How to Export Your Pre-Master

Preparing your mix properly before sending it off for mastering ensures the best possible result.
Follow these simple steps to make sure your audio arrives exactly as intended:

1. File Format

Export your final mix as a WAV or AIFF file — 24-bit or 32-bit float, at your original session sample rate (44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz, etc.).
Avoid converting or upsampling after export.

2. Headroom

Leave 3–6 dB of headroom on your master output.
Your mix should sound full and balanced but never clip (0 dBFS).
Don’t normalize or raise levels after export.

3. Processing

Remove limiters, maximizers, and loudness plug-ins from the master bus.
If you’re using compression or EQ creatively on your master for tone or vibe, feel free to leave that on — just note it when sending the file.

4. Stems (Optional)

If you’re sending stems instead of a stereo mix:

• Bounce each stem from bar 1 so they line up perfectly.

• Name files clearly (e.g., “Kick.wav,” “Vox-Lead.wav,” “Pads.wav”).

• Include all creative effects you want printed (e.g., delays, reverbs).

5. Reference Material

Attach a reference mix (your preferred rough master) and optionally a reference track that represents the sound you’re aiming for.
This helps ensure we understand your sonic direction.

6. Delivery

Send your files via WeTransfer, Dropbox, Google Drive, or another preferred file-sharing service.
If possible, include a short note describing the project, tempo (if relevant), and your preferred delivery format for the final master.