Preparing a Track for Mastering

Proper preparation of your mix is key to achieving a professional-sounding master. Mastering enhances what's already there — it can't fix a bad mix, and it certainly can't replace it. Follow the steps below to get the best results from your mastering session. Before exporting your mix, make sure: all plugins on the master bus are disabled (EQ, limiter, stereo enhancers, etc.), the final level doesn’t exceed 0 dBFS (ideally leave -3 dB headroom).

File Format: WAV, FLAC, or AIFF
Bit Depth: 16-bit, 24-bit, or 32-bit float
Sample Rate: 44.1kHz to 96kHz

Compress the final file into a ZIP or RAR archive and upload it to any convenient file-sharing service, such as DropMeFiles or WeTransfer. *Please note: Mastering contributes no more than 10–15% to the overall sound quality of your track. The core of your final result lies in the recording and mixing stages. **For EPs and full-length albums (3 tracks or more), we offer flexible discounts. Use our online price calculator to estimate your total cost in advance.

Send Your Archive

Audio is all about nuance

A Deep House track usually emphasizes deep lows and groove-driven dynamics. Pop and House styles typically rely on sparkling highs, stereo width, and a solid low-end foundation. Each song is unique, so to better understand your creative intent, please send us 1–2 reference tracks in mp3, WAV, or FLAC format — or simply name the songs that reflect your desired sound. You’re also welcome to describe your sound preferences in words. This helps the mastering engineer tailor the result more precisely.

Let’s walk through the process of exporting your project for mastering. This ensures maximum quality and full compatibility.

Step 1: Set Markers for Export

In your DAW, set the start and end markers to cover the entire song — from the first note to the last tail of reverb or delay. Don’t cut the natural decay of the track.

Step 2: Remove Fade-outs

Delete any global fades or auto-volume dips. These will behave unnaturally during dynamic processing in mastering. If you’re unsure, export a second version with fades as a backup. We’ll reapply them if needed.

Step 3: Disable Master Bus Effects

Turn off all processing on the master bus before exporting (EQ, multiband compression, limiters, wideners, etc.). This allows our mastering engineer to apply tailored processing from scratch. If there’s a particular effect you love and want to keep, mention it in a note file. Make sure your master output does not exceed 0 dB. Leave -3 dB of headroom by lowering the master fader, or export in 32-bit float WAV, which preserves any peaks beyond 0 dB without clipping.

Step 4: Export & Archive

Export the final stereo mix in WAV format, using the same sample rate as your project. Maintaining consistent bit depth and sample rate throughout your workflow helps preserve quality and stereo image. Include in the archive: your final stereo mix (no processing on master), 1–2 reference tracks in the same style, a short text file with BPM, your comments/preferences, and contact info. Then compress everything into a ZIP or RAR, upload it to a file host (WeTransfer, DropMeFiles, etc.), and send us the download link.