Works & repertoire

Soundfiles

• Is there a user manual and an API for the sound file upload?
  You can download the user manual as a PDF .
  
  And yes, there is an API for the sound file upload. You can access the documentation at  GEMA sound file API.
• Can I revoke approvals that I have given for monitoring or edit sound files retroactively?
  You can withdraw or restrict the approval or your sound files at any time. Moreover, you also have the option to edit sound file information respectively the work allocation once they have been approved/released. For the latter, you first have to revoke the approval. 
• Can I also upload the entire score of a film and a radio play?

  If a soundfile only contains one work, the score can be uploaded in summary. If individual tracks are also used in other productions (e.g. series), we recommend that you upload several files.

• Can I upload several sound files or metadata in bulk or edit them all at once?
  If you wish to upload several audio files, just select multiple files in your explorer and add the files via drag & drop. Alternatively, you can also select several files with the search function.
  
  To upload metadata in bulk via a file, you can use the metadata template in the csv format. Simply download the template via the tile on our homepage. A more specific description on how to fill in the template is available in the user manual.
  
  You can also add metadata to several sound files simultaneously or approve them: Once you have highlighted several sound files, tools for bulk editing pop up.  With these tools, you can allocate metadata to a work, add data to a track or album release or to an audiovisual production, and authorise the approval or change it.
• Can I upload several soundfiles for a GEMA work number?

  You can upload all the different recordings for a work. Should the recordings only differ in duration, it is sufficient to upload the longest recording.

• What do the individual status details in the ‘approval’ status mean? Why does the status not change?

  Incomplete: The soundfile was uploaded but not all required details have been entered. (Mandatory details such as title, author, work number, details on commissioned music have not been entered and are yet to be completed by you. All other details are optional.)
  
  Ready for approval/release: All mandatory details have been entered and all details are complete. You can now approve and release the files.
  
  Approved/released: You have approved the use and the data is now ready for the audio fingerprint service providers
  
  The status does not change even though you completed all mandatory fields? In such cases, just click on the button refresh view.

• What is a sound file and when should I upload it?

  A sound file consists of:

  • An audio file of your musical work (only 1 work per audio file, no voice over, no finished commercial)
  • metadata of the work and of the recording (work title, work number, creator, commissioned composition?)

  
  The sound file must be uploaded in the wav format (PCM,16 Bit/48 or 44.1 kHz) or mp3 (320 kbps) in the Online Portal. The upload of a sound file does not replace the GEMA work registration. The basis for the documentation is your work notification.
  
  As a general rule, please register your work with us and upload the corresponding sound file in the Online Portal . The sound file is rather essential if you expect that your composition is used in advertising, TV/radio programmes, clubs and discotheques or online.
  
  Monitoring service providers need your audio file in order to monitor your work. That way, a unique fingerprint of your audio file is created and makes it possible to track it in the usage categories you selected. These are also requirements for creating a usage report. 

• What do I have to consider when I upload a sound file?

  Formats:
  The sound file must be uploaded in the wav (PCM,16Bit/ 48 or 44.1 kHz) or mp3 (320kbps) format.

  No voice over:
  Only one work and no voice-overs may be contained in a sound file.

  Recording version:
  In order to obtain a clear and unambiguous monitoring result, the final edit of the sound file or the master should be uploaded.

  Stereo:
  If possible, the files should be uploaded in stereo and not in mono.

  Browser:
  You can use the following browsers to upload the sound files: Google Chrome (latest major version), Firefox (latest version and enhanced support version ESR, Safari or Edge (two last major versions).

  Deleted sound files:
  Once you deleted a sound file, you cannot restore them. In such cases, you need to re-upload the audio files.

• Where is the data saved and where do the sound files go, once they have been approved?
  The data is saved in a Google cloud platform. The computer centre is situated in Frankfurt.
  
  Depending on the selection of the usage category, we send your sound file to the respective monitoring service providers (SoundAware, soundmouse, yacast).