- 5.1. Barcode And Other Identifiers
- 5.2. Tags For Barcode And Other Identifiers
- 5.3. - 5.8.
- 5.9. The "Add Description" Field
- 5.10. Absence Of Identifiers
- 5.11. Information From Stickers
Barcode and Other Identifiers
5.1. This section allows you to enter any identifying numbers and codes such as barcodes, matrix numbers, and other such information. These fields are optional information for a submission, but please bear in mind that the more information that is included, the easier it is to keep the Database correct, and it increases the usability of the data for everyone.
First, click the "Add barcode or other identifier" button:
Select the type of identifier you want to enter from the drop down menu.
You can then enter the identifier in the second field. Click the "Add description" button to open the 'Description' field, if needed.
Use the "Add barcode or other identifier" button to add another row. You can add as many rows as you need.
Tags For Barcode and Other Identifiers
5.2. The following are definitions for all the tags that can be selected in the Barcode and Other Identifiers (BaOI) section.
5.2.a. Barcodes can be sourced from both the barcode text (the numbers printed below the barcode) or by reading the barcode itself with a barcode scanner. If there is a discrepancy between these two sources, both barcode variations can be entered into separate barcode fields.
Usually, the human readable code will include spaces, dashes or other characters. These characters only serve to make the barcode easier to read, they are not necessary for computers to parse. Ultimately, the barcode can be entered both ways on the same release, please do not delete one version in favour of the other. When entering as-on-release text barcodes, please add all characters present.
The 'Description' field can be used to indicate the source of the barcode, for example "Text" (the numbers printed below the barcode) and "Scanned" (when using a barcode scanner to read the code). In the case of multiple barcodes on a release, they can all be entered in separate barcode fields - please use the 'Description' field to provide any further information, if possible.
5.2.b. Label Code is a four or five digit code prefixed with LC. GVL started on 1st May 1976 to allocate Label codes to labels in order to uniquely identify them. Codes are currently assigned by GVL to companies engaged in music recording that are located in the countries of the EU. Please enter the whole code as it appears on the release including the 'LC' prefix, if present. An example is "LC 0125". Please be careful not confuse this with catalog or matrix numbers.
5.2.c. Matrix / Run-Out information is often stamped in the run out grooves of records or in the inner ring of CDs. Vinyl run out etchings can also contain mastering engineer / mastering studio / pressing plant information (often as initials) and extra text. This information should all be added to one 'Matrix number' field.
Matrix Numbers and other run out information can also be extracted from the whole run out inscription, and added as further 'Matrix Number' fields with descriptions and / or expanded upon in the notes as the submitter sees fit.
Matrix numbers can also be found printed on the label, often without the stamper version etc. This can be added in a separate field if desired.
There can be large gaps between different sections of a releases run out inscriptions. Please only use a space to denote such gaps, as using other separators may cause problems for people searching for a specific data string.
One edition of a release may have many different matrix numbers on individual copies - especially for major label releases. These are considered manufacturing variations for the purposes of cataloguing on Discogs, and not unique releases, so one Discogs 'release' may contain multiple variations in matrix numbers etc. For smaller releases, or in special cases, the matrix variation may indicate a unique release / edition, so please ask in the Database Forum Topic if in doubt.
5.2.d. SID codes (Source Identification Codes) were gradually introduced in 1994 by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) in order to help combat piracy. The mastering SID code is usually found in the matrix area/mirror band of a CD. The mould SID code is usually found in the mould / hub of a CD molded into the plastic of the disc.
The mastering SID code identifies the machinery used to make the glass master. The mould SID code identifies the plant where the CD was pressed. However, SID codes should not be used to identify manufacturing plants or glass mastering facilities as the codes may transfer from owner to owner of the equipment and / or pressplant.
A SID Code consists of the letters IFPI, followed by either four or five additional characters, which may be alphabetical or numerical. A mastering SID code must always start with the letter 'L'. A mould SID code can start with any letter apart from 'I', 'O', 'S' and 'Q'.
Though untypical, some releases may have the SID codes repeated in the matrix string itself. Rarer still, a release may sometimes have more than one mould SID code. Further details about SID codes and their implementation can be found here.
A release with SID codes cannot have been made before 1994. If the date cannot be established with a citation or an adequate explanation, the date should be left blank.
When entering SID codes, please do not transcribe the logo as iƒpi. Lowercase ifpi should be used instead.
5.2.e. Pressing Plant ID is an identifier code presented on the release which identifies the pressing plant it was pressed at. If known, please also add the pressing plant to the LCCN section as well.
5.2.f. Distribution Code is a certain kind of code which appears on releases in addition to one or more obvious catalog numbers. Please only use where the nature has been confirmed and do not confuse with the more frequent Price Codes.
5.2.g. Price Code is an identifier assigned to determine the price of an audio carrier. Price codes can appear in various kinds, e.g. two letters and three digits (BA100, PM 500), circled letters (Ⓐ or Ⓦ), as "series" (Serie Azul, Série Artistique), 1 or 2 letters (M, AC), 2 or more digits, often after a dash (-213, 0812), etc.
5.2.h. SPARS Code is a three letter code developed by the Society Of Professional Audio Recording Services (SPARS) that appears on compact discs and records.
5.2.i. Depósito Legal or Legal Deposit is a code assigned by a government's copyright office or central library. The prefix is sometimes printed as D.L.
5.2.j. ASIN is the Amazon Standard Identification Number. This is a unique identification number assigned by Amazon.com and its partners for product identification within the Amazon.com organization. Please provide Submission Notes that point to the relevant release on Amazon. This number should only be applied to releases manufactured by Amazon (CD-Rs), physical releases exclusive to Amazon and digital files sold by Amazon.
5.2.k. ISRC or International Standard Recording Code. As these apply to individual tracks, please use the description field to note which position it applies to. These should only be added when they are printed on the physical release or can be extracted from the release via software. Please do not add these from internet sources.
5.2.l. Rights Society is an association that administers the rights to the artists recorded work, such as collecting royalties for radio and TV usage, etc. A list of them are on our country guideline page. An example is "ASCAP"
5.2.m. The 'Other' field can be used for any other identifying number or code on the release.
5.3. This section has been merged into 5.2.d
5.4. This section has been merged into 5.2.c
5.5. This section has been merged into 5.2.j
5.6. This section has been merged into 5.2.l
5.7. This section has been merged into 5.2.b
5.8. This section has been merged into 5.2.m
The "Add Description" Field
5.9. The description field can be used to add any further information regarding the identifier, such as the identifier type, any descriptive text associated with it, its location on the release or anything else that seems significant. If an identifier is associated with only a subset of the total labels on the release, you can include the exact label name(s) it is associated with.
Absence Of Identifiers
5.10. 'none' can be entered into any field to indicate the absence of an identifier, but only when this is needed for differentiation of the release from other versions.
Information From Stickers
5.11. If information is taken from stickers that have been applied after manufacture (for example by the distributor), please declare it is a sticker in the description, and add any further information available (for example, the company name).