Mixing Tips for Mastering
Download Mixdown for Mastering
This PDF contains a detailed description of all the things you need to know before sending your track for mastering.
File Format
Stereo WAV or AIFF is preferred.
Resolution
24 bits, no noise shaping or colored dither.
Sample Rate
44.1 kHz or higher. Do not convert the sample rate of the final mix yourself.
Headroom
The mix should peak somewhere between -12 and -3 dBFS, i.e., you should have between 12 and 3 dB of headroom before the mix overloads.
Plug-ins On the Master Bus
If you are using plug-ins on the master bus then please make one version with, and one without, plug-ins. Limiting or clipping the master bus should always be avoided.
Fades
Do not fade out the file yourself but tell me where the fade should begin and end. Make sure you include the whole of the start and the end of the song when exporting.
Procedure for Online Mastering
Send me an MP3 by email and get a free mix check.
- Send an email to order mastering and get your upload password
- Upload your song to my iDisk or FTP server - or use YouSendIt
- You will receive a download link to the mastered song
- After approving the master, you can pay using PayPal
Turnaround
The average delivery time is 7 to 10 days. Small projects or singles can often get express mastering service at no extra charge.
Download
Choose download delivery for individual tracks if you do not need to mass produce your CD and do not need ISRC. It is possible to download a whole album or single with ISRC as a DDP image.
Red Book Master CD
Choose a Red Book master CD if you wish to duplicate your CD (less than 1,000 copies) or if you need ISRC on the disc. A Red Book master CD is a physical product that must be sent by mail.
DDP Master
Choose a DDP master if you wish to replicate your CD (more than 1,000 copies). DDP is an error corrected format used for glass master production. DDP can be delivered on a physical medium or as a downloadable file. DDP contains ISRC and other codes.
ISRC - International Standard Recording Code
If your music is to be sold on iTunes, you need ISRC. If your music is being played on the radio, ISRC is an advantage for identification purposes.
You get the first part of the ISRC by contacting your local department of IFPI. The rest of the code consists of the items below, which means that each song has its own unique ISRC for later identification:
US-ABC-09-001-01 (country-record label-year of registration-release-track)
Gracenote Database
If you want iTunes and similar software to show the correct title and track names automatically, you need to submit your CD to Gracenote. You can read more about how to submit your CD to the Gracenote Database.
