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Standards Guide

From Nu-metal Preservation
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Submission Standards

This guide explains what a complete, organized, and archive-ready submission should look like for Nu-Metal Preservation.

Purpose

The goal of these standards is to keep every archive submission clean, consistent, verifiable, and easy to move into the archive.

A good submission should clearly answer:

  • What is this release?
  • Who is the artist?
  • What source did it come from?
  • Is the audio complete?
  • Is the source verified?
  • Are scans included?
  • Are logs, cue sheets, or verification files included?
  • Is anything missing, damaged, incomplete, uncertain, or trumpable?

The preferred archive standard is:

Original source whenever possible, FLAC for audio, proper rip logs when available, cue sheets when available, verification files when available, complete scans, accurate filenames, and verified release information.

Do not guess missing information. If something is unknown, leave it unknown until it can be verified.

Quick Standards
Audio

FLAC is preferred whenever possible. MP3, WMA, AAC, M4A, OGG, or other formats may be accepted if no better source is available.

Rips

CD rips should include a log, cue sheet, and verification files when available. A 100% log is preferred.

Scans

Scans should be lossless, preferably PNG or TIFF, and at least 600dpi when possible.

Documentation

Source information matters. Catalog numbers, barcodes, matrix data, labels, countries, and dates should be included when known.

Minimum Accepted vs. Preferred Standard
Area Minimum accepted Preferred standard
Audio Any usable source that fits the archive FLAC from the original source
CD rip Audio files with source information FLAC, 100% log, cue sheet, and verification files when available
WEB Downloaded audio with source named Original downloaded files, source service, artwork, and metadata
Scans Any useful scan or image 600dpi to 1200dpi lossless scans
Metadata Artist and release title Artist, title, date, country, label, catalog number, barcode, matrix, and source
Folder Clearly named Full archive folder naming format
Notes Missing or uncertain details marked clearly Complete source details with no guessing
Folder Naming Standard

Release folders should use this format: 

YYYY.MM.DD - Title {Source, Catalog Number} [Format]

Examples: 

2005.06.14 - Underbelly {CD, CT-45434} [FLAC]
2005.00.00 - Underbelly {CD, Unk} [MP3 128 - 320]
2015.06.00 - Underbelly {CD, CT6744, Re-Issue, Re-Mastered} [FLAC]
2005.06.00 - Underbelly {CD, CT6744, Promo} [FLAC]
2015.06.00 - Underbelly {CD, CT6744, Re-Issue} [MP3 128 - FLAC]
2005.08.00 - Underbelly {CS, Unk} [FLAC] [inc]
2005.10.00 - Underbelly {Vinyl, Unk} [FLAC] [BT]

Date rules:

  • Use the full date when known.
  • Use 00 for an unknown month or day.
  • If only the year is known, use YYYY.00.00.
  • Do not guess missing dates.

Catalog number rules:

  • Use the catalog number if known.
  • Find the catalog number if it is unknown.
  • Use None only if the release is confirmed to have no catalog number.
  • Do not use N/A in folder names.

Special folder tags:

  • Use [inc] only if the release is incomplete.
  • Use [BT] only if the files are verified transcodes.
  • Use edition notes inside the braces when needed, such as Promo, Re-Issue, or Re-Mastered.
Archive Folder Standards vs. Wiki Template Standards

Folder names and wiki release pages do not always use the same wording. Folder names are for organizing files. Wiki templates are for clean public display.

Situation Folder standard Wiki template standard
Catalog number is known Use the catalog number Use the catalog number
Catalog number is unknown Find the Catalog number, Add it Find the Catalog number, Add it
Release is confirmed to have no catalog number None No catalog number
Barcode is unknown Leave out when possible Leave blank
Exact date is unknown Use 00 for unknown month or day Use year only if only the year is known
AccurateRip does not apply Do not include in folder name Leave blank
Log does not exist Do not include in folder name Leave blank
Scans do not exist Do not include in folder name Leave scan fields blank

Avoid using N/A unless there is a specific reason.

Audio File Naming Standard

Audio files should use this format: 

01 - Song Title

Examples: 

01 - Song Title.flac
02 - Another Song.flac
03 - Final Track.flac

Correct: 

01 - Song Title
02 - Song Title
03 - Song Title

Incorrect: 

1 - Song Title
01 Song Title
01. Song Title
01_Song_Title
Artist - 01 - Song Title

Use two-digit track numbers whenever possible.

