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Services: CD Mastering - FAQ

Q:  How do I book a session?
A:  Start a session by using the booking page, or call 415.595.5446 to get started.  For Attended Mastering sessions, a $100 deposit is required, for Remote Mastering sessions, a 50% deposit is required. Sessions cannot be confirmed until a deposit is received.
Deposits should be made payable to "Mike Wells" and mailed to:

Mike Wells Mastering
1001 Page #56
SF, CA 94117

Q:  What is the difference between an Attended Mastering session and a Remote Mastering session?
A:  You are present at the studio during an Attended Mastering session, whereas Remote Mastering sessions are unattended, therfore you are not present at the session.

Q:  How do I cancel a session?
A:  The cancellation policy is as follows:  Once a session has been confirmed with a depost, one week cancellation notice from you is required to incur no penalty.  Sessions cancelled within a week of the booking confirmation lose the full deposit.

Q:  What mixdown formats can Mike Wells Mastering accept?
A:  For a detailed list of currently accepted formats, please see the formats page.

Q:  Should I use master-buss compression on my final mixes before having them mastered?
A:  This is somewhat of a personal issue.  Some engineers are firmly against this technique while others swear by its results.  The position at Mike Wells Mastering is: Do not use master-buss compression, as it introduces a layer of compression onto your final mix that cannot be removed.  This is also true for using digital limiters, or any other mix bus processing prior to mastering.  If you are concerned about this technique, or have further questions, please get in touch.

Q:  What is CD-Text?  Can I use it?
A:  CD-Text enables the display of artist & track information on the playing unit.  Mike Wells Mastering is equipped to embed CD-Text information into your master.  However, not all replication plants support this feature.  Contact your plant prior to having your masters manufactured to ensure proper support.