[GT40sc]

Most mastering engineers are happier if you bring in a mix without the stereo bus compression. And yes, please leave a little headroom. Give us some space to work in.

Think about this. A "raw" mix, something a little bit fat on the EQ and a little bit loose on the compression, is MUCH EASIER to tweak into shape at the mastering studio. It's almost like the engineer can "reach into" the song and move the parts around, if necessary. These are the kind of mixes that really "bloom" under the touch of the mastering engineer, and leave the studio with more energy, sparkle, and emotional impact than you ever knew they had.

On the other hand, sometimes you get songs that have been EQ'd and compressed to within an inch of their lives. Most of these mixes are not even worth mastering. Too much stereo bus compression (as applied by the mix engineer) is like pouring concrete over the top of the entire mix. All of the "dynamic spaces" have been filled in, and the surface is completely flat. The mastering engineer will have a VERY HARD TIME trying to dig through all that with an equalizer, and the end result will be a bad compromise. Sure, you can make it louder, but it still sounds dead. The new Aerosmith record is a perfect example of this tone.


Anyway, when it comes time to mix, try to do more than one of each song. Some "loose," some "tight," some "raw," some "cooked," etc. Take them all into mastering and pick the best ones...

There are no rules. Only suggestions.

hope this helps,

SC