This page is written to help you prepare for online mastering and is a mastering FAQ.
TOP TIP : Apply for your ISRC codes now. (If you are unsure what they
are please read below)
How do I get the files to
you?
Use www.wetransfer.com this is very easy and it automatically zips the files up (the
most robust way to send audio for online mastering) simply insert safeandsound123*googlemail.com (replace * with @) in the
"Enter friends email address" box and add audio files from your hard drive.
Please
do not send MP3, m4a, ogg vorbis or wma files they are data compressed and already degraded, preferably send 24 bit .wav or
.aiff files, further details below.
Alternatively you can use www.yousendit.com if there is any
issue with wetransfer.
(these services can slow up from time to time)
Can you tell me about your free preview?
Sure, for a
free master preview you must send your final mixdown in full length, please supply some details in an accompanying email, such as songs you like the sound of, any
specific concerns, importance of "loudness" or feel free to ask me to "do my thing". And by all means
phone and have a brief chat regarding your goals, it is always pleasant to speak to clients in person, just because the service
is online does not mean it needs to be impersonal, Barry (0)7810271371.
Some mastering studios offer a lower rate "in the box" mastering service, do you ?
I do not offer any second class services, mastering by definition does not lend it self well as a "tiered service"
this is in opposition of the definition of what mastering is. It is a service without compromise to get the most from
a clients music using all and any tool available, analogue or digital. At SafeandSound Mastering you get 1 uncompromising
service at rates competitive to others "second class" sales gimmicks.
What is the difference between mastering, mixing and stem mastering?
Mastering typically works with
the stereo 2 track audio files (the stereo interleaved mixdown file), in mastering all processing is undertaken on the stereo
audio file, sonic sweetening, improving translation of music to all reproduction systems, adding warmth etc.
Mixing is balancing multi-track audio files using
faders, (i.e. kick, snare, toms, cymbals, bass, keys, lead vox, brass, strings, backing vox) in mixing there is discrete control
over all the elements of a multi-track recording which is usually automated to a high degree.It is a time consuming procedure.
Each sound source runs through a mixer channel where discrete processing and automated levelling can be applied.It is different
to stem mastering.
Stem
mastering is a hybrid between mixing and mastering.Stem mastering uses groups of "like" instruments such as drums,
synths, guitars, bass, vocals, brass section etc. It occasionally
uses automation, but not always. It allows the mastering engineer more flexibility and control to improve the end result if
there are any doubts or insecurities about the mix down.(Good
stems should recombine to produce the mix as it sounds in an exported stereo file). Stems are useful if there are continued
issues of mix balance or uncertainly about any given mix element.
(Stem mastering of up to 8 stems is £40.00 per track, free preview does not usually apply to
stems due to the work involved in setting up the project, possibly in the case of a bulk delivery of tracks for stem mastering.
When supplying stems please ensure that all bounces/exported groups are bounced from exactly
the same point in your DAW timeline so they re-sync here)
What
audio formats are best for online mastering?
The best format is a 24 bit .aiff or .wav file
at the sample rate of your project. Do not send MP3, m4a, Ogg Vorbis or WMA files for mastering.They are lossy, compressed
audio formats, with degraded sonic integrity. 16 bit files are also ok to master from if this is all that is available. (24
bit files do not require dithering to be applied)
Shall
I leave my my master bus limiter on?
No, please remove it. Limiters tend to crush transients,
reduce space and hinder the mastering engineer from from equalizing and applying dynamic processes properly. One aspect of
mastering is the correct and specific application of a choice of limiters that will suit your mix down.When you remove your
limiter double check you are not clipping the master bus after removal.If you see "overs" or peaks up to 0dBFS/clip
point/digital zero after removal, as a compromise, pull down your master fader by the amount required to stop clipping and
for the future please read this article I have written about mixing gain structure. (i.e. levels)
http://searchwarp.com/swa718584-Gain-Structure.htm
How much headroom shall I leave on my master bus?
The most important factor is that the master output is not
clipping. This is exceeding digital zero/clip point/0dBFS. An ideal situation would be if your mix was peaking to -6dBFS
. Do not worry if it is peaking higher, it is not a problem. (just ensure it is not clipping) Most DAW's will give information
about a file so you can check the samples maximum peak value.You may use the compromise of pulling back the master fader by
the amount needed to stop clipping. In future if you start your mixing with the kick drum peaking at -18dBFS at 24 bit you
should have ample headroom on your mixdown.
