Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about mixing, mastering, preparing your song, pricing, and the monthly free mastering giveaway — written for independent artists.
At Manny Source Productions we believe education matters just as much as professional mastering. This resource center is here to help independent artists understand the process, ask better questions, and grow — whether you work with us or handle it yourself.
Getting Started
What is audio mastering?
Mastering is the final step before a song is released. Starting from your finished stereo mix, we shape the overall tone, dynamics, and volume so the record sounds balanced and consistent on phones, earbuds, cars, club systems, and streaming platforms. Mastering does not rebuild the mix — it polishes the finished version and prepares it for delivery.
What is the difference between mixing and mastering?
Mixing works with the individual parts of your song — vocals, drums, bass, instruments — and balances them against each other. Mastering works with the finished stereo file as one piece and focuses on overall tone, dynamics, and release-ready loudness. Mixing decides how the song is put together; mastering decides how the finished song presents itself everywhere it is played.
Does my song need both mixing and mastering?
It depends on where your song is. If your mix already sounds the way you want it, mastering alone may be enough. If vocals are buried, the low end is unclear, or the balance changes from speaker to speaker, mixing should come first. We offer both — see mixing and mastering packages — and if you are unsure, send the track and we will tell you honestly what it needs.
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Mixing
How much does professional mixing and mastering cost?
A Full Song Mix & Master starts at $299 for a single, and a Full EP / Album Package starts at $1,499. Those are starting points — the number of tracks, the state of your stems, and your timeline all affect the final quote. Send your project details through the request a rate form for an exact price.
What is included with a full mix and master?
We mix your song from your stems and then master it, so both stages are handled end to end. That covers balancing vocals against the instrumental, shaping the low end, and finishing with a master. Vocal tuning and polish are available as part of the mix. Details and starting rates are on the services and rates page.
Should I remove the limiter from my mix before sending it?
Generally yes. A heavy limiter on the master bus locks in loudness decisions that belong to the mastering stage and can make the mix harder to open back up. If the limiter is part of your creative sound, keep it — just send the unlimited version too so we can compare and choose the better starting point.
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Mastering
How long does professional mastering usually take?
Typical turnaround is a few business days once your session is scheduled. Timing depends on the size of the project and the current queue, so full EP or album projects take longer than a single. If you have a release date or a deadline, tell us when you request a rate and we will confirm what is realistic before starting.
How many revisions are included?
Single Track Mastering includes one free revision. For mix and master or EP/album projects, revisions are agreed with you as part of the quote, because the scope varies from project to project. Ask about revisions when you request your rate so expectations are clear before work begins.
How much does professional mastering cost?
Single Track Mastering starts at $149.99 per record. Final pricing depends on the scope of the project, so every quote is personalized. You can see current starting rates and request a quote on the services and rates page.
What is included with single-track mastering?
Streaming-ready mastering for one record: loudness suited to streaming and radio playback, reference-matched tonal balance, and one free revision. You send a finished stereo mix, we master it, and you receive a release-ready file. Mixing is not included in this package.
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Recording
Do you work with hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock, reggaeton, and other genres?
Yes. We work across hip-hop, R&B, pop, rock, reggaeton, electronic, and more. Genre matters less than intent — send a reference track or two so we understand the sound you are aiming for, and we will approach your record with that context in mind.
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File Preparation
How should I prepare my song for mastering?
Export a final stereo mix with no changes pending. Turn off any mastering-style processing you added to the master bus for reference, leave a little headroom, and keep the original sample rate of your session. Give the file a clear name with the song title, and let us know if you have a reference track you want the master to sit next to.
What audio file format should I send for mastering?
Send an uncompressed stereo WAV or AIFF file at the same sample rate as your session, ideally 24-bit. Avoid MP3s and other compressed formats — once audio is compressed, detail is permanently gone and it limits what mastering can do. If a compressed file is all you have, tell us up front and we will let you know what is realistic.
Should I leave headroom before mastering?
Yes. Leaving a few dB of headroom on your final mix — so the loudest peaks are not pinned at the top — gives mastering room to work on tone and dynamics without fighting a mix that is already squashed. There is no magic number; the point is that the mix should not be clipping or distorting when you bounce it.
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Music Releases
Can Manny Source Productions master music for Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and radio?
Yes. We master with streaming and radio playback in mind, aiming for a balanced, consistent record that holds up across platforms and playback systems. Every platform applies its own volume normalization, so we focus on tone, dynamics, and translation rather than promising a specific result on any service.
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Free Mastering Giveaway
How does the monthly free mastering giveaway work?
Each month, independent artists submit a song through the application form. Manny Source Productions reviews the submissions and selects one artist to receive professional mastering for a single track, free of charge. You can read the full giveaway rules or apply for free mastering directly.
Is the free mastering giveaway really free to enter?
Yes. No purchase is necessary and there is no entry fee. You submit the application form with accurate contact and song details before the monthly deadline. The prize is one professional mastering service for a single track, with no cash value and non-transferable.
Is every applicant guaranteed to receive free mastering?
No. The giveaway is application-based and one winner is selected each month, so selection is not guaranteed. Applying costs nothing, and artists who are not selected are welcome to apply again the following month or book paid mixing and mastering at any time.
How are artists selected for the giveaway?
We review each application and the submitted song, then select one artist per month at our discretion based on the information and music provided. There is no public voting and no scoring formula — it is a human listen from a team that is built by artists, for artists.
How will selected artists be contacted?
Selected artists are contacted directly by email at the address provided in the application, so use an inbox you check. Make sure the email is spelled correctly when you apply, and keep an eye on your spam folder around the end of the month.
Can an artist apply more than once each month?
No — the rules allow one entry per artist per month. If you are not selected, you can submit again in the next monthly cycle with the same song or a new one.
What happens if I need mastering immediately and cannot wait for the giveaway?
Book a paid session instead. The giveaway runs on a monthly cycle and selection is not guaranteed, so if you have a release date coming up, head to services and rates and request a quote with your deadline included. We will confirm turnaround before any work starts.
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Independent Artist Tips
Do I keep full rights to my music?
Yes. You own your masters and your music. We only provide production services, and applying to the giveaway grants us permission to review your submitted song for the purpose of the giveaway.
Is my personal information sold or shared?
No. The details you submit are used to review your application and to contact you about your song or quote. Read our privacy policy for the full explanation of what we collect and how it is handled.
How can I request a personalized service rate?
Fill in the request form on the services and rates page with your project type, number of tracks, timeline, and any details about the songs. You can also email mannysourceproductions@gmail.com or use the contact page if you would rather describe the project in your own words.
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Our mission isn't only to provide professional mastering. It's to help independent artists understand the process, make better music, and grow their careers.
Need professional help instead of doing it yourself?
Apply for Free MasteringRead the giveaway rules, services & rates, or contact us.