Goal
Verify that every final file is technically correct for the platform, distributor, label, client or plant, that the versions are complete and consistent, and that the project is archived for the future. Format details are in the guide "Stem mastering and delivery formats".
Step-by-step procedure
1. Exporting the masters (FL Studio)
- From the mastering project: File → Export → WAV, 24 bit (unless a different format is requested), project sample rate (or the one requested), maximum resampling quality, Tail: Leave remainder, master effects active (the mastering chain is the point), Song mode.
- If you need a 16-bit file (CD): high-quality sample rate conversion to 44.1 kHz and dither as the last stage, only once (the export's dither or the plugin's in the last slot, not both).
- One file per track; for albums, check the start and end of each (gaps and crossfades if planned).
2. Technical checks on every file
- Re-import the exported file into an empty project and measure it: integrated loudness, maximum short-term, true peak, LRA, PLR. They must match the approved master (integrated within 0.1 LU, same true peak).
- Start: no clicks; any initial silence should be short and intentional (some distributors prefer the audio to start immediately; CDs use the pregap).
- End: complete tail and natural fade; no truncation; short final silence.
- Clipping: no consecutive samples at 0 dBFS; true peak ≤ −1 dBTP for streaming.
- Phase and mono: in mono the vocal stays clear, loudness drop no more than 1–3 LU.
- Format: bit depth, sample rate, stereo (2 channels), no DC offset.
- Full listen to the final file (not the project) on monitors and headphones.
3. Versions
| Version | Content | Notes |
|---|
| Main | primary master | reference for all the others |
| Clean / Radio edit | without explicit content (mute, reverse or replacement) | same length if possible |
| Instrumental | without lead vocal and backing vocals | same master chain; similar or slightly lower loudness |
| A cappella | vocal with its effects | without an aggressive loudness chain |
| TV track | instrumental + backing vocals | for performances |
| Stems | 4–8 groups | for sync, remixes, live |
| Club/extended | intro and outro for DJs | if the genre calls for it |
| Vinyl / CD | dedicated versions | see "Loudness by platform" |
All versions must have the same length and alignment (replaceable in video without resyncing) and their own ISRC.
- A clear scheme, for example: "Artist – Title (Main) 24b 44k.wav", "Artist – Title (Instrumental) 24b 44k.wav". No problematic special characters.
- Release metadata (in the distributor): title, artist, featuring, authors and composers, producers, label, year, genre, language, explicit content, ISRC per track, UPC/EAN for the release, credits.
- CD: DDP with order, gaps, ISRC, CD-Text, EAN, verified with a DDP player.
5. Normalization: practical check
- Spotify −14 LUFS (Normal, default), −11 (Loud), −19 (Quiet); Apple Music about −16 LUFS; YouTube, Tidal, Amazon about −14; Deezer about −15.
- Simulate: lower the master to the platform's level and compare it with the references at the same level.
- Spotify recommends a true peak below −1 dBTP and below −2 dBTP for masters above −14 LUFS, because lossy encoding increases peaks.
- On an EP or album keep the loudness differences between tracks intentional (album normalization).
6. Final listening on multiple systems
Monitors, headphones, phone (mono), car, Bluetooth, at low volume: the track must work everywhere. Vocal, kick and bass must remain audible on a phone.
7. Archiving
- A song folder containing: mix and mastering projects (FL: "Export project data files" / a zip of the project with the samples), premix, master of each version, stems, delivery sheet, session notes, chain presets.
- Two copies (external drive + cloud).
8. Delivery sheet (to fill in)
Title, version, ISRC, duration, BPM, key, format (bit/kHz), integrated loudness, maximum short-term, true peak, LRA, PLR, correlation, master chain used, notes and problems encountered in the previous phases (they become the pre-production and sound design checklist for the next song).
Target values
| Check | Value |
|---|
| True peak (streaming) | ≤ −1 dBTP (≤ −2 dBTP above −14 LUFS) |
| Consistency with the approved master | integrated within 0.1 LU, identical true peak |
| Streaming format | 24-bit WAV, 44.1 kHz or higher (16 bit if requested, with dither) |
| CD | 16 bit/44.1 kHz with dither, DDP verified |
| Mono | drop ≤ 1–3 LU, clear vocal |
| Versions | same length and alignment, distinct ISRCs |
Common mistakes
- Processing added at export (automatic normalization, master effects forgotten or disabled by mistake).
- Double or missing dither at 16 bit.
- Cut-off tails (Tail not set).
- Versions with very different loudness or different chains.
- The same ISRC for different versions.
- No archive: impossible to make a remaster or deliver stems in the future.
Starting settings
| Parameter | Value | Why |
|---|
| Streaming format | 24-bit WAV, project sample rate or 44.1 kHz | Distributor standards. |
| True peak | ≤ −1 dBTP (≤ −2 dBTP above −14 LUFS) | Safe lossy encoding. |
| Dither | Only at 16 bit, once, last | Quality in the tails. |
| Tail | Leave remainder | Complete tails. |
| Consistency | Integrated within 0.1 LU of the approved master | No added processing. |
| ISRC | One per version | Correct identification. |
Frequencies to watch
| Range | What to do |
|---|
| Entire spectrum | No changes in this phase: the file must be identical to the approved master. |
| Tails and silences | Check for clicks, dither and natural ending. |
Example chain
| Step | Tool | Settings | Why |
|---|
| Master export | FL render (24-bit WAV, Tail: Leave remainder, master effects on) | Maximum resampling quality | Final file. |
| Conversions and dither | High-quality SRC + dither (export or plugin) | Only for 16 bit | Required formats. |
| Verification | Empty project + Emphasis / Youlean / Wave Candy | LUFS, dBTP, mono, full listen | Quality control. |
| Authoring | Digital distributor (ISRC, UPC) / WaveLab, HOFA DDP (CD) | Complete metadata | Release. |
| Archive | Project zip + master + stems + delivery sheet | Two copies | Future (remaster, sync). |
How to check the result
- True peak below −1 dBTP (better −2 dBTP if loudness is above −14 LUFS).
- Integrated loudness within the expected range and identical (within 0.1 LU) to the approved master.
- No clipping, no clicks at the start or end, complete tail.
- Versions consistent with each other (same chain, length, alignment; similar loudness).
- In mono the integrated level drops by no more than 1–3 LU and the vocal stays clear.
- Bit depth, sample rate and number of channels correct for each destination; dither present only in 16-bit files.
- Every file with the correct name, ISRC assigned and a row filled in on the delivery sheet.