Question 1

How Do I Book A Session?

Accepted Answer

Click on the 'Book Session' tab on the homepage, or alternatively click ​here.
Therein complete the short form, and select the type of service you would like to book.
 
You can also select General Questions on the short form for us to answer any queries you may have.

Question 2

How Should I Prepare Files For Mixing?

Accepted Answer

When utilising our Mixing services, it is important that the files/tracks you send to us are done so in a way that preserves the position of each track/clip within in the song. Therefore you should export your files in a way that keeps all the files in place. 
Different DAWS may offer different ways of exporting files. If you aren't sure how to do this, tell us which DAW you're using and we'll either guide you on how to export files properly, or send you a Youtube video explaining how.
Remove any FX from the Master Bus.
Remove any FX from each track, unless you consider them essential.
Set the pan to centre for each track.
Set the volume fader for each track to 0db.
Give each track file a relevant name to help us identify the elements within your track quicker and improve our workflow.
We also accept AAF session files, if you are able to save/export your session in this format, you will not need to send the files as individual exports.

Question 3

How Should I Prepare My Mixdown For Mastering?

Accepted Answer

Mastering relates to the final stages of signal processing to an audio track; the ultimate purpose being to produce a master version that can be copied for commercial production.
 
If you aren’t happy with your mixdown, you won’t be happy with the master.
 
We cannot fix a poor recording or mix at the mastering phase. For example, fixing the sibilance (de-essing) on a vocal take must be done at the mixing stage, or an out of tune instrument must be re-recorded.
Try to set the main level to peak somewhere between -12db to -6db, which will allow headroom for us to work. 
 
Remove any Master Bus effects you may have applied. This includes anything such as limiters, compressors and EQ’s.
For Mixes that start or end with fades, send us a version with and without the fades, as the dynamic processing we apply can negatively effect the fades.
If you aren't sure we do offer mix appraisals, free of charge, to give you our opinion on what we think your mix needs to get it to the mastering stage. Alternatively, consider booking a mixing session with us.

Question 4

Where Do I Upload Files?

Accepted Answer

After you’ve booked a session with us, we’ll send you a link where you’ll have a personal folder on our Google Drive account.
Anyone with that link can access and edit the files in that folder, so keep it safe.
If you feel that your security has been compromised, don’t worry. Just let us know and we’ll transfer your files to a new folder and provide you with a new link.

Question 5

How/When Should I Pay?

Accepted Answer

Before sending us payment for any service, you need to book a session with us.
After you’ve booked, received an upload link and sent us your files, we’ll review your files to make sure everything is fine and in the correct format/s.
Once this is done, we’ll instruct you to pay for the session.
All sessions are paid in advance, and no work will be carried out before we’ve received payment confirmation.

Question 6

What File Types Should I Send For Mixing/Mastering?

Accepted Answer

We ask that you send your files in a lossless format (WAV, AIFF, FLAC) at the sample rate of the original recordings (not lower than 44.1kHz).
Please note MP3 files seriously compromise on quality, therefore this particular file type will not be accepted.

Question 7

What If I'm Unhappy With The Result?

Accepted Answer

If you're unhappy with the result or feel it isn't sounding quite right, revisions are included with all our services.
 
We want your music to be as important to us as it is to you, and sounding its best.
 
There's no limit set on the number of revisions, within reason.

Question 8

Do You Offer A Mix Appraisal?

Accepted Answer

We offer a free mix appraisal service. Contact us by email masteringaudiomix@gmail.com and we'll send you a link for you to upload you file/s.
 
We'll offer our opinion and advice free of charge, with no obligation to use us for the mastering/mixing.

Question 9

Do You Provide A DDP Image & How Much Does It Cost?

Accepted Answer

We can provide a DDP image on request. We can also add metadata to each track or album, including artwork, EAN and/or any ISRC codes that you provide us with.
This service is included in the mastering price.

Question 10

When Will I Receive My Completed File/s?

Accepted Answer

Times can vary depending on workload.
Usually Mastering takes 1-2 days per track.
Mixing depends greatly on the number of tracks, complexity of the song and the dynamic range of the song overall. Normally for Mixing we quote 3-4 days per track, but again this could be longer (or shorter) depending on the song.
Other services are usually completed and sent out within 24 hours.
For any promotional or free services we offer from time to time, these will generally be a lower priroity to paying customers, and will usually take longer complete.

Question 11

What If I Don't Have A Google/Google Drive Account?

Accepted Answer

It isn’t necessary for you to have a Google account for you to access the link we send to you.
As long as you have the link, you can access your personal folder on our Drive.
If you lose the link, email us and we’ll send you another.

Question 12

I Emailed You And Haven’t Heard Back?

Accepted Answer

If you haven’t heard from us within 48 hours, email us again, or check your ‘Spam’ or ‘Trash’ folders in your emails, to make sure our reply didn’t go there.
We aim to respond to our emails within 24 hours. It can be longer depending on workloads, but this is rare.

FAQ's