Mastering is the last step before distribution — and it starts with one correct stereo file, not stems, not a DAW project, and not a crushed MP3.
This guide lists exactly what to send for mastering at GigTunes (or any professional mastering engineer).
The one file you need
Send one stereo mix of your approved song:
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Format | WAV (preferred) |
| Bit depth | 24-bit (16-bit acceptable if that is your session) |
| Sample rate | Same as session — 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz (do not upsample unnecessarily) |
| Channels | Stereo (2.0) |
| Length | Full song, no accidental silence at start unless intentional |
Do not send: stems, multitracks, MP3-only exports, or your entire DAW folder unless specifically agreed.
Mix must be “approved” first
Mastering assumes you are happy with:
- Vocal level and clarity
- Drum and bass balance
- Overall arrangement balance
If the vocal is buried or the low end is messy, fix it in mixing first — mastering cannot rebuild a weak mix.
→ Mixing vs Mastering
→ Common mixing mistakes
Headroom and levels (critical)
Your mix file should have headroom — space above the peaks so the mastering engineer can shape tone and loudness without clipping.
Practical targets:
- Peaks around -6 dBFS or lower on the stereo mix (not pinned at 0)
- No brick-wall limiter smashing the mix bus (or use very gentle limiting only)
- Do not normalize to 0 dBFS before export
Detailed numbers: What dB should I master to? and Mastering loudness explained.
What to leave off the mix bus
Avoid on the stereo export when possible:
- Heavy multiband compression “for loudness”
- Aggressive limiting for “finished” volume
- Stereo widening plugins that collapse in mono
- Dithering meant for 16-bit CD (mastering handles final delivery)
A great master starts with a dynamic, balanced mix — not a pre-mastered warzone.
Optional but very helpful
Reference tracks
One or two released songs you want yours to feel similar to for loudness and overall tone — level-matched when you listen.
Project notes
Include in your GigTunes workspace:
- Target platform (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.)
- Genre and any “brighter / warmer / louder” notes
- Explicit/clean versions needed?
- ISRC or release date if relevant to delivery
Alternate versions (if booked)
If you ordered instrumental / clean / alt masters, note which mix file is the main version and what each alternate should remove or change.
Files you do not need for standard mastering
| File | Needed? |
|---|---|
| Stems / multitrack | No (unless special stem-mastering service — not standard) |
| Project files (.als, .logicx) | No |
| MIDI | No |
| Lyrics PDF | Optional — not required for audio mastering |
| MP3 of the mix | Avoid as only source — use WAV |
Multiple songs (EP / album)
For each song:
- Separate stereo WAV per track
- Consistent sample rate across the project when possible
- Note if you want album-level loudness consistency (common request for EPs)
After mastering — what you get back
Depending on tier and enhancements:
- Streaming-ready master (WAV)
- Optional MP3 / AAC and other formats
- Revision rounds to adjust loudness or brightness
Pricing: How much does mastering cost?.
Quick checklist before upload
- One stereo WAV, 24-bit preferred
- Peaks not clipping; headroom on mix bus
- Same length as full song; correct start point
- Mix balance approved — not hoping mastering fixes vocals
- References + platform noted
- Spotify? See Mastering for Spotify