What to send
You do not need to make the upload perfect before getting in touch. The useful thing is to send the mix that feels right, at the best quality you have, with enough context that I can understand the record and where it is going.
If something is missing or you are unsure about a technical detail, that is fine. I would rather you ask than guess, and I would rather hear what matters to you than receive a technically perfect form with no feeling in it.
Before sending the music
Start with the mix you believe in
Mastering works best when the mix already feels like the record. If the vocal balance, low end, distortion, edit, or arrangement is bothering you, take the time to fix that first.
Keep the original quality
Export WAV or AIFF files at the original sample rate. 24-bit or 32-bit float is preferred. Do not dither or sample-rate convert before upload; let mastering handle the final format decisions.
Leave useful bus processing on
If compression, EQ, saturation, clipping, or limiting is part of the sound, keep it. If a limiter is only there to make the file louder, send an unlimited version as well. I do not want you to strip away the character of the mix just to follow internet advice.
Avoid clipping and obvious noise
Make sure the bounce is not clipping, going over 0dBFS, or accidentally distorted. Check for clicks, pops, hum, background noise, and bad edits before upload.
Leave starts and tails intact
Leave a little space before the first waveform and after the final sound. Reverb tails, delays, sustained notes, and fades should not be cut off.
Listen to the bounce
Import the finished export into a fresh session or player and listen all the way through. Check it somewhere familiar: speakers, headphones, a car, or any system that usually tells you the truth.
Send useful context
References, rough masters, sequencing notes, and anything you already love about the mix are useful. They help me understand what you are aiming at before I make decisions.
Label versions clearly
Use readable file names with song titles, version names, and track numbers for EPs or albums. If you send alternate versions, make it obvious what each one is.
What helps me understand the record
Project details
Your name, email address, artist or band name, project title, number of tracks, and the real completion deadline. Simple details, but they help me keep the project clear from the start.
The approved mixes
Send the mixes you actually love, not a version made only to satisfy a technical rule. WAV or AIFF files are best, kept at the original sample rate and bit depth. The most useful file is the one that still feels like the record to you.
References and rough masters
If you have been living with a rough master, send it. If there are records that explain the emotional direction, send those too. They do not need to sound identical; they just help me understand what you are responding to.
Release formats
Tell me whether you need digital masters, a DDP image for CD, a vinyl pre-master, instrumentals, or alternate versions. If vinyl or CD has a different running order from digital, mention that early.
Metadata
Include ISRCs, UPC, CD-TEXT, label details, track titles, artist names, and any other release information you already have. If you do not have it yet, just say so.
Notes
Use the additional information field for sequencing, fades, spacing, references, vinyl side splits, pressing plant notes, alternate version names, and anything you are unsure about. Plain language is fine. You do not need to know the technical name for a feeling.