Questions Asked Frequently

What format should mixes be in?

.bwf, .wav, or .aif files in the highest resolution that was used in recording.

Stereo files are preferred (vs. split mono)

Files may be uploaded to our secure file sharing service, or delivered  on disk or hard drive.

1/4″ tapes are also welcome  If you chose this medium please include digital reference copies of the mixes.

Should I sequence the songs and add fade-outs?

Yes, if you have specific ideas for the flow of the album, a mock-up sequence can be useful. Otherwise, I will make choices and ask for your input at that stage of the project.

Leave plenty of room at the tops and tails of the track to avoid losing intros and fades.

What if I have mixes from various formats and sample rates and bit depths?

No problem!

Mix levels - how loud?

Please do not print your mix with peak limiting or compression plugins on the stereo bus.

Peaks should range anywhere from -12 dBFS to -3 dBFS, not at 0 dBFS (or above).

When I put my CD reference disk in my computer, why don’t the track names come up like they do when I put in a commercially released CD?  What about in the car?

Gracenote is an online database (used by iTunes, etc.) which displays the titles and timings of CDs loaded into a computer’s disk drive. That information must be entered manually. We offer this service for a small fee, or you can do it yourself. More information on submitting new albums can be found under question 5A of the Gracenote FAQ page.

CD Text is a different feature, and included on all masters at no extra charge. It is encoded into the header information on the physical CD. This means CD players not connected to the Internet (your car, some home stereos) may be able to read and display the CD Text information.

What are ISRC codes, do I need them, and how do I get them?

ISRC codes are unique track identifiers assigned when the production master is created. ISRC’s are potentially useful for record labels to track sales and traffic, but by no means necessary in order to produce a master. More detailed info can be found at the RIAA.org site.

Do you do free samples?No, but I’m happy to do one song for you to review.  Cost is 3/4 hr. plus tax.