Why should I use Mayfield Mastering over cheap online AI mastering services?
- An experienced human actually listens and makes all decisions
- Your masters will sound great unlike computer generated files
- Free mix consultation prior to mastering
- Phase rotation (symmetry) correction applied if needed (https://docs.izotope.com/rx11/en/phase.html)
- Mic pop, lip smack and extraneous noise removal
- Guitar squeak adjustment
- Distortion removal
- Internal dynamic adjustments
- Mastering for vinyl!!!
- Mastering from stems
- Correctly formatted master files will be generated for all required distribution outlets: DDP file set, Hi-Res digital, Apple Digital Masters, Vinyl file generation, etc.
How do I obtain a quote for my project?
Visit our “Get a Quote” page and answer a few questions.
Will you provide a free mastering demo?
Yes. Please refer to our “Free Mastering Sample” page.
What file format should files be submitted?
24 or 32 bit WAV or BWF at the sample rate of the original recording if mixing “inside the box”. If mixing in the analog domain then choose a sample rate of at least 48k or above.
And remember to always generate your master mix in real time. This way, you’ll be assured your mix reflects exactly what you worked so hard to create.
Should I remove any compressors or limiters from my two-mix buss?
Not if those plugins were present throughout the mix process. If they were utilized after the mix stage, then provide both mix versions. (The two-mix buss is an opportunity to be creative!)
What mix versions are suggested besides the main full mix?
- Instrumental mix
- BGV mix (no solo vocals but with background vocals)
- Stems can work great too, but you really gotta know what you’re doing…call and we’ll explain.
How do I send my files to you?
Any 3rd party File Transfer Service like WeTransfer.com, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc. sent to john@mayfieldmastering.com.
What is an ISRC and how do I obtain them? http://www.usisrc.org
Think of them as the digital equivalent of a UPC (bar code) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Product_Code) for a physical product. Each song will be assigned a unique ISRC by your digital distributor (TuneCore, DistroKid, Record Label, etc.) so it can be tracked in the digital world.
What documentation do you require to start a project?
Please refer to our “WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU” page for details.
How much headroom should I leave in my mix files?
We actually don’t have any requirements. (Common sense comes into play here though!) As long as your mix has no unintended distortion and sounds awesome, then we can take care of most digital indiscretions you may have ignored.