Required Files By Source Type
Source Preferred files Notes
CD FLAC files, log, cue sheet, AccurateRip file when available, scans A 100% log is preferred. If enhanced content exists, include it.
WEB Original downloaded files, artwork, source notes when needed Use the source name when known, such as WEB (Tidal), WEB (Deezer), WEB (Qobuz), WEB (Bandcamp), WEB (Amazon), or WEB (Spotify).
Cassette WAV or FLAC transfer, source.txt, scans Include tape deck, cable, input, software, and transfer notes when known.
DVD Complete uncompressed DVD folder, log when available, scans Do not convert to MP4, MKV, AVI, or another format unless specifically requested.
Vinyl WAV or FLAC transfer, source.txt, scans Include turntable, cartridge, preamp, audio interface, cables, software, and processing notes when known.
Scans only PNG, TIFF, or BMP files 600dpi minimum preferred. 1200dpi maximum preferred.
Perfect Submission Examples

A complete CD submission may look like this: 

2005.06.14 - Example Release {CD, ABC-123} [FLAC]
├── 01 - Track Title.flac
├── 02 - Track Title.flac
├── 03 - Track Title.flac
├── Example Release.log
├── Example Release.cue
├── Example Release.accurip
├── Scans
│   ├── Front.png
│   ├── Back.png
│   ├── Disc.png
│   ├── Tray.png
│   └── Booklet 01.png
└── source.txt

A complete WEB submission may look like this: 

2023.04.16 - Example Release {WEB, None} [FLAC]
├── 01 - Track Title.flac
├── 02 - Track Title.flac
├── Cover.jpg
└── source.txt

A complete cassette submission may look like this: 

2001.00.00 - Example Demo {CS, Unk} [FLAC]
├── 01 - Track Title.flac
├── 02 - Track Title.flac
├── source.txt
└── Scans
    ├── J-Card Front.png
    ├── J-Card Back.png
    ├── Cassette Side A.png
    └── Cassette Side B.png

A complete DVD submission may look like this: 

2004.00.00 - Example DVD {DVD, ABCDVD-01} [DVD]
├── VIDEO_TS
│   ├── VIDEO_TS.BUP
│   ├── VIDEO_TS.IFO
│   ├── VIDEO_TS.VOB
│   ├── VTS_01_0.BUP
│   ├── VTS_01_0.IFO
│   └── VTS_01_1.VOB
├── DVD Decrypter.log
├── source.txt
└── Scans
    ├── Front.png
    ├── Back.png
    └── Disc.png

A complete vinyl submission may look like this: 

2005.10.00 - Example Release {Vinyl, Unk} [FLAC]
├── 01 - Track Title.flac
├── 02 - Track Title.flac
├── source.txt
└── Scans
    ├── Front.png
    ├── Back.png
    ├── Label Side A.png
    └── Label Side B.png
Source Type Examples
Source Example folder Notes
CD 2005.09.06 - Welcome To The Fall {CD, DBM3002-2} [FLAC] Best when submitted with FLAC, log, cue sheet, verification files, and scans.
WEB 2023.04.16 - 1KW {WEB, None} [FLAC] Source service should be documented, such as Tidal, Deezer, Qobuz, Bandcamp, Amazon, Spotify, or Apple.
Cassette 2001.00.00 - Demo {CS, Unk} [FLAC] Include source.txt with tape deck, input, software, and transfer notes.
DVD 2004.00.00 - Press Kit DVD {DVD, Unk} [DVD] Preserve the full DVD structure. Do not convert unless requested.
Vinyl 2005.10.00 - Underbelly {Vinyl, Unk} [FLAC] Include source.txt with turntable, cartridge, preamp, interface, and processing notes.
What Counts As Complete?

A complete submission should include the full release as it originally exists.

Complete CD Submission

Every audio track
Enhanced content if the disc includes it
Log file when available
Cue sheet when available
AccurateRip or verification file when available
Front cover scan
Back cover scan
Disc scan
Booklet, insert, tray card, or other packaging scans when available

Complete Cassette Submission

Full Side A transfer
Full Side B transfer when applicable
Split tracks if available
J-card scans
Cassette shell scans
Case or insert scans when available
source.txt

Complete WEB Submission

Audio files
Artwork
Source name
Release date if known
Label if known
Any available digital metadata

Complete DVD Submission

Full DVD file structure
Menus and extras if present
VIDEO_TS folder when applicable
Source notes when needed
Case, disc, insert, or booklet scans when available


Perfect Rip Standard

Use Perfect=yes only when the release has no known preservation issues for its source type.

For a CD rip, a perfect rip should generally include:

  • FLAC audio
  • Complete tracklist
  • 100% log
  • Cue sheet
  • AccurateRip or verification when available
  • No known audio issues
  • No missing enhanced content
  • Correct source information

Do not mark a release as perfect if:

  • The log is missing
  • The log is below 100%
  • The rip is incomplete
  • The source is unknown
  • The files are suspected transcodes
  • Enhanced content is missing
  • The rip has known errors

A release can still be useful without being perfect. Perfect should be reserved for the strongest preserved version.

Log and Verification Rules

Logs, cue sheets, and verification files are important because they help prove the quality and accuracy of a rip.

Do not edit log files.

Do not modify:

  • EAC logs
  • dBpoweramp logs
  • Cue sheets
  • AccurateRip files
  • Verification files

Edited logs cannot be trusted for verification. If you re-rip something, delete the old log and cue sheet first, then submit the new files created by the new rip.

