If you’ve already been around the track a few times our process is the same as most industry standards. Please remember we are here to help so if you need assistance just get in contact and we will help you through it:
◉ The highest quality stereo WAV or AIFF (Not MP3) of the bounced mix. Whatever the session was mixed in is prefered. Recommended: 24bit/48kHz OR no lower than 16bit/44.1kHz is prefered.
◉ -3db Headroom is prefered but so long as the track does not peak and hit above 0db we can work with it. A friendly reminder in most DAWs the master fader is a POST-FADER fader unless set otherwise. Any peaks will not be removed by lowering the master fader and this needs to be done via the PRE-MASTER.
◉ Turn off any limiters. Less is more with any master bus processing. Please be mindful of your master bus compressors if used. We understand it can be a part of the mix style but leaving us room to work with to use our ears and dedicated equipment will always be best.
◉ Make sure ‘Normalize’ is turned off on export.
◉ We can provide ISRC codes for an additional fee. Please note: this is also usually done by the streaming/online distributors nowadays automatically.
Mastering can be quite a bit for people to get their heads around, we know. For people more unfamiliar with the process, or to help keep yourself more informed please take some time to consult our Pre-Master Guide. It also contains detailed information on file requirements and explanations for why we ask for what we ask. You might just learn a new trick or two.
