ISRC Codes — When Do You Need Them During Mastering?

If you’re preparing a release, you may have come across the term ISRC code and wondered when — or if — you actually need one during the mastering process.

It’s a common question, especially for artists releasing music for the first time.

The short answer is: you don’t always need ISRC codes during mastering — but in some cases, you absolutely do.

Understanding when and how they’re used can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress as you move toward release.

 

 

What Is an ISRC Code?

An ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is a unique identifier assigned to a specific audio recording.

Think of it as a digital fingerprint for your track.

Each version of a recording — even alternate mixes or remasters — should have its own ISRC code. These codes are used to track:

• • Streaming and sales data
• • Royalty payments
• • Broadcast usage
• • Distribution across platforms

They don’t affect how your music sounds, but they are essential for how your music is identified and monetised.

 

ISRC vs UPC Codes (Important Difference)

It’s important not to confuse ISRC codes with UPC codes (barcodes).

While ISRC codes identify individual tracks, UPC codes identify an entire release — such as a single, EP, or album.

UPC codes are:

• • Used for retail and distribution identification
• • Typically provided by distributors or barcode services
• • Usually added to artwork before printing physical formats

In short, ISRC codes are tied to the audio itself, while UPC codes are tied to the product release.

 

Do You Need ISRC Codes During Mastering?

In many cases, no — you don’t need ISRC codes during mastering.

If you’re releasing your music through an online distributor such as DistroKid or TuneCore, ISRC codes are typically generated automatically when you upload your release.

In this situation, your mastering engineer does not need to embed ISRC codes into the master files beforehand.

However, there are situations where you do need them during mastering.

 

When ISRC Codes Are Required at the Mastering Stage

You will need ISRC codes before mastering is finalised if:

• • You are creating physical formats such as CDs
• • You want ISRC codes embedded directly into your master files
• • Your distributor requires pre-assigned codes
• • You are handling distribution independently

For example, when creating a CD master (DDP), ISRC codes are often embedded into the disc’s metadata. This means they must be ready before the final master is created.

If you don’t provide them in time, you may need revisions or a re-export, which can delay your release.

 

How to Get ISRC Codes

There are several ways to obtain ISRC codes, and the right option depends on your workflow and timeline.

 

Online Distributors (Automatic)

Platforms like DistroKid and TuneCore will generate ISRC codes for you when you upload your music.

• • No setup required
• • Instant generation
• • Ideal for digital releases

If you’re going this route, you generally do not need to worry about ISRC codes during mastering.

 

APRA/AMCOS (Traditional Method)

In Australia, you can obtain ISRC codes through APRA/AMCOS.

• • Typically free
• • More traditional
• • Not automated

You will need to request and assign the codes yourself, which can take time depending on processing.

This method is often used by artists or labels who want full control over their releases.

 

Per-Track ISRC Services

There are also services online that sell ISRC codes on a per-track basis.

• • Useful if you are in a rush
• • Immediate access
• • Typically comes at a cost

These are generally only necessary when timing is critical.

 

Timing Matters More Than You Think

One of the biggest issues artists run into with ISRC codes is timing.

ISRC codes can take anywhere from 1–7 days to obtain, depending on how you’re sourcing them.

If you’re planning to:

• • Press CDs
• • Embed metadata into masters
• • Deliver finalised files for manufacturing

You’ll want to organise your ISRC codes as early as possible.

Delays in receiving codes can hold up mastering revisions, manufacturing, or release schedules.

 

Working With Your Mastering Engineer

It’s important to communicate your ISRC needs early in the mastering process.

Let your mastering engineer know:

• • Whether you will provide your own ISRC codes
• • Whether you need them embedded into the masters
• • Whether physical formats are involved

Some mastering engineers offer ISRC handling as an additional service, but this usually comes with a fee — not for the code itself, but for the time required to manage and implement it correctly.

Since the process of obtaining codes is the same for both artist and engineer, many artists choose to handle this themselves to save on cost.

 

Where ISRC Codes Are Used

ISRC codes are typically stored within your track’s metadata.

• • CD masters (DDP files)
• • Broadcast and licensing systems
• • Digital distribution databases

They are not something listeners hear, but they are essential for how your music is tracked and paid.

 

Final Thoughts

ISRC codes are a small but important part of releasing music professionally.

While they are not always required during mastering, they become essential when dealing with physical formats, metadata embedding, or independent distribution workflows.

The key takeaway is simple:

• • If you’re using a distributor, you likely don’t need them during mastering
• • If you’re creating physical releases or embedding metadata, you do

Planning ahead and understanding your release path will ensure everything runs smoothly.

At Moreish Studios, we always recommend discussing ISRC requirements early in the mastering process to avoid delays and ensure your release is ready when you need it.

 

If you’re unsure how ISRC codes fit into your project, learn more about our Mastering services or get in touch to discuss your release.

More information about ISRC codes can be found here ISRC CODES and on APRA/AMCOS website.