How should I prepare my audio for mastering?
Please export your audio at the native bit rate and sample rate of your mix session with no peaks over 0 dB. Around 3 - 6 dB of headroom is ideal. Send your files as WAV or AIF, not mp3 as this is a lossy format.
Remove your final limiter but other mix bus processing (such as compression and EQ) can be left on, especially if you've been mixing into it from the beginning. If you're unsure then send a copy of the mix with and without your mix bus processing.
If you have been sending limited mixes for approval (with your clients, management, band mates etc) then please send those as a reference so I can hear what has been signed off.
How soon in advance should I book?
The sooner the better. I usually have a 1-2 week lead time on jobs but I can accept rush jobs at an additional cost depending on my current workload.
What are Apple Digital Masters?
Apple Digital Masters (formerly Mastered for iTunes) is a set of standards developed by Apple to ensure that masters sound their best after being encoded for the iTunes format. All of my masters can be prepared to meet Apple Digital Masters specifications which means that your music will be eligible for the Apple Digital Masters Badge when released on Apple Music.
Do you offer mastering for vinyl?
I can provide masters that are optimised for vinyl. I'm also happy to speak directly with the cutting house/engineer that you are using or I can recommend one if you need. If you have any questions about this service, please feel free to get in touch and we can discuss it further.
If you plan to release your project on vinyl, it's often recommended to create a separate vinyl master. The method for achieving volume on a vinyl record differs from that of digital, and just using your digtal master for the vinyl cut can compromise the sound quality of your vinyl release.
Do I need a DDP file?
A DDP file (Disc Description Protocol), is used for CD replication. It includes your audio along with details such as the artist name, track titles, song gaps, crossfades, and ISRC and UPC codes. It also contains a checksum file to verify any errors. If you're making CD's make sure to confirm with your distributor or manufacturing plant whether they accept DDP files. It is the best and most reliable method for sending your masters to the CD the plant.
What is an ISRC code?
ISRC codes are unique identifiers for your songs, commonly embedded into your WAV and DDP files. They can also be added when you upload your music to an online distributor for streaming, purchasing and distribution. To obtain ISRC codes, you can apply through the music governing body or organization in your country, such as PPL in the UK. If you are uploading your music via a distributor like Distrokid, Tunecore or CD Baby they will provide you with ISRC codes when you submit your songs and embed them into your files.
What can a Mastering Engineer do for me?
Artists, producers and mix engineers spend a long time crafting mixes, and during that period will hear the music over and over again. A mastering engineer approaches your music with fresh ears, much like your future audience will be; hearing it for the first time.
However, unlike your typical listener, a mastering engineer can offer several critical services; providing constructive feedback on your mix, fixing any issues, enhancing the overall sound quality, ensuring consistency across an album in terms of quality and style, and guaranteeing that your music sounds its best across all playback systems.
Once the mastering process is complete, the mastering engineer’s final task involves organising and supplying the correctly formatted files for distribution or duplication. Your mastered tracks will sound balanced, professional, well-organised, and will be delivered in the appropriate formats to fulfil all the requirements of your project.
Mastering engineers don't just provide stereo processing for your music. It's quality control, creative collaboration and peace of mind. Most importantly, having an emotional reaction to your music and acting upon it.
Do you offer mixing?
Occasionally I will take on mixing projects when I'm confident I can deliver what the artist is looking for. If I don't feel like i'm a good fit, I can recommend a number of skilled mixers who'd be a perfect match for your needs.