What is mastering?

Mastering, is the process of preparing the final mix for various methods of distribution such as pressing, duplication or replication.

Mastering involves critical listening in an acoustically balanced room specifically designed for music playback. If needed mastering engineers apply equalization and dynamic range compression in order to optimize sound translation on all playback systems. Different file formats are created for their specific platform.

What is stem mastering?

Stem mastering is the processing of groups of instruments as apposed to just a stereo file(stereo mastering). Stems are usually stereo pairs of the instrumental and the vocals. Stems can also be grouped as drums, bass elements, lead vocals, backup vocals, etc. This allows for the possibility to allow for more control over the final master.

What file format should the mix be delivered as?

The final mix should be delivered as a WAV format with the highest bit depth, and sample rate possible especially if mixing on an analog console.

If the mix is done within a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) like Pro Tools or Logic Pro, also referred to as "In the box", it is preferred to deliver the same bit depth, and sample rate as the session was recorded at.

What audio format do you export the master in?

Midilord Mastering has provided you with a wide variety of file formats to deliver your music to the label/distributor or aggregator, each of which may require a different file format.

Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal and Other Online Stores & Streaming Services

File Format: 16-bit/44.1k WAV files

Apple Digital Master

Apple Lossless Audio CODEC (ALAC.)

Bandcamp & SoundCloud

File Format: 24-bit WAV files (sample rates above 44.1k)

Compact Disc

File Format: DDP Image or Audio CD-R Master.A DDP image (aka DDP file or file set) is the best, quickest, and easiest way to transmit a CD master to the CD manufacturer.

Vinyl

File Format: 24-bit WAV Files (sample rates higher than 44.1k if available)

Cassette

File Format: 16-bit WAV Files (sample rates higher than 44.1k in some cases)

Download Cards

File Format: mp3 (or whatever you want users to download)

YouTube

File Format: 24-bit/48k WAV files or 24-bit/44.1k

Instagram/Facebook

File Format: 16-bit/44.1k WAV files

Music Licensing(Sync)

File Format: 24-bit/48k WAV files (with 320kbps reference mp3)

What is Apple Digital Master, and what does it mean to be an Apple Digital Master Provider?

Apple has designed a protocol that delivers the highest standards for audio quality, referred to as an Apple Digital Master.

Being a "Apple Digital Master Provider"means Midilord Mastering is on Apple Music's list of qualified providers that follows the workflow and protocols set by Apple Music that facilitates the delivery of said highest standards for audio quality.


What your turnaround time?

Turnaround time can happen within 24 hours, this depends on how busy we are. Please call or email for turnaround times for albums