Mastering FAQ

About

Mastering is:
Preparing music for release – with tonal balance adjustments, song sequencing, and file organization.

Basically, making your mixes sound as good as possible and readying the album for release.

Process
I approach mastering in 3-stages:

1. Broad Strokes – First, I sequence all of the songs in the order of the album, applying fades & crossfades, then adjust songs individually. Here I apply analog processing and make the larger adjustments.

2. Details – Next, I return to the songs with fresh ears and fine tune the details with small EQ and level adjustments. When complete, I send a version of the entire album for your approval.

3. Revisions & Deliverables – After you listen and reply, I make any requested changes and send an update. Finally, once the entire project has your approval, I organize and export a complete set of files (or “deliverables”).

Timeline / Deadlines
Once I have received mixes, I’m generally able to master an album and send a version for approval within 2 – 3 weeks. Revisions take a few days to a week per round.

If you are operating on a deadline, please let me know in advance. (Remember: for self-released music, plan to upload to streaming services 4+ weeks before the release date)

“Deliverables”
I provide full-resolution WAV file masters for streaming upload, vinyl/cassette sides (with PQ sheet), and the full album sequence. I also provide a DPP CD image encoded with Artist, Album, and Song names.

Please Provide…

Mixes
WAV, AIFF, or other full-res files (not mp3) – a link to Dropbox folder, Google Drive, or similar is preferred.

Song Sequence with Names/Titles
Please include Artist, Album, and Song Names – with preferred spelling, in sequential order (and desired A / B side split point)

Gaps & Crossfade Notes
A standard pause between songs is about 2 seconds. If you would like any non-standard pauses or crossfades, please include instructions.

Notes (optional)
I’ll use my best judgment unless directed otherwise, but please let me know what you’re after sonically. Do the mixes sound perfect? Are they not so great? Would you like more Bass? Treble? Clarity? Fullness? Grit? Loudness? Warmth?

Preparing & Exporting Mixes

Mix Bus Plugins
Bypass any limiter, loudness, or “mastering” plugins. In general, it’s good to avoid using effects here – there are exceptions, of course.

Peak Levels
The ideal peak level is -6dBFS (that means: the peaks of your mix should be 6dB below the maximum). If your mixes are clipping, turn down all of the tracks feeding your mix bus or the mix bus itself.

“It’s bad on purpose”
I’m happy to work with heavy distortion, avant-garde sounds, and/or mixes that push the boundaries of conventional wisdom. Let me know what your vision is for the project and we’ll figure it out.

File Type
WAV and AIFF files are preferred, but any full-resolution audio file is fine (do not send mp3s).

Bit Rate / Sample Rate
Export audio at the same resolution as your DAW session: usually 24bit, with a sample rate of 44.1k, 48k, 88.2k, or 96k.