What to Send Your Mastering Engineer
Sending your mix to a mastering engineer is not just about providing a file. It is about giving them the best possible starting point to realize your musical vision. A well-prepared mix helps your engineer focus on translation, dynamics, and tonal balance, rather than troubleshooting technical problems.
This guide explains exactly what to send, in what format, and what information will help your mastering engineer do their best work.
1. Export Your Mix Correctly
Use full-resolution, lossless formats such as WAV or AIFF.
Export at the native sample rate of your session.
Export in 32-bit float when possible, even if your session was recorded in 24-bit. This preserves maximum dynamic range and headroom.
Do not apply final dither or unnecessary limiting. Your mastering engineer will handle these as part of the final process.
2. Provide Both Processed and Unprocessed Versions (Optional but Recommended)
If your mix includes bus processing such as limiting, saturation, or heavy compression, consider sending:
A fully processed version that represents your intended sound
A “dry” version without limiting or loudness maximizers
This gives your mastering engineer flexibility while respecting your creative choices.
3. Include Proper File Naming and Metadata
Name each file clearly, including the track title and version.
If you are sending multiple tracks for an album, number them in sequence.
Include metadata like artist name, track title, and mix version.
Clear labeling prevents mistakes and speeds up setup in the mastering session.
4. Communicate Your Creative Goals
A mix is not just technical data; it is a piece of art. Providing context helps the mastering engineer make decisions that serve your vision:
Highlight elements you want to emphasize.
Explain the mood or emotion you are aiming for.
Provide reference tracks that capture tonal balance or energy similar to your goal.
This ensures the final master aligns with what you imagine, rather than leaving everything to guesswork.
5. Double-Check for Technical Issues
Before sending, listen carefully for:
Pops, clicks, or other digital artifacts
Excessive sibilance or plosives
Distortion or clipping
Any errors introduced during rendering or bouncing
Even minor issues can be magnified during mastering. Catching them before sending saves time and ensures a clean final result.
6. Include Necessary Instructions for Delivery
If your project requires specific delivery formats — for streaming platforms, vinyl, or CD, note this when sending files. Mention:
Target loudness (LUFS) if you have a specific platform goal
Vinyl or analog transfer considerations
Any special sequencing or spacing instructions for multiple tracks
Providing these instructions upfront avoids confusion and reduces back-and-forth.
Summary: Sending Your Mix for Mastering
A well-prepared mix is the foundation of a great master. Before sending:
Export in lossless 32-bit float at the native sample rate
Consider sending both processed and unprocessed versions
Label files clearly and include metadata
Communicate your creative goals and references
Check for technical issues
Provide instructions for delivery format or sequencing
Sending the right material ensures your mastering engineer can focus on translation, dynamics, and tonal balance, delivering a final master that honors your mix and your artistic vision.
