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Pre-Release Mastering Checklist: what to check before chasing loudness

Mastering is not only about loudness. Before release, low end, distortion and export format need to be checked in order.

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In this article
First check orderCheck before loudnessCHBS reference pointWhat to send

First check order

  1. Make sure the 2mix is not clipping
  2. Check whether low end is swollen
  3. Confirm the vocal does not sink in the chorus
  4. Compare with the reference at the same level
  5. Confirm export format, head, tail and fades

Check before loudness

CheckWhy it matters
Around 30HzLow end you cannot hear on small systems can still hurt release playback
200-500HzThis often causes cloudy masters
2-5kHzThis changes vocal pain and lyric clarity
LimiterJudge distortion and punch, not only level
Mastering decision map
Move one parameter at a time. A setting you can roll back is part of quality control.

CHBS reference point

CHIBA SOUND STUDIO uses Barefoot Sound MicroMain26 Gen2 as the main reference and checks down to around 30Hz. The goal is not only loudness, but whether the track holds up beside other releases.

Pre-Release Mastering Checklist: what to check before chasing loudness
Before using Mastering, define the goal, listening point and rollback point.

What to send

Send the 2mix WAV, reference track, planned release date and concern. Even before final delivery, CHBS can separate what mastering can fix from what should return to mix.

In a free check, the first question is whether the vocal will communicate after upload, not whether the processing sounds impressive in solo.

How FUJI° actually judges it

  • Lock the 15 seconds where You are not sure what to send before ordering appears and compare every change on that same section.
  • Before adding Mastering, separate whether the main cause is recording, pitch, timing or balance against the instrumental.
  • After moving eq, decide in the full mix, low volume and phone playback before keeping the setting.

Read next

Mastering / Beginner

What Mastering fixes

For Mastering and role and use case, compare eq/compression, loop the chorus entrance for 15 seconds, define rollback signs and prepare a quote check.

Mastering / Beginner

First settings for Mastering

For Mastering and first settings, compare eq/compression, loop the eight bars with harmonies for 15 seconds, define rollback signs and prepare a quote check.

Mastering / Beginner

Using Mastering in cover mixes

For Mastering and cover vocal mix, compare eq/compression, loop the eight bars with harmonies for 15 seconds, define rollback signs and prepare a quote check.

Enhancer / Beginner

What Enhancer fixes

For Enhancer and role and use case, compare amount/focus, loop the verse phrase ending for 15 seconds, define rollback signs and prepare a quote check.

Enhancer / Beginner

First settings for Enhancer

For Enhancer and first settings, compare amount/focus, loop the verse phrase ending for 15 seconds, define rollback signs and prepare a quote check.

Enhancer / Beginner

Using Enhancer in cover mixes

For Enhancer and cover vocal mix, compare amount/focus, loop the line after a breath for 15 seconds, define rollback signs and prepare a quote check.

Mastering

Mastering / Open archiveNext: What Mastering fixes

Check your own audio

Send a 15-sec URL, timestamp and symptom. You will receive the likely improvement scope and quote direction.

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