Troubleshooting audio problems

Audio issues can arise during the upload and review process. This guide will help you identify and resolve common audio problems to ensure your music meets quality standards for distribution.

Audio Quality Problems

Low Bitrate or Compression Artifacts

Symptoms:

• Swirling, underwater-like sounds
• Metallic highs or distortion
• Loss of detail and clarity

Solutions:

• Export audio as WAV (16-bit, 44.1kHz minimum)
• Avoid MP3 conversions before final delivery
• Check original recording quality
• Re-export from your DAW at highest quality

Clipping and Distortion

Symptoms:

• Harsh, crackling sounds
• Distorted peaks
• Consistent fuzziness

Solutions:

• Lower master volume to peak at -1dB maximum
• Use a limiter to catch peaks
• Check individual tracks for clipping
• Remaster with proper headroom

Low Volume Levels

Symptoms:

• Track sounds quieter than commercial releases
• Uneven volume between songs
• Requires volume increase to hear details

Solutions:

• Aim for integrated LUFS of -14 for streaming
• Use normalization cautiously
• Apply mastering techniques for consistent levels
• Reference commercial tracks in your genre

Phase Issues

Symptoms:

• Thin, hollow sound

• Loss of bass when summed to mono

• Inconsistent sound across different speakers

  Solutions:

  • Check mono compatibility
  • Correct phase alignment in multi-mic recordings
  • Verify stereo width enhancement isn't causing issues
  • Use phase correlation meters during mixing

  Sample Rate Mismatches

  Symptoms:

  • Pitch or speed issues
  • Aliasing or high-frequency artifacts
  • Audio playback problems on certain devices

  Solutions:

  • Maintain consistent sample rate throughout project
  • Export at 44.1kHz for standard distribution
  • Avoid sample rate conversion when possible
  • Re-export with correct settings

  DC Offset

  Symptoms:

  • Asymmetrical waveform
  • Reduced headroom
  • Possible clicking or popping

  Solutions:

  • Apply DC offset removal in your DAW
  • Check individual tracks for offset issues
  • Verify hardware isn't introducing DC offset
  • Apply high-pass filter at 20Hz if needed

  File Format Issues

  Incorrect File Format

  Symptoms:

  • Upload rejection
  • Error messages during processing
  • Playback problems on certain platforms

  Solutions:

  • Use WAV format (16-bit, 44.1kHz)
  • Avoid compressed formats like MP3, AAC, or OGG
  • Don't use 24-bit files unless specifically requested
  • Remove any DRM protection

  Metadata Embedding Problems

  Symptoms:

  • Missing track information
  • Character display issues
  • Rejection during distribution processing

  Solutions:

  • Clear all embedded metadata before upload
  • Let SeemDistro handle the metadata
  • Use ASCII characters only in file names
  • Remove album art from audio files

  Corrupt Files

  Symptoms:

  • Upload failures
  • Processing errors
  • Incomplete or truncated playback

  Solutions:

  • Re-export from your original project
  • Check storage media for corruption
  • Try a different export method
  • Verify file integrity before uploading

  Using Our Audio Analysis Tools

  SeemDistro provides automated audio analysis for all uploads. Here's how to use the results:

  Loudness Analysis

  • Integrated LUFS: Aim for -14 LUFS for optimal streaming playback
  • True Peak: Keep below -1dB to avoid clipping
  • Loudness Range: Typically 4-8 LU for consistent listening experience

  Spectral Analysis

  • Check for balanced frequency distribution
  • Identify problematic frequencies
  • Detect unwanted noise or artifacts
  • Verify frequency content matches genre expectations

  Stereo Field Analysis

  • Check for phase correlation issues
  • Verify appropriate stereo width
  • Ensure mono compatibility
  • Identify channel imbalances

  Pre-Upload Audio Checklist

  Use this checklist before uploading to avoid common issues:

  1. File Format

     • WAV format (16-bit, 44.1kHz)
     • No compressed formats
     • Properly named files

  2. Audio Quality

     • No clipping (peaks below -1dB)
     • Appropriate loudness levels
     • No obvious artifacts or distortion
     • Consistent volume across all tracks

  3. Technical Aspects

     • Phase coherence verified
     • No DC offset
     • Clean starts and endings
     • Appropriate track spacing

  4. Content Check

     • Correct versions of each track
     • No count-ins or studio chatter
     • Proper track sequence
     • No unauthorized samples or content

  Using Reference Tracks

  One of the best ways to ensure audio quality is to compare your tracks to commercial releases:

  1. Choose 3-5 professional releases in your genre
  2. Match approximate loudness for fair comparison
  3. Switch between your tracks and references
  4. Make notes on differences in:
     • Overall tonal balance
     • Clarity and definition
     • Stereo image
     • Dynamic range
     • Bass response

  Professional Mastering Recommendations

  If you're experiencing persistent audio issues, consider professional mastering:

  • SeemDistro offers mastering services starting at $40 per track
  • Work with engineers experienced in your genre
  • Communicate specific platform requirements
  • Request streaming-optimized masters

  For personalized assistance with audio issues, contact our technical team at support@seemdistro.com.