Catalog

Audio Quality Check for Tracks in Velveteen

Updated August 8, 2026

The short answer

The audio quality check is an advisory scan Velveteen runs on an uploaded master. A fresh report is reused only for the current audio file; changing the master triggers a new run. It checks seven audio properties, starts at 10, and returns a rounded score from 0 to 10 with a result for each check. It does not block upload or distribution.

When you upload a track master, Velveteen analyzes the file and reports on format, peak levels, length, dead air, mono-as-stereo encoding, and phase. The results appear in the Audio Quality panel on the track's detail page. The check is advisory: even a low score does not stop a release from being submitted.

The seven checks

Format

Checks for a lossless format such as WAV, FLAC, or AIFF, at least 16-bit, and at least 44.1 kHz. This check carries the most weight in the overall score.

True peak

Flags if any sample exceeds -1 dBTP. Peaks above that level can cause distortion after DSP loudness processing.

Length

Confirms the track is at least 30 seconds and no more than 15 minutes. Tracks outside that range may be rejected by some DSPs.

Dead air

Detects more than 2 seconds of silence at the start or end of the file.

Mono as stereo

Detects a stereo file where both channels are identical, which usually means the file was upconverted from mono.

Phase

Measures the correlation between left and right channels. Very negative correlation can cause the audio to collapse to silence in mono playback.

Loudness

Reports integrated loudness as an informational measurement. This check does not contribute to the overall score because target loudness varies by DSP and genre.

How the score works

The score starts at 10. A failed check subtracts its full weight and a warning subtracts half, then Velveteen rounds the result to a whole number. The weights are format 3, true peak 2.5, length 2, phase 1.5, dead air 1, mono-as-stereo 1, and loudness 0.

An overall score from 8 through 10 is shown as Clean, 5 through 7 as Review suggested, and 0 through 4 as Issues found. Each row also has its own result: Clean means the check passed, Review suggested means a potential issue was found, and Issues found means a problem warrants attention before distribution.

Tip

A score in the middle range often reflects loudness or a mild phase result. Check the per-check results to identify what to address.

Running and re-running the check

  1. 1

    Open the track

    Go to the track's detail page in your Catalog.
  2. 2

    Find the Audio Quality panel

    The panel shows the overall score and a row for each of the seven checks.
  3. 3

    Re-run after changes

    If you upload a new master file, use the re-run button to run the check on the new version.

Heads up

The check is advisory. A low score or a check marked Issues found does not block submission. However, distributing a file with clipping, format issues, or mono-as-stereo encoding can affect listener experience and DSP editorial consideration.

When does Velveteen run the check?

If a track has no audio master, the panel asks you to upload one. If you open a track and there is no fresh report for its current file, the panel offers a manual Run audio check button.

When you replace the current master, Velveteen detects that the file has changed and starts a new check automatically. A saved report whose file identity no longer matches the current master is shown as out of date instead of being presented as the result for the new file.

Tip

Use Re-run check when you want to inspect the current master again. The report belongs to the file that was analyzed, not to the track title by itself.

Frequently asked questions

Will a low quality score block my release from being submitted?+

No. The check is advisory. A low score does not prevent submission or delivery.

What does Clean mean?+

Clean means the check passed. The property is within the recommended range for DSP delivery.

What does Review suggested mean?+

Review suggested means a potential issue was detected but it is not a hard failure. Consider listening to the file in context and deciding whether to re-master.

What does Issues found mean?+

Issues found means the check detected a problem such as clipping, incorrect format, or mono-as-stereo encoding. It is worth addressing before distribution, though it does not block submission.

Why is loudness informational only?+

Target loudness varies by DSP and genre. Velveteen reports it so you have the measurement, but the check does not contribute to the score.

How do I fix a mono-as-stereo flag?+

Export your master from your DAW as a true mono file or as a stereo file with real stereo content. Re-upload and re-run the check.

Why does the panel say my report is out of date?+

The saved report belongs to a different audio file than the master currently attached to the track. Run the audio check again so the result is tied to the current file.

Related articles

Audio files & previews

The uploaded or cloud-imported audio file, minimum duration, and preview window that Velveteen checks before release submission.

Common blockers

The blockers that come up most: artist approval, DSP identifiers, release dates, the AI declaration, contributors, and the single-track genre match.

Track-level checks

Title, audio file and 30-second minimum, genre, language, copyright, ISRC, preview window, contributors and composer or lyricist, performers, and the AI declaration.