A proper CD rip should include:

  • FLAC audio
  • Log file
  • Cue sheet
  • AccurateRip or verification file when available

If a log is below 100%, the rip may still be useful, but it should be considered trumpable by a better rip later.

Incomplete Releases

Use [inc] only when the release is incomplete.

Examples of incomplete submissions:

  • Missing one or more tracks
  • Missing enhanced content
  • Missing one side of a cassette
  • Missing part of a multi-disc release
  • Damaged or unreadable files
  • Partial download
  • Incomplete DVD structure

A release is not automatically incomplete just because it has no scans or no log. Those are preservation issues, but the audio itself may still be complete.

Trumpable Submissions

A submission may be accepted but still considered trumpable if a better version can replace it later.

Common reasons a submission may be trumpable:

Current version Better upgrade
MP3, WMA, AAC, M4A, or OGG FLAC from the original source
FLAC with no log FLAC with a proper rip log
Log below 100% 100% log
No cue sheet Cue sheet included
No AccurateRip or verification Verification included when available
No scans Complete scans
Low quality scans 600dpi or 1200dpi lossless scans
Unknown source Verified source
Unknown catalog, barcode, or date Verified release information
WEB source Original CD, cassette, vinyl, or DVD source when applicable

Trumpable does not mean useless. It means the archive can improve it later.

source.txt Standard

Use source.txt when source details matter or when the transfer needs documentation.

This is especially important for:

  • Cassette transfers
  • Vinyl transfers
  • DVD rips
  • WEB sources
  • Unusual sources
  • Reconstructed folders
  • Unknown or uncertain sources
  • Any transfer with special equipment

Basic source.txt example: 

Source: Original cassette
Artist:
Release:
Country:
Year:
Tape deck:
Output:
Input:
Audio interface:
Software:
Capture format:
Processing:
Notes:

Vinyl source.txt example: 

Source: Original vinyl
Turntable:
Cartridge / stylus:
Preamp:
Audio interface:
Cables:
Software:
Capture format:
Processing:
Notes:

WEB source.txt example: 

Source: WEB
Service:
Artist:
Release:
Release date:
Label:
Format:
Notes:

Do not invent details. Leave unknown fields blank.

Scans Standard

Scans are strongly preferred whenever physical media is available.

Preferred scan standards:

  • Color scans, never greyscale
  • PNG, TIFF, or BMP
  • 600dpi minimum preferred
  • 1200dpi maximum preferred
  • No automatic cropping
  • No automatic brightness, contrast, denoise, or sharpening
  • No lossy JPG compression when avoidable
  • Front cover, back cover, disc, booklet, tray card, insert, cassette shell, J-card, or packaging when available

A release without scans may still be accepted, but complete scans are always a preferred upgrade.

WEB Source Standard

WEB releases should clearly identify the digital source whenever known.

Examples:

  • WEB (Tidal)
  • WEB (Deezer)
  • WEB (Qobuz)
  • WEB (Bandcamp)
  • WEB (Amazon)
  • WEB (Spotify)
  • WEB (Apple)

WEB releases usually should not include:

  • AccurateRip
  • Rip log
  • Cue sheet
  • CD matrix information
  • Physical scan requirements

WEB releases should include when available:

  • Original downloaded audio files
  • Artwork
  • Service name
  • Release date
  • Label
  • Digital metadata
  • Notes if the source is uncertain
What Not To Upload

Do not upload:

  • Random personal files
  • Software installers
  • Games
  • Movies unrelated to the archive
  • Converted videos unless requested
  • Re-encoded audio passed off as original
  • Fake FLAC files
  • Duplicate folders without explanation
  • Edited logs
  • Modified verification files
  • Random images unrelated to the release
  • Incomplete uploads without marking them as incomplete
  • Files with unclear source information when source information is available

Only upload material that pertains to the archive.

Final Submission Checklist

Before submitting, check the following:

Item Standard
Folder name Uses the archive folder naming format
Audio files Named as 01 - Song Title
Source CD, WEB, cassette, DVD, vinyl, or another source is clear
Format FLAC preferred when possible
Log Included when available and never edited
Cue sheet Included when available and never edited
AccurateRip or verification Included when available and never edited
Scans Included when available
source.txt Included when needed
Incomplete material Marked with [inc]
Transcodes Marked with [BT] only when verified
Unknown data Not guessed
Unrelated files Removed before upload
Upload status Fully uploaded before marking complete
Final Note

If you are unsure about a date, catalog number, barcode, source, format, log, scan status, or version detail, do not guess.

Upload the files with a note explaining what is unknown.

A clear uncertain submission is better than a confident incorrect one.

Related guides:

Retrieved from "https://nu-metal-preservation.com/index.php?title=Standards_Guide&oldid=16667"
Last modified
This page was last edited on 11 May 2026, at 22:46.