vile_ator
07-30-2005, 12:22 AM
This is the sheet I send to clients when they are mixing their albums.
MASTERING YOUR ALBUM
A mastering engineer can do his best work when the mix is delivered with certain things in mind. Here is what I usually ask for.
-- A CDR or DVD with the stereo mix files; PC compatible in my case. A DAT or a standard CD can also be delivered but these are 16 bit formats and are second choices. They are equally usable though. Analog tape is also an option but not discussed here. It is far less popular these days.
-- The preferred file formats are WAV or AIFF. SD and other file formats are also often compatible but this should be discussed with the engineer. Sample rates accepted are 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96K. 96K is preferred. Bit depths of 16, 24, or 32 are compatible and 24 bits is preferred.
-- The mastering engineer asks that the mix be delivered with no mix buss compression, equalization or limiting applied. The mix engineer can mix with these if he wants to but the versions that go to the mastering facility should not have these processes applied to the mix in any way. There are exceptions but its not often and these should be discussed with the mastering engineer beforehand.
-- The master files should peak at 3 db below zero on average and never above zero as to cause digital overs or clipping.
-- Include an info sheet with the song names, track spacing, samples, song order info, and notes about the audio itself. It’s usually best to have a phone conversation with the engineer if you have known, and specific requests about the finished audio.
Also it’s worth mentioning that the quality of your finished master all depends on the mix you deliver. A balanced mix can yield and dynamic but loud master that will compete in the real world. Care taken with regards to fidelity during mixing pay off in the mastering stage.
At Imperial Mastering I can make arrangements for you to upload one song to my FTP server and I will master it for you for free. It’s a test master that you can get performed on your mix as you are starting the mixing process. This gives you an idea of the quality of my work, but also allows the mix engineer to hear where the mix will ultimately go and lets them make proper adjustments before its too late. If your CD has already been mixed, I will still offer this to serious clients.
If you have any other questions, call me or drop me an e-mail through the website. Too much information is better than too little!
Colin Davis
www.imperialmastering.com
MASTERING YOUR ALBUM
A mastering engineer can do his best work when the mix is delivered with certain things in mind. Here is what I usually ask for.
-- A CDR or DVD with the stereo mix files; PC compatible in my case. A DAT or a standard CD can also be delivered but these are 16 bit formats and are second choices. They are equally usable though. Analog tape is also an option but not discussed here. It is far less popular these days.
-- The preferred file formats are WAV or AIFF. SD and other file formats are also often compatible but this should be discussed with the engineer. Sample rates accepted are 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96K. 96K is preferred. Bit depths of 16, 24, or 32 are compatible and 24 bits is preferred.
-- The mastering engineer asks that the mix be delivered with no mix buss compression, equalization or limiting applied. The mix engineer can mix with these if he wants to but the versions that go to the mastering facility should not have these processes applied to the mix in any way. There are exceptions but its not often and these should be discussed with the mastering engineer beforehand.
-- The master files should peak at 3 db below zero on average and never above zero as to cause digital overs or clipping.
-- Include an info sheet with the song names, track spacing, samples, song order info, and notes about the audio itself. It’s usually best to have a phone conversation with the engineer if you have known, and specific requests about the finished audio.
Also it’s worth mentioning that the quality of your finished master all depends on the mix you deliver. A balanced mix can yield and dynamic but loud master that will compete in the real world. Care taken with regards to fidelity during mixing pay off in the mastering stage.
At Imperial Mastering I can make arrangements for you to upload one song to my FTP server and I will master it for you for free. It’s a test master that you can get performed on your mix as you are starting the mixing process. This gives you an idea of the quality of my work, but also allows the mix engineer to hear where the mix will ultimately go and lets them make proper adjustments before its too late. If your CD has already been mixed, I will still offer this to serious clients.
If you have any other questions, call me or drop me an e-mail through the website. Too much information is better than too little!
Colin Davis
www.imperialmastering.com