MASTERING FILE DELIVERY GUIDELINES

QUIETHOUSE RECORDING

DERECK BLACKBURN | ENGINEER

Thanks for choosing to work with me! To make sure your masters come out exactly as intended, please follow the steps below when preparing your files.

Mix File Format

Please send one stereo file per song in the following format:

  • WAV or AIFF

  • 24-bit (or higher)

  • 44.1kHz – 96kHz sample rate
    (Use the same rate you mixed at — do not upsample.)

No MP3s, no stems, unless we’ve discussed revisions or stem mastering.

Mix Bus Processing

Do keep:

  • Tone shaping EQ

  • Intentional compression/saturation that is part of your sound

Do NOT include:

  • Limiting for loudness

  • Clipping / maximizers / “make it loud” plugins

  • Final mastering chains

If you’ve been using a limiter for “vibe,” send two versions:

  1. Un-limited version (preferred)

  2. Reference with limiter engaged so I know your intention

Headroom / Levels

Aim for:

  • Peak around -3dB to -6dB (no clipping)

  • Do not pad silence or change gain after exporting — just export the mix as-is.

File Naming

Use the following naming format:

ArtistName_SongTitle_MixVersion_SampleRate_BitDepth.wav

Example:

Kipsey_SilverHearts_FinalMix_48k_24bit.wav

If sending multiple versions:

Kipsey_SilverHearts_Unlimited_48k_24bit.wav

Kipsey_SilverHearts_LimitedRef_48k_24bit.wav

Sequencing / Track Order

If this is an EP or album, please provide:

  • Final track order (1–10)

  • Desired gaps or crossfades (if any)

  • Whether songs should flow or have clean endings

A simple text note is perfect. Example:

1. Silver Hearts – clean ending, slight 1 sec gap before track 2

2. Four Streets Down – no gap into track 3

3. The Bridge – crossfade into outro

Metadata (If You Have It)

  • ISRC codes (per track)

  • Artist / Album title

  • Track titles

  • Release year

  • Catalog number (if applicable)

If you’re unsure, leave this blank — we can fill it in later.

How to Send

Preferred delivery:

  • WeTransfer, Dropbox, Google Drive, or Box

  • Send one folder containing:

    • Your audio files

    • Any sequencing notes / metadata

    • Optional reference masters

Send to: dereck@quiethouserecording.com

After Delivery

Once I have the files, I’ll:

  • Confirm everything is received + correct

  • Begin mastering

  • Send a review master for your approval

  • Make any necessary revisions

  • Deliver final masters (WAV, MP3, and DDP/Streaming masters if requested)