What should I prepare when submitting mixes for mastering?

To ensure optimal results:

• Use original source WAV or AIFF files (stereo-interleaved).

• Avoid MP3, FLAC, WMA, iTunes imports, or any lossy conversions.

• Print mixes with no limiting, compression, or other bus processing—keep them "flat" for mastering flexibility.

• Set peak levels well below 0 dBFS: aim for -6 dBFS max to prevent clipping during processing.

• Export at native sample rate (44.1–96 kHz) and bit depth (16–32 bits) of the mix; no sample rate/bit depth conversion or dither.

• Prioritize dynamic range: more is better—avoid over-compression in mixing.

• Label files clearly: Artist Name – Song Title (e.g., "Artist – Song01.wav").

• Include notes: Album title, song sequence, vinyl Side A/B & RPM (e.g., 33⅓ or 45), ISRC codes if available.

What should I do upon receiving master files?

Review thoroughly before approving—your sign-off releases us from production liabilities. Handle per industry standards:

• Do not import to iTunes or burn CD-Rs—these compromise formatting (e.g., metadata, gaps).

• Verify files unzip correctly and match your specs (use checksums for DDPi).

• Upload ZIP files directly via FTP to your pressing plant or engineer—most accept digital only.

• For vinyl: Expect high-res WAVs (A/B sides) + PQ sheets (timings/spacing).

• For CD: Expect DDPi fileset (with PQ, ISRC, UPC, metadata) + cue sheet (Red Book gaps/timings)—superior to physical CD-Rs, as it prevents defects.

• If physical CD-R needed: Request we burn it properly.

• Follow your plant's delivery instructions; contact us for format tweaks.

What are the differences between master formats?

We tailor masters to your distribution needs:

• Vinyl Master: High-res WAVs (A/B sides) + PQ sheets (timings/spacing).

• CD Master: DDPi image for replication; embeds PQ subcodes, ISRC/UPC, CD-Text—exact digital equivalent of a production CD.

• Digital Master: Individual WAVs for downloads (e.g., Bandcamp); high-res, unmastered loudness for flexible encoding.

• Streaming Master: Individual WAVs normalized to platform LUFS targets (e.g., -14 LUFS for Spotify); preserves dynamics while meeting loudness standards.

• MP3 Master: 320 kbps files with embedded metadata; ready for direct playback/distribution on devices.

How should I credit you for mastering?

• You can list credits for Enormous Door as “Mastered by Jack Control at Enormous Door Mastering”

• For the Maor Appelbaum process, please list credits as “Mastered by Jack Control and Maor Appelbaum”

• Please include these credits on all formats released, and we request that you include them in any promotional materials (social media posts, YouTube video descriptions, etc...)