FAQ

When it comes to working with my clients, I believe the mastering process should be tailor-made for each song. I understand that each artist and producer has a unique vision for their music, and my role is to help them realize that vision with the utmost care and dedication. I begin by listening closely to their needs and goals, ensuring a thorough understanding of the sonic qualities they wish to achieve. Communication is key, and I maintain an open line to address any questions or concerns throughout the mastering process. My commitment to quality extends to the tools and techniques I employ. I am always striving for perfection and embracing the latest advancements in audio technology. With every project, I bring the same passion and attention to detail that have defined my career, creating masters that reflect the artist's intention and resonate with listeners worldwide.

I know that mastering can seem a complicated subject, so I strive to maintain clear communication from the start of the project until you have approved the masters. During that process, you can expect a dedicated and passionate engineer who will go the extra mile to achieve the results you need. So if you’d prefer to work with your mastering engineer directly rather than through a booking manager, contact me.

After receiving your mix, I carefully listen, analyze, and (if necessary) provide constructive feedback to address any quality control issues overlooked in the mixing stage. Together, we'll bring your music to its full potential, and I remain fully committed to your project until you're completely satisfied with the final product. Your art is at the heart of our work, and I am here to ensure it's brought to life with clarity, precision, and a touch of sonic magic.

Once the final master is ready, you will receive a link to download the audio as a 24-bit WAV, a CD-quality version, and a reference MP3. My turnaround time is typically 1 to 3 business days for singles and 1 to 2 weeks for albums.

Mastering engineers typically don't mix records, and there are distinct reasons for this separation of roles.

First, maintaining objectivity is crucial. Mastering offers a fresh perspective when a mixing engineer, deeply involved in the creative process, may become too attached to individual tracks, which can make it difficult to provide an objective final touch. Second, I work in an acoustically treated room with mastering-specific tools and equipment to ensure the best possible results. Lastly, having an experienced pair of ears and a skill set dedicated to mastering often results in a more polished and consistent final product.

So while mixing and mastering both play critical roles in music production, they serve distinct purposes. A team of engineers specializing in their respective fields ensures the best outcome for sonic quality and artistic expression.

As such, I am always happy to refer you to some of the many talented mixers I know.

Mix Bus Preparation

• Remove any limiters from the mix bus.

• Ensure the mix is not clipping (peaks should stay below 0 dBFS).

Session Settings

• Turn off the following settings:

  • Normalization

  • Overload protection

  • Trim silences

  • Dithering

• Do not change the sample rate of your session or upsample the audio.

File Format Requirements

• Export your mix as either:

  • 32-bit floating point WAV files, or

  • 24-bit WAV files

Exporting Your Mix

• Perform an offline bounce for accuracy and efficiency.

• Double-check the bounced mix to ensure it matches your expectations.

• Make sure everyone involved has approved the final mix(es).

Reference and Alternate Versions

• Include any reference versions of your mix that have been limited or premastered.

• Send additional versions such as:

  • Radio / Clean edit

  • TV / Performance version

  • Instrumental

  • A cappella

For more detailed information, check out this blog post.

Connect with me through the website contact form or directly at aw@alexanderwright.com, and let's transform your musical vision into reality. Your questions are welcome; I'm dedicated to ensuring you feel fully supported throughout our collaboration. You can expect a reply within 24 hours, usually the same day.