Mixing & Mastering · TONIQ ACADEMY

Preparing your mix for mastering: what to check before delivery

Review the musical balance, the exported file and your delivery notes before sending the mix on.

Begin with a complete listen

Before changing the first plug-in you see, play the mix from beginning to end. Is the opening clean? Does the level jump unexpectedly in one section? Is an effect tail cut off at the end? Keep short timestamped notes. This helps delivery preparation stay focused instead of becoming an entirely new mixing session.

Address individual problems in the mix

If one vocal word disappears or one drum hit feels too prominent, revisit the relevant channel. A broad change to the stereo file may affect other elements as well. After revising the moment, listen to the music before and after it. Make sure the local adjustment still supports the flow of the track.

Agree on the delivery requirements

Ask the mastering engineer about file type, sample rate, bit depth and any alternative versions they need. Agree on the requirements for the project rather than treating one online recipe as universal. If your master-bus processing contributes to the sound, explain that and discuss which versions to supply. Avoid switching everything off at the last moment and sending a version you have never listened to.

Listen to the exported file separately

A project that plays correctly can still be exported with the wrong range selected. Open the resulting file and check the beginning, ending and a busy section. This is also an opportunity to confirm that you are sending the intended version. Include the track title and version in the filename to reduce confusion.

Write notes about audible priorities

If you share a reference, explain which aspect matters: the forward drums, the low-end balance or the sense of movement. Describe the listening goal rather than asking for an identical result. Send the correct mix, the agreed alternatives and a few useful notes. Preparing for mastering is partly about helping another listener understand your music and your priorities.

Further reading: Ableton — Audio Fact Sheet