• To receive an accurate estimate for your mastering project, please fill out the project form submission here.

  • Provide the highest possible quality WAV/AIFF (PCM) files. E.g if the track was recorded at 48kHz then please export at that level.

    I can not accept MP3 files, as this compressed format is not suitable for mastering. (Please do let me know if this is the only copy of the track you have).

    Preferably 32Bit Float, or dithered 24Bit files. (Please get in touch if you need any assistance with preparing your mix files).

    Make sure that your mix isn't clipping/going over 0dBFS.

    Leave 1 to 2 seconds of silence before the first waveform (start point) of the track. Also 1 to 2 seconds of silence after the final audio as well. Make sure to check reverb tails/sustained notes are not cut off.

    That all tracks are correctly labeled with a song title. (If album or EP please number in order. 01, 02 etc as well.

    If you have any ISRC’s for your tracks, please do provide them. What is an ISRC Code? Click here.

    If you need any help getting your mix ready please do get in touch!

  • WeTransfer, DropBox, Google Drive etc is perfectly fine. Your master files will be returned on a Dropbox link, which will stay active for one month.

  • There is no 'perfect level' to have your mixes at before sending to mastering. However mix buss compression that is purely on your mix for loudness or referencing while mixing, may not present the best starting point to master your record. Processing thats there for a sonic reason, shape/colour etc is completely ok. I don't want anyone to 'undo' their record!

    If you are unsure whats best, please send me both versions of your mix, with and with out any final loudness processing (final mix buss compression, saturation, limiting). Happy to offer any advice when sending your final mixes as well.

  • Should there be a request for a change to the master there is no charge. As I always want to make sure the master is perfect for the client.

    However if new mixes are submitted by the client after the project has started, then additional costs maybe added.

  • I keep everything backed up and in multiple locations, and I suggest that all my clients do the same! The master folder delivered to you will stay active for 1 month after hand back, and I will do all I can to get another copy of any lost masters across to you as soon as I can, if possible.

    However - Chris Pavey Mastering can not be responsible for, and can not guarantee storage of client files after a project is completed and signed off. Access to projects may be available on request, however this is not guaranteed, and may not be available at short notice.

  • Yes I do. Vinyl masters need to fulfil certain requirements for the optimum vinyl cut. So a separate master for vinyl may be needed.

    If you would like to discuss this further with me regarding your project please get in touch. I am also more than happy to speak directly with the cutting house/engineer you are using. Or if you need a cutting engineer recommendation I can happily connect you with various cutting houses.

  • DDP or Disc Description Protocol, is the format designed for safe delivery of a CD and all relevant information for duplication and production. You can not play the DDP with out a dedicated player. However I can send you a standalone player, which will show all the CD track information, ISRC codes, UPC number and any pause time between tracks.

  • ISRC is the unique code that identifies your tracks. They are most commonly embed into the DDP file. They are also available to be added when uploading to an online distributor for streaming/online purchasing/distribution. You will need to apply for ISRC codes from your country’s music governing body/organisation. PPL for example here in the UK.

  • Chris Pavey Mastering is certified by Apple to provide ADM ready masters.com/apple-music/apple-digital-masters/

    ADM is a set of specifications that Apple and iTunes engineers created to make sure that masters sound their best after encoding for the iTunes format. All CPM masters can be ADM ready, and there is no additional charge for them.

    This means that your music will receive the ADM/Mastered For iTunes Badge on your release when submitted to iTunes/Apple Music. I will provide the information that needs to be submitted through your label or aggregator with your master files upon request.

  • No problem please get in touch!

  • Yes you can, subject to how busy I am at the current time. If you would like to hear what I can do with your music please click here.