cross, so it's just "Rocksong Master" here.  if a revision is needed i creatively add "v2".
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Table Of Tone on April 19, 2011, 06:15:06 PM
I usually record from the outboard at 32 float, so I label those captures with the full track title, followed by 32.
I'll keep em that way for assembly, fades, PQ, etc.

Any separate files that I dither to 16, I'll just label with just the track title.
Any revisions, I'll just put V2 afterwards
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: SafeandSoundMastering on April 20, 2011, 06:02:41 AM
Depends, if it's a few tracks so long as the track has a name I just add the word "master" and the SR. If it's a compilation it gets T1,T2,T3 this stuff should not really need to be asked about. It's pretty embarrassing to even see a post about it. Nothing gets easier. :-\
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Hermetech Mastering on April 20, 2011, 07:18:11 AM
Song Number (if given) and Song Title

Then:

HM (Hermetech Master - means it has passed through the DAC-outboard-ADC loop)

E (means it has been limited with Elephant)

And then either:

CD (has been dithered down to 16 bit)

or

24 (24 bit)

So when a project is finished the file name ends up something like:

01TheTroubleWithTribblesHMECD.wav

I don't like underscores, so never use them. If the project is not at 44.1kHz, I'll sometimes add that to the file name too.
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Mastertone on April 20, 2011, 07:23:24 AM
It's pretty embarrassing to even see a post about it. Nothing gets easier. :-\

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/mastering-forum/ (http://www.gearslutz.com/board/mastering-forum/)
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: bblackwood on April 20, 2011, 08:05:31 AM
Barry, you find people's curiosity over how others do thing embarrassing?

If so, maybe internet forums aren't 'your thing'...
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Table Of Tone on April 20, 2011, 08:59:23 AM
I have to admit I find it interesting seeing how other ME's label their audio.
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Gold on April 20, 2011, 01:29:01 PM
I have to admit I find it interesting seeing how other ME's label their audio.

Same here. This information is certainly more useful for me than "are EQ's made of Play-Doh better than EQ's made of space age wonder material". I may even incorporate some of these ideas into my less than stellar file naming conventions.
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Allen Corneau on April 20, 2011, 03:34:36 PM
I may have the most boring system of all... I just let the Sadie's auto-take do it's thing.

So "Song One" original file becomes "Song One [01]" once mastered. A second revision or remix is "Song One [02]".

Seems to work for me. If I really get stuck on what version is what I can check the folder from Windoze to check the file date and/or edit time.
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: jdg on April 20, 2011, 09:32:33 PM
Depends, if it's a few tracks so long as the track has a name I just add the word "master" and the SR. If it's a compilation it gets T1,T2,T3 this stuff should not really need to be asked about. It's pretty embarrassing to even see a post about it. Nothing gets easier. :-\

i need help in the bathroom, whats your number
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: jdg on April 20, 2011, 09:33:22 PM
rock_song_McCaigs_best_possible_work_really.wav

i really lol'd
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Treelady on April 20, 2011, 10:09:29 PM
Almost exactly like JT

01_MotherInLaw_v3.wav

The _ are from old coding days.

The single . in the name is because there are people who use PCs and more than one dot can cause sadness.
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: adamgonsa on April 21, 2011, 02:30:17 PM
Mine go:

TrackNumber_RevNumberIfNeeded_SongTitle_Format

ie:  01_RockSong_16441.wav
Similar to Dave. I leave the "1" off 441, join the artist name and song title with a "-" for compilations, and if there's a revision I throw an additional underscore and "rev1" at the end.

I guess if there were lots of "revs" in the song title I might change the revision model. 
ie: 01_RevRun-RevTheEngineForRevolution_1644_r1
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: SafeandSoundMastering on April 21, 2011, 03:19:41 PM
Seriously if labelling files has become of great interest I will focus on audio quality while you focus on file names, lol.

I have to be honest I could not think of anything I would want to know less about.

I love audio forums, but I do apologize if not getting off on other engineers file naming protocol is the exception round here.

The mind literally boggles.



Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: bblackwood on April 21, 2011, 03:55:59 PM
And yet you continue to post about it...

If your only purpose for posting is to be critical of what other people wish to discuss, take your thoughts elsewhere.
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Mastertone on April 21, 2011, 03:57:35 PM
01_RevRun-RevTheEngineForRevolution_1644_r1

*spinning*  :)
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Tim Boyce on April 21, 2011, 05:40:33 PM
I like seeing how all the oldschool kids use the underscore. (or at least heavy FTP users).

Ditto here :: makes a big difference when encoding the file name into a URL. (%20)


SongTitle_TCB_Master_YearMonthDay

unless I'm exporting out a whole album, then track numbers 01_... go first. (I also include gaps in the exports) so file-start is from track ID start -> start of next ID.

edits, changes, and version get's added if needed before date.
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Gold on April 21, 2011, 05:50:42 PM
Seriously if labelling files has become of great interest I will focus on audio quality while you focus on file names, lol.

I can do both at once! The mind boggles at the complexity of this task. Only a select few could manage to both master a record and keep the files organized. I am happy to pronounce that I am one of the select few who can do this.
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Ed Littman on April 22, 2011, 09:11:40 AM
I apparently do things a bit differently....
Mastered songs will have the full name with (24mastered) added as I always capture at 24 bit. 
"Bad Ass Song(24mastered)". I keep seperate folders for original mixes & mastered files within the project folder. When I need to send a ref I'll dither/limit to16 bit & rename "Bad Ass Song(16mastered)"
If their are revisions I'll re name "Bad Ass Song-REV(24mastered)" Final digital delivery are WAV & MP3's in seperate folders with full name only.

Ed
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Viitalahde on April 22, 2011, 03:25:19 PM
I've become a little lazy. I used to separate_everything_with_these_thingys, but these days, I usually type the CD text ready for the first time and let Samplitude to the prefix number automatically when exporting separate WAV's. If it's a revision, I add a "_v2" at the end, if it's a new mix it's "_newmix_v2".

Come to think of it, if I type the direct file names myself, I still use_these.

What I shouldn't do is to use ä's ad ö's in the file names. Sometimes I've received AIFF's that display ä's and ö's normally in Windows, but Samplitude craps out. Renaming the files works.

So it's all "01 Jätkän humppa_newmix_ lessvuvuzela_v2" for me.
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Ben F on April 24, 2011, 06:36:36 PM
I've become a little lazy. I used to separate_everything_with_these_thingys, but these days, I usually type the CD text ready for the first time and let Samplitude to the prefix number automatically when exporting separate WAV's. If it's a revision, I add a "_v2" at the end, if it's a new mix it's "_newmix_v2".


I do the same- name the tracks before they are recorded into Sequoia (or use CD-text), and then let Sequoia do the labelling on the exported files.
Title: Re: file naming conventions
Post by: Twerk on May 20, 2011, 03:30:42 AM
Over the years I've changed it up but currently, and because of a few mishaps with clients confusing files, I now rely on;

Tests:
01. Song Name - Test.wav
01. Song Name - Test B.wav

Masters:
01. Song Name - Master.wav
01. Song Name - Master B.wav

As for the various bit/sample rates of these files, I keep sub-folders within the "Masters" folder of that project such as:

4824
4416

I'm not sure why having Master in the file name makes me feel better. Maybe it's from back when I used to buy DAT's and put the "master" sticker on it to be sure it was the final version.

(p.s. sorry for digging up an old thread. I was out of town for a bit and just discovered this wonderful forum on my return.)