iecset

iecset [-2] [-c catno] [-d dev] [-i isrc] [-I] [-q] [-v] [-x] track1 [track2 …]

-2
    Assume 2-channel (stereo) audio tracks

-c catno
    Set 13-character ASCII catalog number (EAN/UPC) for all tracks

-d dev
    Use specified SCSI device (default: /dev/sg0)

-i isrc
    Set 12-character ASCII ISRC code for current track

-I
    Extract ISRC from track filename (e.g., AA-AAA-99-12345.wav)

-q
    Quiet mode; suppress non-error output

-v
    Verbose mode; print detailed operations

-x
    Expert mode; skip track length and format checks

iecset is a utility for embedding essential metadata into the Q-subchannel of Red Book audio CD tracks, complying with IEC 60908-3 standards. It inserts International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) per track and catalog numbers (EAN/UPC) for the disc, vital for professional mastering, duplication, and player recognition.

Used before burning with tools like cdrecord or cdrdao, it modifies raw .wav or .cdr files without altering audio data. This ensures CDs carry standardized info for rights management, track identification, and manufacturing. Supports stereo audio assumption and expert modes for flexibility.

Ideal for audio producers handling commercial releases, as embedded data persists through replication. Requires SCSI generic device access (e.g., /dev/sg0) on Linux.

Requires raw 16-bit 44.1kHz stereo WAV or CDR files; alters files in-place (backup recommended). Needs write access to SCSI device. Not for data CDs or MP3s. ISRC/catalog must be exact format or fail silently.

iecset -c '1234567890123' -i 'USSM12345678' track01.wav track02.wav
Sets catalog and ISRC, then burn with cdrecord.

Tracks must be 2352-byte sectors (CDR mode1/2) or standard WAV; use sox or similar for conversion.

Part of Joerg Schilling's cdrtools suite since ~1999; implements IEC60908-3 for pro audio CD prep. Maintained in Schilytools fork post-2006 cdrtools split.

cdrecord(1), cdrdao(1), wodim(1)