Preparing for mastering is mostly mix decisions and one clean export. Rushing a loud, unbalanced bounce wastes money and revision rounds.
Step 1: Approve the mix balance
Confirm on headphones, speakers and phone:
- Vocal intelligible
- Kick and bass defined
- No harsh fatigue
If not → mixing first.
Step 2: Remove mix bus limiting
Bypass heavy limiters on the stereo bus. Leave headroom.
→ How loud should a mix be before mastering?
Step 3: Export one stereo WAV
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Format | WAV |
| Bit depth | 24-bit |
| Sample rate | Same as session (44.1 or 48 kHz) |
| Channels | Stereo |
→ How to bounce a track properly
→ What files do you need for mastering?
Step 4: Add references and notes
- 1–2 released references (genre-matched)
- Target: Spotify, Apple Music, etc.
- Any version needs (instrumental, clean)
Step 5: Upload to GigTunes
Book mastering, upload WAV, add workspace notes.
Common prep mistakes
- MP3-only upload
- Mix at 0 dBFS with limiter glued on
- Expecting mastering to fix buried vocals
- Wrong sample rate conversion