novice mastering question.

[lukeslim]

Hi folks,
the hole mastering thing has got me a little confused.
Ok i have recored some tracks at home mostly acoustic blues /roots stuff
mybe 4 tracks at most i have mixed them every one is happy with the sound.We want to make some CD's to sell at gigs what do i send the people at the mastering studio if thats the road one should take?Is a CD off my computer good enougth?should they get something elese?I use Adobe Audition and a 1/4 reel to reel to recorded etc.Have sold CD's that have made at home before,been no complants but would like to do a proper pressing next time more numbers and i would hope a better final prouduct.
Thanks for any simple advice,

Cheers Luke

 

[Massive Master]

If you mixed to 1/4", make sure you find a place that still uses 1/4" decks - Beilieve it or not, they're becomming more and more rare.

If you're sending out digital files, 24-bit PCM (.wav, .aiff, etc.) - at whatever sample rate the project is already at - are normally your best bet.

No limiting or ecessive compression on the main buss, nothing for the sake of volume alone, etc., etc., yada., yada... It can (will) make things more difficult on the M.E. in many (most) cases and can easily limit the potential of the mix.