Before sending your track for mastering, run through this checklist to catch common issues and ensure your mix translates well across all systems.
Video Coming Soon
Pre-Mastering Checklist
1. Gain Staging
Master bus peaking at -6dB to -3dB (headroom for mastering)
No channels clipping (check all meters)
No plugins in the red
Remove any limiters from the master bus
2. Low End
Kick and bass not fighting (clear frequency separation)
Sub bass in mono below 100Hz
No rumble or unwanted low frequencies
High-pass everything that doesn't need low end
3. Frequency Balance
Compare to reference tracks (use SPAN or similar)
No harsh frequencies (2-5kHz problem area)
High end present but not fatiguing
Midrange not muddy or cluttered
4. Dynamics
Drums have punch and transient clarity
Compression enhances groove, not destroys it
Dynamic range appropriate for genre (some life, not flat)
No pumping or breathing artifacts
5. Stereo Image
Mix sounds good in mono (check for phase issues)
Low end centered (kick, bass, sub)
Stereo width doesn't collapse in mono
Panning creates space without holes
6. Arrangement & Edits
No clicks, pops, or digital artifacts
Fades applied to all audio clips
Silence at start (1-2 seconds) and end (2-3 seconds)
All automation moves smoothly
7. Listen On Multiple Systems
Before finalizing, check your mix on:
Studio monitors
Headphones
Car speakers
Phone/laptop speakers
Bluetooth speaker
Export Settings
For Mastering
Format: WAV (uncompressed)
Bit depth: 24-bit or 32-bit float
Sample rate: Same as project (44.1kHz, 48kHz, or higher)
Dithering: OFF (mastering engineer will add)
Normalization: OFF
Congratulations!
You've completed the UK Garage Production Course! You now have the knowledge to create authentic UK garage tracks from start to finish. Remember: the best way to improve is to keep making music. Apply these techniques, experiment, break the rules, and develop your own sound.
Devil's Advocate
Advanced thinking for experienced producers
"Is a checklist too rigid for creative work?"
Checklists ensure technical quality, but don't let them kill spontaneity. Sometimes the 'mistakes' become the magic.
Alternative Workflows to Try
1.Use the checklist as a guide, not gospel - break rules intentionally
2.Save versions before 'fixing' things - you might prefer the original
3.Trust your ears over meters - if it sounds good, it is good
Critical Thinking Traps
Trap:"Perfect is the goal"
Reality:Done and good enough beats perfect and never released.
Trap:"Fix everything the checklist finds"
Reality:Some 'problems' are character. Evaluate each issue.
Trap:"More time mixing = better mix"
Reality:Fresh ears beat fatigued perfectionists. Take breaks.
Ready to Release Your Track?
Submit your finished track to Big Drum Records for consideration. We're always looking for fresh UK garage talent.
