Audio Mastering FAQ
Our Audio Mastering FAQ covers the most frequently asked questions about professional mastering, including mix prep, headroom, loudness, revisions and delivery formats. Whether you’re an independent artist or label, this page is designed to give you clarity and confidence before submitting your track.
How loud will my track be, and does loudness affect quality?
Loudness depends on the quality of the mix, the genre, and the intended release format.
Compound Audio prioritises clarity, punch, and translation over unnecessary loudness. The goal is to maximise impact while preserving dynamics and musical intent.
If a higher loudness level is important for your release, it will be approached carefully, achieving competitive levels while minimising negative side effects. The objective is balance, not volume for the sake of it.
Over the past few decades, recorded music has generally become louder, often referred to as the “Loudness War.” While louder can initially seem more impactful, pushing a track beyond its natural limits often reduces dynamics, clarity, and long-term listenability.
Where required, masters can also be optimised appropriately for streaming platforms without compromising integrity.
Do you provide mixdown feedback before mastering?
Before you submit your final mixes for mastering, we’re more than happy to listen to your music and offer honest, constructive feedback. This helps identify any mixing issues early on, allowing you to make improvements before mastering and achieve the best possible final result. We also do live stream show casing tracks for feedback via Twich
see how you can submit your track here
If you’re looking for feedback only, or want a more in-depth breakdown, we also offer a detailed screen-recorded video feedback service where we dive properly into your track and explain everything clearly. (Track Feedback)
Please note:
We don’t accept streaming links for mix feedback. Please send either a 320kbps MP3 or a WAV file so we can accurately assess your track.
Do you offer free mastering samples?
We can provide a short, clipped export of a mastered section from a track you supply.
A full master is a time-intensive process and typically takes around an hour or more for the first track. Because of this, we don’t offer completely free mastering samples, as there’s no accurate way to represent our work through a quick or partial process.
Every project is treated with the same level of care and attention, regardless of scale. Once a project is underway, we welcome clear communication and feedback to ensure the final master meets your expectations and sonic objectives.
Can I send a reference track?
Absolutely. If there’s an album or track that represents the sound you’re aiming for, we’re happy to use it as a reference.
Providing reference material helps us understand your creative direction, tonal balance, and overall sonic preferences. This ensures we’re working towards the sound you have in mind while still respecting the character of your own music.
For best results, please supply the original audio source as a WAV file. MP3s 320kbps minimum, anything lower than 320kbps is not suitable for referencing, as the compression degrades audio quality and stereo detail.
Do you offer vinyl digitisation and audio restoration services?
Vinyl digitisation and restoration services are available.
With extensive experience working with analogue formats, records can be professionally transferred at high resolution and restored with careful attention to noise reduction, crackle removal, and tonal integrity.
The goal is always preservation, not over-processing, ensuring the character of the original recording remains intact.
Vinyl Cleaning & Transfer
Before any recording takes place, each record is thoroughly deep-cleaned. We start with an ultrasonic cleaner, followed by an Okki Nokki to remove excess water and ensure any debris deep within the grooves is fully extracted. This process is essential for achieving the cleanest possible transfer.
A common issue I see elsewhere is either:
Simply spraying records with cleaner and wiping them with a microfibre cloth, which can push dirt further into the grooves, or
Using PVA wood glue, which, while effective in some cases, can leave residue behind and sometimes introduce unwanted artefacts during playback.
Playback & Recording Chain
Once cleaned, records are played back on a Technics 1210SL Mk2, fitted with a cork mat to reduce static and rumble, plus a spindle weight to keep the record perfectly flat.
The turntable feeds directly into a Prism Sound Lyra 2, which features an exceptionally clean and accurate RIAA stage. This removes the need for third-party preamps or DJ mixers that can add noise or unwanted colouration.
We use a Goldring 1042 stylus, chosen for its precision and significantly reduced inner-groove and side distortion compared to typical home or club DJ setups. This results in a far cleaner stereo image and overall transfer.
Optional Restoration & Remastering
As an add-on, we can carry out full audio restoration and remastering using tools such as iZotope RX. This includes removal of pops and clicks, cue burn reduction where possible, run-in and run-out cleanup, and repair of minor jumps or playback issues.
Should I remove my limiter before sending my mix?
Yes, unless it is an intentional part of the sound.
For best results, remove brickwall limiters/clippers and any heavy master bus processing before submission. This allows greater flexibility and control during mastering.
If unsure, send both processed and unprocessed versions. Please check our How To Send Audio Files for more info.
What headroom should I leave before mastering?
A minimum of 3–6dB of headroom is recommended.
Avoid clipping on the master output and ensure the mix is not heavily limited. Preserving dynamic range is more important than hitting a specific peak level.
If available, exporting as a 32-bit float WAV file is ideal, as this preserves maximum resolution and prevents accidental clipping during rendering.
Will mastering fix problems in my mix?
Mastering enhances a well-balanced mix; it does not replace or fix the mix.
Minor tonal adjustments and dynamic control can be applied, but significant issues such as imbalance, distortion, or arrangement conflicts should be resolved during the mix stage.
If necessary, feedback on the mixdown can be provided before mastering begins.
Do you master differently for vinyl?
Nowadays, Yes.
Vinyl requires format-specific adjustments to low-frequency content, stereo width, and high-frequency transients to ensure optimal cutting and playback performance.
Digital masters are not always suitable for vinyl without modification.
Can you prepare my project for vinyl pressing?
Yes. Projects can be prepared for vinyl release, including side splitting, sequencing, and format-appropriate optimisation.
Guidance can also be provided regarding track length and side duration to ensure reliable pressing results.
How many revisions are included?
All mixing and mastering services include a reasonable number of revisions to ensure satisfaction.
Revisions are intended for refinement and adjustment, not remixing. remastering or swapping out files, this can incur additional costs.
Clear communication during submission helps ensure efficient results.
What is your turnaround time, and when does it begin?
Standard turnaround is typically 2–5 working days, depending on project scope and current schedule.
A 24-hour express service is available at an additional fee for time-sensitive releases.
Turnaround begins once the final approved mix and payment have been received.
Delays in file submission or mixed revisions may affect scheduling.
What file format should I send?
Preferred format is WAV or AIFF at the original session sample rate.
24-bit files are ideal for mastering. If available, 32-bit float WAV is also acceptable.
Avoid unnecessary format conversion before submission.
Please see our guide on sending files
Do you accept stems for mastering?
STEM mastering is available where required.
However, any more than 15 stems lean more into stereo mixing and mastering. This would be recommended unless specific balance adjustments are needed.
If stems are submitted, files should be clearly labelled and exported consistently.
Is my music kept confidential?
Yes. All material submitted to Compound Audio is treated with strict confidentiality and will not be shared without permission.
If you can’t find the answer to your question about mastering, vinyl cutting, or preparing your audio, feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
