File Instructions

Before you upload, please ensure your songs are in the following formats: WAV, AIFF or FLAC/ALC files, with a word length of 24bit or 32bit float. Please do not change the sample rate and do leave a 2dB headroom, unless the files are in 32bit float.

No limiting, maximisation, or stereo enhancement on the master buss. Buss compression is fine if it is conducive for the feel of the mix, just do not overdo it. The mix should be as close as possible to the outcome that you envision.

Contact me for mix evaluation if you are unsure.

Please complete the form and add your files, then hit the upload and send button. If you have a document detailing meta data, please also upload it

The most common meta data that we embed into a master are:

ISRC (International Standard Recording Code)
Text: Artist Name, Album Name, Track Titles
EAN/UPC Barcode

What is Mastering?

Mastering, a form of audio post-production, is the process of preparing an audio mix for distribution. It is the final stage, and the last opportunity, to polish and refine your recording before distribution by adjusting the sound for best possible quality and balance. It shapes and enhances the audio through the application of various processes. The Mastering Engineer lends a fresh pair of (sensitive) ears to the project. Mastering also unites individual tracks into a complete Album and assures compliance of the final product – whether for physical or electronic delivery – to the relevant standard.

The Process of Mastering

The source tracks (or “Songs”) are loaded into a Digital Audio Workstation, checked for technical errors (such as incorrect word-length, dropouts, cut tops & tails, DC Offset) and arranged in the desired order. If noises are present they will be removed, in consultation with the client.

After assessing the audio and careful listening, the Mastering Engineer makes any necessary artistic changes to the audio; by applying equalization to correct the frequency response, compression to shape the dynamics and limiting to prevent clipping and attain the desired loudness. Other processes possibly used are the manipulation of the stereo image and use of exciters. Pixie dust added to taste. Dithering concludes the mastering chain.

Track gaps and track volumes are adjusted to establish the flow of the Album. Before writing the final master, the sub-codes that indicate starts and pauses, ISRC Codes, EAN-Codes and CD-Text, are inserted. This is referred to as PQ coding.

Delivery of a master for CD replication is via DDPi (Disc Description Protocol) file set. Delivery for online distribution as WAV or AIFF files, and/or export into any format you can think of, at no additional cost.

Noise Removal

With the arrival of powerful DAWs, the ability to remove unwanted noises or disturbances has become a reality. With our noise removal tools, we can tackle:

Impulsive noises: Pops and clicks, plosives, clipping and distortion,
Broadband noises: Hiss, hum and buzz
Spectral Disturbances: Coughs, whistles, claps, chairs moving, creaks, Cell phone ringers, voices, de-reverberation

Apple Digital Masters

Apple Digital Masters is an initiative by Apple to ensure the delivery of music to the consumer as the artists and sound engineers intend it to be heard.

The minimum audio resolution for Apple Digital Masters is 24bit/44.1kHz – the higher, the better. The file must not have any intersample clipping or full-scale clipping.

To take part in the Apple Digital Masters program and receive the Apple Digital Masters badge, the project must be inspected and signed off by an Apple certified engineer or facility.

TL Mastering is one of four Apple certified engineers in South Africa. The Apple Digital Masters certification is available as an add-on to projects mastered by us, as well as outside clients who need their tracks signed off to take part in the Apple Digital Masters program.