Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for the best outcome?
Avoid Overly Maximized Mixes:
It’s best to avoid mixes with excessive limiting/maximizing/loud making. In other words, highly densified Mixes are decreasing possible improvements of the Mastering process. Let this do your ME.
Compressor and EQ on your Mixers Master Bus:
Using a compressor or other processors that enhances the artistic intention or image are acceptable.
Maintain Headroom:
Maintain headroom to prevent digital clipping.
Mono Compatibility:
Check your mixes for mono compatibility. If crucial elements are lost in mono, they may not translate well on various playback systems.
Original Sample Rate:
Send your mixes with the original sample rate during production, avoid sample rate conversions.
File Naming:
We use filenames (not song titles) for communication and organization, so please provide unique and consistent filenames.
Reference Song:
Optional consider sending reference muisc to convey your musical intentions.
Apple Digital Masters:
Let us know if you require “Apple Digital Masters”, a service we provide at no extra cost.
Delivery
Format: We return your recordings as digital audio masters in 44.1kHz/24-bit WAV files. Inform us in advance, if you need additional formats like Vinyl-Ready, 16-bit files, or 48kHz video resolution.
What about CD masters?
ISRC, CD-Text, and EAN:
If available, attach ISRC, CD-Text, and EAN information for compiling. Remember to use ISO 8859-1 encoding for CD-Text. Basically this means to avoid any fancy letters. Think of doimain names.
DDP-Player:
CD masters are commonly delivered as DDP files. A DDP-player helps you verify CD masters. Free players are available online.
Considerations for Vinyl Pressing:
Playtime Limits:
Be mindful of your record’s playtime limits to avoid issues during the cutting process.
Do I need to care about “mono compatibility”?
Decisions on mono compatibility depend on the specific track and its intended destination.
Potential Issues:
Overly wide stereo-field in low frequencies on vinyl can affect playback. “Phased out content” can collapse in mono, altering the mix negatively. Overly wide Stereo Images can sound hollow and distant.
Phase Issues:
Phase issues can lead to a blurry or unfocused mix, particularly on less-than-perfect playback systems.
Bass Energy Loss:
Many sound systems use mono subwoofers, causing bass energy loss due to phase cancellation.
Conclusion:
It’s a technical issue, that can cause problems, that might need the artists/producers/labels evaluation. We will let you know, if any such problems appear.
What does “Apple Digital Music” mean?
Apple’s Quality Standard:
“Apple Digital Music” denotes Apple’s premium quality standard for releases.
White-Listed Engineers:
Only approved mastering engineers can label their masters as “Apple Digital Music.”
Benefits:
Some argue it offers promotional effects and better store ranking. The label guarantees a minimum sound quality. We can provide you with an Apple Digital Music-ID upon request.
What is “Stem Mastering”, and do I need it?
Stem mastering involves delivering the mix in groups (stems) that are mastered separately and recombined.
Use Cases:
Stem mastering is useful for playback or TV shows where you need a master and an instrumental or playback version. It’s also helpful for addressing mix issues that couldn’t be resolved during production.
“Mix-Mastering” Option:
We offer “mix-mastering” where you provide all separate tracks of the mix for mastering.
Stem Tips:
Stems should sum up to the original mix and the original mix should be delivered as well for reference. Keeping master-buss-processes as artistic choices, such as compression and saturation is welcome when creating stems. Just like in a standard mix situation. Only leave out the Limiter / Maximizer, as the use of Limiting should be preserved as the final step in the Mastering process.
