How online mastering works and how to prepare your files
The process is designed to be simple. Prepare the finished mix, choose the number of tracks, upload each file during checkout and pay. I listen to the music, carry out the mastering and return the finished files by email.
The upload portal is built into checkout, so there is no compulsory account or software to install.
Check that the mix is ready
Mastering works from the finished stereo mix. Before exporting, listen through the whole song and check the decisions that still depend on the multitrack session.
If a vocal is consistently too loud, an edit is wrong, a guitar needs different effects or one drum needs to move within the balance, make that change in the mix first. Mastering can influence the complete stereo file, but it cannot independently reach every element inside it.
You do not need to diagnose every concern. Tell Rupert what you hear. If the issue belongs in the mix, he will say so.
Export the native mix
Send WAV or AIFF files. Standard 44.1 kHz, 16-bit files are accepted, along with higher-resolution files from 48 to 96 kHz and 24 to 32 bit.
Export at the native sample rate and bit depth used by the project. Do not upsample a lower-resolution mix in an attempt to improve it. A larger file does not recreate information lost earlier in the recording or production process.
Do not send MP3 files for mastering. They are compressed delivery files rather than suitable professional source files, and they do not meet Apple Digital Master source requirements.
Keep the beginning and end of the track intact. Do not cut off natural fades, room tails or reverb simply to make the file shorter.
Leave final level decisions for mastering
There is no single headroom number that every mix must hit. Avoid clipping and avoid forcing the mix louder simply because it is being sent for mastering.
If a limiter or other mix-bus processing is part of the sound you have chosen, leave it in. Anything on the stereo mix is part of the finished mix. The only time I am likely to raise it is if a mix has been over-limited, and in that case I may send it back and ask for a cleaner version.
Apple Digital Master source requirements
Apple Digital Masters must begin with a genuine 24-bit source at a native sample rate of at least 44.1 kHz. Bit-padding or upsampling a 16-bit source does not make it eligible.
If the recording was made and mixed at a suitable resolution, send the native mix and state that Apple Digital Master delivery is required. Rupert will confirm whether the source qualifies.
1
Choose the number of tracks
Select the quantity that matches the number of songs you want mastered. One track purchased creates one upload field at checkout.
For an album, include the intended sequence in the filenames or order notes. Album projects can run to 74 minutes in total. A single track longer than five minutes should be discussed before payment.
2
Upload during checkout
Upload one finished mix into each field and add your notes. Useful notes include the artist and track name, intended sequence, release deadline, what you like about the mix and anything you want Rupert to listen for.
Upload the files directly during checkout through the site’s own upload system. There is no separate Dropbox or third-party transfer step.
If an upload does not complete, do not submit a second payment for the same order. Contact Rupert when the problem cannot be resolved through the upload field.
3
Complete payment and receive confirmation
Once the files are uploaded, complete payment through checkout. No account is required.
The confirmation shows the order, track quantity and delivery information. Rupert receives the uploaded mixes and the notes attached to the order.
4
The human touch
I listen to each song and make the mastering decisions myself. Your notes help me understand the release, but I also listen for the relationships within the mix, the way the track holds together and whether an apparent problem is actually an intentional choice.
If I need clarification, I will contact you. If I hear something that should be changed in the mix before mastering continues, I will explain why.
5
Receive your masters
The finished WAV masters are returned by email and are ready to download from your account. Eligible recordings can receive an Apple Digital Master version and a CD-quality version.
If an album needs a DDP for replication, confirm that before ordering. A DDP carries the album sequence and disc information needed by a replicator, so it should be prepared against the final approved track order.
Questions about file preparation
Should I remove the limiter from my mix?
No. Processing on the stereo mix is part of the finished mix. Rupert will only question it if the mix has been over-limited, and he may then ask for a cleaner version.
How much headroom should I leave?
There is no fixed number that suits every mix. The important points are to avoid clipping, preserve the intended sound and send the mix at its native resolution.
Can I upload several tracks in one order?
Yes. Choose the number of tracks before checkout. The checkout should provide one upload field for each track purchased.
Ready to upload your mixes
Prepare the native WAV or AIFF files, choose your track quantity and include notes that help Rupert understand the record.