Merlin signs deal with high-res audio tech company

Independent label network Merlin has entered into a multi-year deal with audio company MQA (Master Quality Authenticated). MQA’s technology improves the playback for 24-bit music files, promising audio quality better than CDs. MQA has already secured deals with the three major labels and with several streaming services, including Tidal, 7digital, and Onkyo Music.

“Today’s future-facing agreement makes perfect sense — offering our independent label members a fast track entry point to an exciting segment of the streaming market, and ensuring they remain at its forefront,” Merlin CEO Charles Caldas said.

“MQA’s commitment is to provide exceptional sound quality from the studio recording all the way through to the consumer,” MQA CEO Mike Jbara said. “We’re excited to work with the leaders of the independent community [to] fuel the availability of master quality recordings for music fans.”