Preparing correctly for a mastering session can yield significantly better results and limit cost. However, many details can be missed in the excitement of project completion. Failure to attend to these details correctly can be seriously counter-productive to your music. Do it right though and the results achievable will give your audio the right edge to impact your chosen market effectively. We urge you to take time to read this and pass on this information to the key personnel who are preparing your next mix for mastering, whether you use Blue Pro or any other top mastering facility.

* PREPARING YOUR MIX SESSION: Please remove all processing from your master buss or fader. This means NO LIMITERS. Any overall Mix Buss compression should also be removed unless in the hands of an experienced engineer. Ensure that a minimum of 3db headroom is available on your master output before committing your audio. NEVER normalize your audio for mastering.

* DIGITAL FILE FORMAT: WAV or AIF. Please make sure your files are saved with the file extensions (.aif or .wav). Stereo interleaved files are also recommended. Do not use any compressed file formats such as MP3 or MP4 (AAC) or WMP.

* BIT RATE & SAMPLE RATE: We recommend 24 bit file at all times. The sample rate should be set to that of your existing session at rates up to 192kHz to avoid any unnecessary conversion.

* DELIVERING YOUR DATA: You may upload data via the website or save to hard drives or USB sticks. If using physical disc formats please provide a CD-R or DVD-R saved as a data, not audio.

* NOTE ON AUDIO CDRs, MD: Audio CDRs are prone to errors and can actually alter the sound of your recording in an unpredictable manner. Please avoid if possible. Audio CDRs also restrict you to 16 Bit and 44.1kHz. We do not recommend the use of MiniDisc due to its use of ATRAC compression. ATRAC operates at 292kbps. For a general purpose comparison CDs are encoded at 1411.2 kbps so there is a significant quality loss here.

* TRACK SEQUENCE: Be sure to have your final track order decided before you attend your mastering session. This is not only essential when compiling your final sequenced master discs but may have an influence on the mastering process for each track.

* ISRC CODES: Get your codes in advance. An ISRC is used to identify your specific recording on playback for royalties. Click here to visit PPL to get your FREE codes. The code will be embedded in both your Audio Reference CD and your DDP Image (CD Replication Master).

* CD TEXT: CD Text is no longer widely used. iTunes, Windows Media Player and other such applications pull information from online databases such as GraceNote & CDDB so the track information displayed is not stored on your disc. If you do require CD Text please download this form.