Accepted mixdown formats

- 1/4" & 1/2" analog 2 track (*see 'analog tape' below)
- Data files (wav, aiff, sdll )
- DAT
- Audio CD
- Analog compact cassette (stereo only)

If you wish to use FTP to submit mix files, please contact us to set up your secure profile

Documentation

Carefully identify everything
(session & mix versions, file sample rates and wordlength...)

ISRCs

If you wish to have codes imbedded in your production master,
you must obtain them prior to the mastering session. For canadian
artists and labels they can be requested on-line at the CRIA website
www.cria.ca/isrc.php


Bring Backups

Always bring a safety copy of your mixes on a separate disk, drive or tape.
For analogue masters it's recommended to bring 24 bit data files of the mixdown as well

Analog Tape:

Please include tape speed & record level in nWb/m
For 15 ips indicate which EQ curve used (along with any special playback adjustments)
Alignment tones: 1K, 100Hz, 10K essential.
50Hz or 60Hz, 15K or 16K strongly encouraged (no dolby please)

Preparing your Mastering Session

The following is a guide to help prepare your mixes for mastering...

Mix levels

Whether printing to analog tape or writing to hard drive,
be aware of the headroom of your signal chain
For digital formats a mix peak level of -4 or -5dbFS at 24 bit is sufficient to insure good low level resolution and the headroom necessary for final dynamic and level adjustment
Always listen carefully to your final mix down prior to the mastering session, to insure there are no glitches or distortion,
and that the dynamics of your mix have not been compromised.
In the case of a software bounce to stereo,
insure that no distortion or artifacts have been introduced as a result of the bounce (watch for plug-in clipping)

 

Mix bus compression

If you mix into a bus compressor do so to achieve balance and glue, and not for level
Allow the mastering engineer the latitude to appropriately compress your mixes ( or not !), using the best sounding gear available
Eq can be modified, but over or inappropriate compression cannot be undone.

Mix bus EQ

Use eq judiciously on your final mix, remaining aware of the limitations of your monitoring.
Avoid excessive high mid and high frequency boosts, particularly in the case of digital eq
(as a general rule, it is more efficient and more musical to open the top end of a mix appropriately at mastering, rather than attempt to control excessive harshness and sibilance while maintaining clarity)

Sample rates, dither and file formats

For mixes on workstations or software data files (.aiff, .wav, .sdll )
use 24 bit files where possible
Avoid sample rate conversion and wordlength reduction (and dither!), as these are best done once at the mastering stage

Editing, sequencing and fades

Album 'pacing''
- sequencing, song transitions and fades are a standard part of the mastering process
However, if pacing and fades have already been decided, or in the context of a live recording or dj mix session, the sequenced album can be brought as a protools session or continuous data file
(if you are not completely certain about your fades bring the unrendered audio files also)

Other suggestions

Alternate mixes
If you are uncertain as to the level of the vocal in your mix, bring alternate versions
Ex, vocal 1 dB up, vocal 1.5 dB down, etc.

Stem Mastering
Where necessary it is possible to master from a stems version of the mix down. This allows for dynamic, level and eq adjustment beyond the scope of a stereo mastering session
(and of course is a longer, more time consuming approach)

References
as  the man said-'talking about music is like dancing about architecture'.
In order to get to know you better, bring along reference CDs
which you feel are good example of the vibe and aesthetic you wish to achieve.

Book ahead
During peak periods throughout the year demand is high and waiting times can be as long as a month.
We recommend that you book in advance, taking into consideration the delivery date for pressing,
factoring in a few days latitude to listen to the final master before it goes off to the plant.




Ryan Morey. ryebread mastering, Montreal, Quebec, Canada