Suitable Audio Files For Your Upload
Files For Mixing
Suitable Audio Files For Your Mixing SessionFile Format
- .WAV / .AIFF audio files (.WAV recommended)
- Bit depth: up to 32 bit (24 bit – 32 bit recommended)
- Sample rate: up to 96 kHz (44.1 kHz – 96 kHz recommended)
File Size & Length
- Maximum single file size: 256 MB
- Maximum total upload size: unlimited
- Maximum file length: unlimited
File Quantity
- Maximum file upload quantity: depending on the mixing package you choose (allowed audio tracks)
- Note: rough mixes & reference tracks do not count in that regard; you can always upload them “on top.”
File Naming
- Make sure to name each file meaningful
- Please include the type of audio content in the file name
- Make sure each file is distinguishable by name & song (in case you upload files for multiple different songs)
- Feel free to add desired mixing hints in the filename, e.g., panning hints “left, center, right (LCR)”
File Bouncing
- Before bouncing your track(s), set all faders to zero
- Bypass any processing & effects (only keep processing & effects that are an integral part of the sound)
- Turn off any limiting before bouncing your track(s)
- All files should be of the same duration & length
- All files should start from 00:00:00 in your DAW (even if it is a blank space)
Files For Mastering
Suitable Audio Files For Your Mastering SessionFile Format
- .WAV / .AIFF audio files (.WAV recommended)
- Bit depth: up to 32-bit (24-bit – 32 bit recommended)
- Sample rate: up to 96 kHz (44.1 kHz – 96 kHz recommended)
File Size & Length
- Maximum single file size: 256 MB
- Maximum total upload size: unlimited
- Maximum file length: unlimited
File Quantity
- Maximum file upload quantity: depending on how many songs you ordered mastering for
- Note: reference tracks do not count in that regard; you can always upload them “on top.”
File Naming
- Make sure to name each track meaningful
- Make sure each track is distinguishable by name & album (EP / LP) (in case you upload multipe files for mastering)
- Feel free to add the format of your file like “44.1 kHz 24 bit”
Common Mistakes
Please Avoid Uploading Bad / Corrupt Audio FilesYou Upload .mp3 Files
If .mp3 is your highest-quality mix, we can work with mp3 files. We prefer to work with high quality. WAV files as mp3 files are not optimal for professional audio processing!
Nonetheless, we can still achieve great results by working with MP3 files. Please remember that MP3 files are highly compressed 16-bit audio files lacking crucial frequency content, especially in the high-end area.
If you convert a mp3 file into a WAV file, you do not get a higher sound quality; you just change the formats!
Your Audio File Is Too Loud
Your Audio File Contains Severe Issues
- Make sure to avoid digital clipping/distortion of your tracks
- Make sure to avoid excessive amounts of “clicks & pops” in your tracks
- Make sure all your audio files can be opened & aren’t corrupt
- Try to avoid unwanted background noise / excessive microphone “bleeding” in your recordings
Misconception About Recording vs. Mixing vs. Mastering
- Mixing & mastering does not replace proper recording!
- Recordings cannot be mastered without being mixed first!
- Mastering does not replace proper mixing!
As a musician, you’ve put a lot of work and effort into writing and recording great songs. Mixing is a crucial part of making a hit song. If you order mastering only, make sure your recordings are mixed perfectly without any compromise before the mastering phase!
Mastering cannot replace audio mixing at all, and it cannot “save” a badly mixed song! Mastering balances out a printed stereo file of an already perfectly mixed song; it doesn’t “create” the mix.
A perfectly mastered yet “bad” or mediocre music mix will still sound very unpleasing. Most of our clients rely on our full mixing and mastering services to get the perfect tone for their audio material!
