The files you send for mastering should have plenty of headroom. It doesn't have to peak specifically at -3dBFS, but it should be well away from 0dBFS. Generally you shouldn't put any processing on the master bus unless you have an exceptionally good reason.

After mastering the file should peak at -0.3dBFS to -0.1dBFS.

Hi, let me explain, let stand if the peak must fit on the-3dB or-6dB, I before mastering arrival at-3dB if then mastering time put the equalizer with only a 30 Hz high-pass filter and the peak change at -2dB and no longer -3dB you always talk about headroom and so I have to lower the mix fader to get a peak of -3dB in post EQ mastering or not?Thanks.

usually we talk about pre mastering, headroom(-6dB)(-3dB)etc, but if I insert a high-pass filter in mastering and the peak change in negative and then overcoming the-3dBor-6dB I never found someone that would tell me that in post eq the headroom must remain unchanged then-3dB or-6dB. What do you think about ??

Even if you mix hits -12db, the mastering engineer will be able to work the volume up. It's his job to make it loud, not yours.. You have to realise that some audio softwares mix engine will protect themself form peaking over 0db and also some will emulate analog boards and add some compression. If your mix is to hot, you will loose some dynamics and the mastering engineer won't be able to retrieve them. In fact everything you do on the master bus can't be undone. You can bet a mastering firm has way better tools then you. So let them work their magic. The mastering guy don't need to be impress by you. He'll be glad to receive a well balance and consistant mix on which there's not to much processing.

Why high passing before mastering?

Laurend, post: 405049 wrote: Why high passing before mastering?

ditto,
HPF is overused by many mixers today
it's an 'opinion' (incorrect one I must add) that cutting below 30 or 25Hz will always help or it's a mandatory...

if you are sending material to Mastering Studio http://redmastering…  get your mix sounding great and you could expect only good results from mastering guy,
until you didn't get the '5quid' master:)
as others stated, all you have to worry is good mix, which does not clip
6-3 dB 'thing' is short explanation for non-pro, to avoid digital overs
remember your DAW meter lies!
so keep it far from red - that's it

good luck!

Red Mastering, post: 406891 wrote: ditto,
HPF is overused by many mixers today
it's an 'opinion' (incorrect one I must add) that cutting below 30 or 25Hz will always help or it's a mandatory...

Thanks, this is helpful. My question to the mastering engineers is this: How often are you annoyed by certain aspects of mixes? If you are working with just the two track final mix, how often do you think, man I wish I could get rid of that horrible crash or boost something at the track level like a vocal that was too quiet or kill some frequencies on some synth sounds that are clouding a mix or taking up too much room. This is what I always worry about in my mixes. I feel that the mastering studio and recording studio/artist should have a good relationship especially when the mastering studio is having difficulty with making a track sound awesome. I would always want them to be honest and return a song for specific reasons that could be corrected by artist or studio. I guess this is because I never feel like my songs are perfect and ready to go to the mastering studio!

Hallo ppl!
Learn first the K-system for calibrate your monitoring!

Doc says:
http://www.digido.c…

Have a good time!