Frequently Asked Questions

(The important stuff)

  • What services do you offer, what do they entail, and what are your rates?

    • See our services and descriptions here.

  • What happens if I lose/misplace/delete the final mix or master files?

    • Please be sure to make copies of all important files, but not to worry we keep backups in multiple locations and can always resend your files.

  • Can I attend a mix or mastering session?

    • Yes you can! Attended sessions are available here, and allow an artist or band to watch the process unfold. Attended mix/master sessions are billed hourly.
    • We recommed booking a session block to get more direct one on one training for your specific project.

  • How should I prepare files for mastering?

    • Files for mastering should be rendered as 24 or 32 bit, .WAV or .AIF files, in their native sample rates. With floating point audio today, any level rendered is fine provided there is some headroom and peaks do NOT clip the master bus.
    • Speaking of the master bus… Remove any limiting! This allows us to make your music sound the best it possibly can, leaving us full range to apply equalization and dynamic processing to the maximum effect. After removing limiting listen back and be sure there is no clipping past 0dBFS. If needed it is perfectly fine to pull your master fader down.
    • Compression on the master bus? If you have a nice analog compressor or a favorite plug in being used for tone/color please send 2 versions of your mix, one with processing and one without. If it is in place for increasing volume, please remove it and send the resulting file.

  • How should I prepare files for stem mastering?

    • Similar to normal mastering each stereo group should be submitted as a 24 or 32 bit, .WAV or .AIF file, in its native sample rate.
    • Remove all limiting on the master or individual busses.
    • Being neat and labeling your groups properly is essential and allows us to work faster and more efficiently.
    • Simply bounce each group ensuring there is no clipping, label each track well (Drums, Bass, Vox, Synths, Guitars, etc.) and compile into a .zip file including a master print of the song for reference.
    • Be sure to bounce all return/send tracks and label them as well.
    • Please listen to your actual bounced tracks on a reliable system before sending them to us, this is standard practice for professionals and good practice for all. Clicks, glitches, clipping, tail cut offs, cut off track starts, timing errors, CPU overloads and bad vocal pops happen often and checking everything will reduce delays if you correct them before sending your tracks in.

  • How do I bounce groups in Ableton?

    • Collapse each group to its minimal view and hold control while selecting each one, choose file, export, selected tracks for your time selection. Ableton does not allow you to bounce return tracks with normal groups, so be sure to go back and select just the return tracks and bounce selected with just those. Label accordingly if needed, ZIP and send.

  • Do you offer free mastering samples?

    • We do! Paying clients are our priority however, so if you would like a mix critique and priority from our engineers please start here. To request a free mastering sample visit our contact page and choose the 'free sample' category. We will offer a private streaming preview to you with the oppurtunity to purchase the track in its entirety.

  • What’s your turnaround time?

    • We will always deliver in under 4 business days, however it is often much, much quicker.

  • How do I get free mix advice?

    • Just ask!

  • Whats a reference track and should I submit one?

    • A reference track is used for comparison purposes, typically a mastered commercial track you think is similar in sound, tone, and desired loudness to your own. It should be included in the form when starting the process.
    • A reference track can be useful as a guide to perceived volumes and overall tone for the mastering job. A stream link is acceptable.
    • Be sure send a realistic mastering reference. If the reference is wildly different from your mix tone then it is likely you need to improve your mix first...(good thing we offer a free critique!) A reference can be very helpful in attaining your sonic target.

  • How do I get my files to you?

    • We highly recommend Wetransfer
    • Please be advised, we will not accept .MP3, .M4A, .OGG, or .WMA. These file types have been compressed. Send 24/32 bit .WAV or .AIFF files in your projects native sample rate.

  • What will I receive after completion?

    • Our standard delivery is dithered 24bit 44.1kHz .WAV files. Alternative formats or .MP3 versions are available and should be requested in the initial order form.

  • How do I make a payment?

    • We accept Major Credit Cards, PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, and ACH Transfer all available through your individual invoice link after job completion.

  • My question is not answered here!

    • Drop us a line right here and w'll get back to you ASAP.