Frequently Asked Questions about MAstering

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It can certainly help. But it's best that you are happy with the mix-down.  Mastering magnifies and clarifies what's already there.  

16-24bit / 44,100 kHz Stereo Interleaved WAV

If you can, please avoid submitting mixes that are heavily limited or compressed. It's always best to bounce the mix without limiting.  Hard limiting on a mix is the #1 thing that ties a mastering engineers hands. If you like the sound with the limiting, include a copy with limiting and without.

A few things to note: Your mix might clip when you remove the limiter.  To prevent clipping drop the master fader by 10db or so and then bounce to 24bit or higher.  The output mix will be quieter than you're use to but that's A-OK.  I will make it as loud as you want.

Please de-ess the vocals.  As the volume of a master goes up, so does the sibilant in the vocal. These are the FFFFs SSSSs CHAAs and hard treble. I am able to de-ess but it sometimes requires a good amount of time which adds up, and you'll get better results when de-essing the isolated vocal tracks.    

Bounce your mix without peak limiting (see above). 

If you've been experimenting with mastering please provide the alternate version (in addition to the master mixes) of your mixes you are most happy with. Even if it doesn't sound right or is done improperly, it will still help me further understand your vision. You're also welcome to include a commercial sample as a point of reference.​

Only submit MP3s if that's all you got.   

You are receiving 320kbs MP3's to review your master. 

You might hear a tick at the end of the MP3 track - please ignore these. The WAV file will not tick like that.

WAV files are available when payment is received in full.

When proofing a pre-master use a stereo you know well.  It doesn't matter if it's your car, boombox, home stereo, bluetooth speaker, headphones etc. Simply set your playback volume to a comfortable level.  The way you always do.  

​Listen to the master from start to finish closely.   
Please note that it is your responsibility to thoroughly proof the finished master for any defects, pops, glitches etc… prior. 

However, I offer Post-Production and Audio Repair Services if desired.

If there are any anomalies such as clicks or blips etc. you'd like removed please note the track # and min:sec location.

Submit your revision notes through email. All in one email is preferred, so no revision gets missed.

Mastering revisions are included in the price.

Mastering revisions are included in the flat rate. 

Note that if the song is remixed and submitted again then there will be a fee to remaster the remix.

Many of our clients send their Streaming Spec Masters off to CD Baby or a similar service for cataloguing which provides ISRC for them.

If you require Me to embed for you then please provide me with a copy of your ISRC. 

You can apply for ISRC here: www.usisrc.org 

Please archive your master files. I will supply a full resolution master when complete. Please save these files forever. I am not responsible for lost files or data after six months from when we begin.