Mastering Prep Guide
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR MIX FOR MASTERING
When You Need Mastering
You need mastering when your mix is complete and ready to be finalized for release. Mastering ensures your record translates across all playback systems, hits competitive loudness, and maintains clarity, punch, and balance.
How to Prepare Your Files
Provide the following:
Main Mix WAV file
Clean Mix WAV file (only if you need a clean version)
32‑bit / 48 kHz WAV recommended
No limiter on the master bus
Leave 3–6 dB of headroom
Keep your mix bus processing if it’s part of your sound
Avoid
Clipped mixes, limiter‑heavy masters, older mix versions, mixed sample rates.
IF YOUR MIX IS READY
MASTERING — What Happens After You Submit
Once your files are uploaded, I inspect the mix to confirm all required versions are present — main mix and clean mix (if needed). If anything is missing, I reach out before starting.
When everything is ready, I run your record through the analog mastering chain, finalize tone, dynamics, and loudness, and prepare your release‑ready masters.
A private live link through our OctoGvng WireTap plugin is sent so you can listen directly from the mastering chain and give feedback in real time.
Delivery
Main Master WAV
Clean Master WAV (when available)
In‑the‑mix content piece (optional)
Revisions & Scope
Mastering includes one revision to finalize the record.
If the creative direction changes — updated mix, new versions, added production, or any update to the source material — that becomes new scope, and a change‑order invoice will be sent. Once completed, the additional work is fully accommodated.
No work is refundable.