GUIDELINES FOR MASTERING SERVICES

1st Call Mastering

"Here, just follow this path, it will lead you where you need to go."

FIRST AND FOREMOST, COPYRIGHT YOUR WORK!
It seems like common sense, but with all of the various demands of your project, it can be easily overlooked. This is an easy and inexpensive process. Forms can be obtained along with full details from the Library of Congress at, www.loc.gov
We handle your project with strict confidence, but unfortunately, mishaps can happen during sending or receiving of your project, in which we have no control or power over. Don't give anybody an easy, unnecessary opportunity! Think it can't happen? Think again! This business is littered with unscrupulous individuals who would gladly seize the moment to make a fortune on stolen goods...YOUR efforts!
Just some sound friendly advice, one musician to another.

This brings us to the following point. Make sure you have duplicate copies of your final mix. Don't send us your only copy!

Ok, now that we have that out of the way, here's some specifics.

1) Contact us via e-mail or telephone. We will discuss with you the needs of your project. If you e-mail, PLEASE write "mastering" on the header, so we don't accidentally mistake your message for spam!

2) THIS IS IMPORTANT, PLEASE TAKE NOTICE. Formats we accept are:

a) CD, CD-R, or any rewritable CD media. Sample rates: 44.1k, 48k, 88.2k, or 96k. Bit rates: 16 or 24 bit.

b) DVD, DVD-R or any rewritable DVD media. Sample rates and bit rates: same as above.

c) DAT tapes (any length). Sample rates: 44.1k, or 48k. Bit rates: 16 bit

These are the easiest formats to work with and transport, as well as being the most widely used in recording today.

Formats we DO NOT accept are: MP3's (or any other compressed format), and internet transfers. *

*As a side note, we DO plan on accepting internet files in the future, so please be patient. We will post an update when that becomes available.

3) Do NOT use a final mix buss compressor to bring up the level of your mix. That interferes with the mastering. Compression upon compression WILL destroy your sound.
Let US worry about the volume.
Individual compression on individual instruments or tracks is absolutely fine. Just DON'T compress the overall mix.

4) Leave room for mastering to do its job properly. Ideally, your PEAK mix levels should not hit hotter than -6 to -4 on your digital meters. This leaves breathing room in the dynamic range for us to work. We'll take care of the volume you want. If you want the final result to hit 0 at all times, we can do that, but give us the room to do so.

5) This seems obvious, but here it is anyway. Make sure, your final mix is EXACTLY the way you want it. Make sure to have proper balance of instruments, panning, effects, etc. Remember, mastering can make small adjustments to the mix using frequency dependant compression, BUT, IT CANNOT make full blown drastic changes the way a mixer can during final mixdown. So, if something in your mix is utterly inaudible, or conversely, if something sticks out and is overbearing, then your best bet would be to remix.
Remember, the better the mix, the better the master. (see the "what is mastering" link for a thorough explanation.)

6) Details such as track order, fade ins, fade outs, crossfades, as well as other singular items, can be discussed and settled on an individual project by project basis.

7) See the "Pricing and Payment" link for fees, agreements, and payment policy.