MASTERING

STEREO MASTERING

How to prepare your track for Stereo Mastering

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Send me one 24 bit stereo file of your final mix.

Remove any compressors or limiters from the main output channel before exporting.

Ensure that the highest peak does not exceed -4 dBFS  (more headroom is better).

Stereo Mastering is the standard method of mastering a song that has been exported as a single stereo file of the final mix.

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This is the final step in the process before duplication and distribution. In this step I will ensure the dynamics are controlled, the frequency balance is smooth, and the loudness level is appropriate. 

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This is the best option for you if your mix sounds exactly the way you want it to and you are ready to have it mastered as is.

STEMS MASTERING

How to prepare your track for Stems Mastering

Send me up to six 24 bit stereo subgroups of tracks.

For example:

1. Kick drum

2. Bass

3. All drums & percussion except kick

4. All other instruments

5. Vocals

*Any effects should be exported together with the instrument that is affected. 

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Remove any compressors or limiters from the main output channel before exporting.

Ensure that the highest peak does not exceed -4 dBFS (more headroom is better).

Stems Mastering is similar to Stereo Mastering with the added benefit of having more control of the different groups of elements in the mix.

Stems Mastering allows processing to be applied to one area without affecting the rest of the mix. This could be extremely useful for taming wild peaks, smoothing out harsh frequencies or widening certain elements without affecting the rest of the mix.

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This is the best option for you if your mix sounds great but you want to give your mastering engineer greater control to ensure the best possible results.