PREPARING AND SENDING YOUR MUSIC FILES

NOTE: Because we offer online mixing and mastering services to a worldwide client base, we ONLY accept files as either .wav or .aif files (up to 24 bit / 96 kHz resolution). Because of the inferior quality, we do not accept .mp3’s as source files for mixing or mastering. Also, please make sure that you receive and approve a free, no-obligation mastering sample first, because all projects require pre-payment via PayPal in the full amount before work is performed and final files delivered. Due to the nature of the process, we do not provide samples for mixing. There is no way to perform a sample mix without actually spending the time to do the mix itself. Your best bet is to just send us something you've mixed and have us perform a sample mastering so that you get a sense of the quality of the equipment.If you have already made your payment, or are sending a file for a sample, you may proceed with submitting your files either online or via mail following the instructions below.

MASTERING PROJECTS – PREPARING AND SUBMITTING FILES ONLINE:

For mastering projects, export each song from your DAW as a stereo.wav or .aif file (up to 24-bit / 96 kHz resolution). Consult your DAW manual for information on how to accomplish this task. Mac users should be very careful to make sure that their files have extensions (wav or aif). Leave the tracks at whatever resolution they were mixed. In other words, do not perform any sample rate conversion or word length reduction to the tracks. Do not apply any processing (compression, limiting, volume maximizing, EQ, enhancing) to the stereo buss.

If sending multiple songs, name each song and include the track number (i.e. what position the song will be on the final master) with the track name (e.g., Let’s Fly Away 1, I’ll Be There for You 2, Nobody’s Business 3, etc.). Save all the songs in a single folder and Zip (compress) the folder in order to reduce the size for submission online. Indicate each song’s BPM in the notes.

Zip (compress) instructions:  On a PC, right-click the folder, scroll to "Send to", and select the "Compressed (zipped) Folder" option. On a Mac, either Control-click on the file and choose Create Archive (which is Apple-speak for “make a compressed ZIP file”). Or you can click on a file, then go to the Action menu (the button that looks like a gear up in the Finder window’s toolbar), and choose Create Archive from there. Either way, it quickly creates a new file, with the file extension “.zip.”  If you have problems and need a Zip utility, you can find one at http://www.7-zip.org .

Once done, go to the Studio 302 Dropbox and upload your files. Make sure each Zipped file is under 2GB, and you can upload up to five 2GB files at a time.

MASTERING PROJECTS – PREPARING AND SUBMITTING FILES BY MAIL

Read the information above about preparing your files for mastering. Then copy your files onto a DVD using Toast, Nero, etc. If using a Mac, make sure you use the setting that burns a Mac/PC hybrid disc so that the files can be read on a PC. Depending on the software you are using, make sure you close/finish the session or allow the disc to be read on another computer. This is important; otherwise we will not be able to access the files on the disc without a lot of hassle. Print out the Mastering Submission Form 110.46 Kb and fill out all the applicable information.

Send the disc and mastering form to:

Studio 302
554 N. Frederick Avenue
#218
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

NOTE: Even when sending files by mail, full pre-payment will still be required using PayPal prior to any work being performed and final files delivered.

MIXING PROJECTS - PREPARING AND SUBMITTING FILES ONLINE:

For mixing projects, export each individual mono or stereo .wav or .aif track (up to 24- bit / 96 kHz resolution) from your DAW into a folder named for the song. Consult your DAW manual for instructions on how to accomplish that task. Mac users should be very careful to make sure that their files have extensions (wav or aif). Leave the tracks at whatever resolution they were recorded. In other words, do not perform any sample rate conversion or word length reduction to the tracks.

If sending multiple songs, name all the individual tracks from each song (e.g., lead vocal, guitar L, guitar R, etc.), and place all the tracks in their corresponding song folder. Make sure each track STARTS at exactly the same starting point in the song timeline (e.g. bar 1), even if that track actually begins playing later in the song. That way all the tracks line up correctly and are synchronized for correct playback. Without that, extra time and money will have to be spent lining up all the tracks in order to mix. Consult your DAW software manual or tutorial regarding how to start all your tracks at the same starting point. Indicate the song’s BPM in the notes.

Zip (compress) each folder in order to reduce the overall size. On a PC, right-click the folder, scroll to "Send to", and select the "Compressed (zipped) Folder" option. On a Mac, either Control-click on the file and choose Create Archive (which is Apple-speak for “make a compressed ZIP file”). Or you can click on a file, then go to the Action menu (the button that looks like a gear up in the Finder window’s toolbar), and choose Create Archive from there. Either way, it quickly creates a new file, with the file extension “.zip.”

Once done, go to the Studio 302 Dropbox and upload your files. Make sure each Zipped file is under 2GB, and you can upload up to 5 files at a time. Return as often as you need to complete sending all your files.

MIXING PROJECTS - PREPARING AND SUBMITTING FILES BY MAIL:

Read the information above about preparing your files for mixing. Then copy your files onto a DVD or two using Toast, Nero, etc. If using a Mac, make sure you use the setting that burns a Mac/PC hybrid disc so that the files can be read on a PC. Depending on the software you are using, make sure you close/finish the session or allow the disc to be read on another computer. This is important; otherwise we will not be able to access the files on the disc without a lot of hassle.

Send the package to:

Studio 302
554 N. Frederick Avenue
#218
Gaithersburg, MD 20877

NOTE: Even when sending files by mail, full pre-payment will still be required using PayPal prior to any work being performed and final files delivered.