Please review these guidelines before submitting audio to ADEV for mastering. Proper file preparation helps ensure an efficient workflow and gives your finished mix the best opportunity to translate well across playback systems and digital platforms.
 

AUDIO FILE REQUIREMENTS

ADEV provides mastering services for completed stereo mixes. Before submission, please make sure your audio meets these requirements:

• Submit one completed stereo mixdown per track.

• Preferred file format: WAV.

• Submit your mix with a maximum peak level of -6 dBFS.

• Avoid clipping or distortion in the exported file.

• Preserve the original sample rate and bit depth of your session when exporting.

• Do not convert your file to a lower-quality format before submission.

• Make sure the beginning and ending of the audio are complete, without accidental cuts or missing material.

Please provide the artist name, track title, and any relevant notes with your submission. You may also include a reference track or describe the sound you are aiming to achieve.

Files that do not meet the submission requirements may be returned for correction before mastering begins.
 

WHAT MASTERING INCLUDES

Mastering is the final stage of audio production. It focuses on refining a completed mix for tonal balance, dynamics, clarity, loudness, and playback consistency.

Depending on the needs of the recording, mastering may include:

• Equalization and tonal refinement

• Dynamic control and compression

• Peak and true-peak management

• Loudness measurement and optimization

• Stereo image refinement

• Final output preparation for digital distribution

ADEV uses professional monitoring and audio measurement tools to evaluate the finished master. Loudness and output levels are considered in relation to the music, its intended use, and applicable platform recommendations.
 

WHAT MASTERING DOES NOT INCLUDE

Mastering is not a substitute for mixing or corrective production work.

The standard mastering service does not include:

• Individual vocal or instrument adjustments

• Rebalancing instruments within the mix

• Removing or replacing individual sounds

• Vocal tuning or editing

• Multitrack or stem mixing

• Reconstructing or rebuilding a production

These services may be available as separate projects and will require an individual assessment and quote.
 

TURNAROUND TIMES

For subscription mastering orders, standard production turnaround is:

• Up to 3 tracks: within 72 business hours.

• 4–8 tracks: within 7 business days.

Turnaround begins once all required audio files, information, and submission materials have been received.

Rush service may be available for an additional fee, subject to scheduling and workload availability. Please request rush service before submitting your order.
 

REVISIONS

Mastering revisions are intended to address specific adjustments within the original mastering scope.

A revision does not include remixing, re-editing, rebuilding the production, or changing the artistic direction after approval.

Please provide clear, specific feedback when requesting an adjustment. Requests must relate to the original mastering work and remain within the applicable revision allowance for your service.
 

DELIVERY FORMATS

Available delivery formats depend on the service or package selected at checkout. Please review your selected deliverables before placing an order.

Final files will be provided in the agreed delivery format. Additional formats or deliverables may be requested separately.
 

PLAYBACK & LISTENING RECOMMENDATIONS

A professionally mastered recording should be evaluated using reasonably accurate playback equipment whenever possible.

Different speakers, headphones, vehicles, phones, and Bluetooth devices can significantly alter how audio is perceived. Consumer playback systems may emphasize or reduce certain frequencies, affect bass response, or change the apparent loudness of a recording.

ADEV evaluates masters using professional monitoring and measurement tools. While care is taken to achieve a balanced and consistent result, playback systems vary, and no single master will sound identical on every device.
 

BEFORE YOU SUBMIT

Please confirm that your mix is complete, properly exported, and meets the file requirements outlined above. Include the correct artist and track information, along with any relevant mastering notes.

Submitting properly prepared files helps ADEV maintain an efficient production schedule and deliver a professional final master.