*Remember that MP3, AAC and other lossy formats are NOT suitable for mastering! Most of the data contained within an audio file is permanently removed during the rendering process, so always remember to hang on to the originals.
*Avoid any bus compression, maximization, and limiting (dynamic processes added to the overall mix), as well as any other finalizer software/hardware. A heavily maximized track can alter the sound dramatically, which limits the mastering engineers options and can seriously effect the final product.
*If any tracks require fade outs/ins, leave them until the mastering stage, this will save time and allow the engineer to create the perfect high-fidelity transition between your songs.
*Although its good practice to get a strong signal, dont let the audio clip at all! If your hitting 0db at mixdown, your pushing the levels too much. Getting your tracks to peak at a maximum of around -3dB gives the mastering engineer headroom to work with.
*Unhappy with a particular part of the frequency spectrum? Too much high/low end? Aesthetically pleasing audio is partly subjective, so the mastering engineers opinion of a good sound may differ from yours.
*Include any necessary ISRC codes into the track sheet; for more details on ISRC visit the IFPI. If you need to register make sure you do it in plenty of time; it will take around three weeks for your registration to be processed.
*Be sure to check that all song/album/artist names are spelt correctly on the track sheet. It sounds obvious but these names will be encoded onto your CD, so its important to double check.
