Audio Quality Check for Tracks in Velveteen
Updated June 22, 2026
The audio quality check is an advisory scan Velveteen runs on each uploaded master. It checks seven audio properties and returns a score from 0 to 10 with a result for each check. It is informational and 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
Confirms the file is lossless (WAV 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
Each check contributes a weighted amount to the 0-10 score. Format carries the highest weight, followed by true peak, length, phase, dead air, and mono-as-stereo. Loudness is informational and does not affect the score.
Each check has one of three results: Clean means the check passed, Review suggested means a potential issue was found, and Issues found means a problem is present that warrants attention before distribution.
Tip
Running and re-running the check
- 1
Open the track
Go to the track's detail page in your Catalog. - 2
Find the Audio Quality panel
The panel shows the overall score and a row for each of the seven checks. - 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
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.
Related articles
Audio files & previews
The uploaded 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.