Understanding ISRC Codes
The ISRC
(International Standard Recording Code) is the
international identification system for sound
recordings and music video recordings. Each ISRC is
a unique and permanent identifier for a specific
recording which can be permanently encoded into a
product as its digital fingerprint. Encoded ISRC
provide the means to automatically identify
recordings for royalty payments.
The ISRC system is the key to royalty collection for
recordings in the digital information age. ISRC is a
unique, reliable, international identification
system. ISRC provides a unique tool for the purpose
of rights administration. ISRC is a useful
identification tool in the electronic distribution
of music. ISRC coding is compatible with standards
developed in the field of consumer electronics and
is readable by hardware already used in the
recording industry.
ISRC is cost effective - it can be put into
operation without requiring special investment in
equipment or technologies. The ISRC consists of
twelve characters:
Important: The four elements should be separated by
hyphens and the letters ISRC should always precede
an ISRC code.
ISRC Elements
The code
elements appear in the following order:
-
Country Code: represented by two letters eg (CA)
which identifies the country of residence of the
registrant at the time the ISRC is allocated.
-
Registrant Code: represented by three digits eg
(AA2) assigned in sequence from the AVLA database
that are unique for each record label/master
owner. This code does not change if ownership of
the recording changes or if licensed to another
repertoire owner.
-
Year
of Reference: represented by two numbers eg (08)
identifies the year in which the ISRC is allocated
to the recording which will usually be the year in
which the full mastering process for the recording
is finalized.
-
Designation Code: five digits assigned by the
producer/owner as they choose eg (00001).
Where To Get ISRC
Codes in Canada
For additional information, frequently asked
questions and to register for your own ISRC Codes
please visit the
AVLA website.
AVLA Audio-Video Licensing Agency Inc. is a
non-exclusive agency that provides licences on
behalf of record companies and producers for the
purpose of broadcasting or duplicating audio and
video recordings in Canada.
Adding ISRC Codes to your
Songs
As stated in our Terms of Business, our client's
production assets should be supplied "in final form
and in proper working order (ie: ready to
manufacture as supplied)" so your ISRC codes must
already be embedded in your audio files when you
supply your Master content to us on CDR.
If you wish to upload your content files
electronically for Precision Disc to assemble your
files and create your Master there is a fee
involved. Included in the fee is the addition of
relevant CD Text and ISRC Code data that you supply
to us.
Learn more about Precision Disc's Master
creation services.
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