What is clipping
and how can I tell if my audio is clipped?
Clipping occurs when your audio mix goes above 0dBFS
on the output of your digital audio workstation meters. This can be seen on the meter itself in your mix down session.Positive
numbers indicate clipping, as does the meter hitting the end of the meter display.In a final stereo mix audio file itself
zoom deeply into a peak like a snare drum, if the top of the waveform is squared off or "flat topped" this indicates
clipping has occurred. Rather than adjusting the balance of the mix on the faders simply pull down the master output fader
by the amount required to stop the clipping happening. To be sure pull it down a few more dB than needed and bounce/export
at 24 bit resolution.
How do I make a payment?
Paypal is preferred, bank transfer for trusted clients and on occasion by Western Union for countries not allowing
Paypal operation. Credit card payment is not currently possible. Please see side bar "Pricing and payments" for
preset Paypal buttons. Paid work is prioritized, free preview is queued thereafter.
Are mastering revisions free?Within reason revisions are free of charge, excessive
revisions / reversion to original masters, continual resubmission of mixes can become chargeable, work costs money as in
every profession.Once a file has been approved subsequent mix re-submissions will attract a fee as the project will require
further man hours. Re-submission of individual stems is chargeable.
Can you make my track very loud?
At SafeandSound mastering
we can increase the level of your track and seek to minimize side effects. How loud your track can go without the inevitable
side effects of distortion, loss of depth, loss of punch (impact of drums) and loss of space depends greatly on the integrity
and balance of the mix. It will vary between tracks. Also bear in mind that the "louder" your track is the less
likely it will sound good when broadcast on FM radio or when converted to a lossy format such as MP3. This can be discussed
in further detail when you proceed, if required.
Shall
I leave my stereo bus compressor on the mix?
If you have a nice analogue compressor
please send 2 versions of your mix, one with and one without. If you feel the compressor you have is an integral part of the
mix "sound" that is no problem, if it's for increasing mix level only please remove it and send the single resultant
stereo file.
Do you offer mix advice or mix appraisals
?
If
you have ordered mastering, (i.e. paid) basic mix appraisal is inclusive if you require it. Unless there is something very
wrong that needs to be addressed in the mix stage (i.e. 10dB too much bass on your kick drum) I will not critique a mix unless
requested to do so. This may differ for regular, reliably paying clients and mix advice can be offered when we have established
a working relationship.
What
are ISRC codes?
ISRC codes are unique 12 digit track identification numbers which allow
automated royalty reporting.(They are only of concern if you require a Red Book Master CD as there is no official provision
for this code in wav/.aiff files) In the UK you can get them from PPL http://www.ppluk.com/. If you wish to proceed with mastering
please enquire about a more cost effective method of obtaining these codes.In any event they can take 2-3 weeks to obtain,
so this will delay CD-R pre-master creation. Apply now, rather than wait.
Do I need to send any other information?
Ideally you would supply, audio
files as above, ISRC codes, running order, exact track name, exact title name for disk, exact artist name for disk, mailing
address. If you have specific track gap requirement please inform me (or send a 128kbps mp3 montage of your track sequencing).
Information such as "remove track count ins" or "leave track "count ins" is useful, anything specific
should be communicated at the start of the project. Mastering is a technical work that concentrates on best translation of
your audio across many sound system types. Taste does have a role to play so any sonic pointers are absolutely welcomed.
Are P.A./instrumental versions chargeable?
This is on a case by case basis, normally they are free but a nominal fee may be charged for borderline "same"
tracks. It is discretionary. In any event they must be delivered in one and the same delivery to be classified as a free version.There
are no exceptions to this rule as recalling settings later is time consuming and not possible within the scale of fees.
How long does mastering take?
Average turnaround
3-6 days, but this depends on integrity of files sent, busyness of studio if it's a single, E.P. or album, speed of client
response to communications/ approving track previews and whether it is a stem mastering project. So it can vary. During in
busy periods longer times are to be expected and shorter turn around during less busy times.
Note : One of the most common and unnecessary delays is the existence of clicks in audio files,
in digital audio files they are rife, either from export/bounce problems or simply bad edits. If you require fast turnaround
please alleviate this type of delay by listening to your file in full on headphones before sending it.
Do you offer mixing services ?
Whilst
I predominantly operate a mastering studio I have had significant mixing experience and am fully equipped for mixing, please
contact me about your project.
Do not hesitate to contact me for any other
questions you may have....
Barry +44(0) 7810 271371
Mastering FAQ Page
