What to send
Send the mix that feels right to you, at the best quality you have. You can also send over some context if you want, so that I can understand the record and so we are on the same page. If something is missing or you are unsure about a technical detail, that's fine - just get in touch.
Preparing your mixes
Send the mix you are happy with
This probably goes without saying but I want you to send the mix you are happy with. If something is still bothering you, take the time to fix it in the mix first. Mastering is not a solution to fixing your mix.
I am always happy to share thoughts on the mix, especially when I hear something that could make the master stronger. The better the mix is before mastering, the better the final master can be, and the happier everyone tends to be with the result.
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 your files.
Leave useful bus processing on
If compression, EQ, saturation, clipping, or limiting is part of the sound, keep it. BUT if a limiter is only there to make the file louder, either take it off or send me an unlimited version as well. I do not want you to strip away the character of the mix, but I also don't want you to add a limiter just to make the track louder.
Avoid clipping and obvious noise
Make sure the bounce is not clipping, going over 0dBFS, or accidentally distorting. Check for clicks, pops, hum, background noise, and any bad edits.
Leave starts and tails intact
Leave a little space before the audio waveform starts and after the final sound. Reverb tails, delays, sustained notes, and fades should not be cut off.
Listen to the bounce
Play the finished export and listen all the way through. Check it somewhere familiar - it can be on speakers, headphones, in a car, or any system that you are used to listening to music on.
Send useful context
References, rough masters, sequencing notes, and anything you already like or don't like about the mix are useful. They help me understand what you are aiming for.
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. Thanks!
What I need
Project details
Your name, email address, artist or band name, project title, number of tracks, and the completion deadline.
The approved mixes
Send the mixes you are happy with. WAV or AIFF files - kept at the original sample rate and bit depth.
References and rough masters
If you have been listening to a rough master, please send it over. If there are records that you are inspired by sound-wise, then send those too. They do not need to sound identical, they just help me understand what you like.
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, please let me know.
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, that's also fine.
Notes
Use the additional information field for sequencing, fades, spacing, references, vinyl side splits, alternate version names, and anything you are unsure about. You do not need to know the technical name for a feeling, just try to explain whatever you feel or how you want the music to sound.