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Together with creating iTunes, the company developed AAC audio format, which algorithm creates compressed audio files with minimum sound quality losses, much better compared to similar audio codecs.
Starting in the past from converting CD-quality files into AAC, through the years, the codec was constantly upgraded, becoming even more reliable and the company has been using this format throughout its systems, particularly on iTunes.
However, to be converted to AAC with the best possible result, your mix should meet certain standards of sound quality, and be mastered according to Apple’s set of guidelines and recommendations. You need to use certified mastering services for iTunes. Only then, when converted to AAC, the song will sound almost indistinguishable from its original master record.
Apple Digital Master or Mastered for iTunes?
Mastered for iTunes now has been renamed to Apple Digital Masters. The company added some more requirements regarding mastering audio for iTunes but the essence of the term remains the same. The new name intentionally does not mention iTunes to signify that the music will be distributed and have the same standards not only on iTunes but throughout all parts of the ecosystem.
Only sound engineers who are qualified by Apple to create Apple Digital Masters can master your song for further iTunes release. In the process of submitting your song, you will need to provide the name of the sound engineer who created your Digital Master copy, they will have to be on the official Apple Masters providers list.
