Mastering audio files for internet distribution

This is a list of guidelines to follow when mastering audio for internet distribution, specifically using the MP3 file format.

Guidelines

 * Use the highest quality file available.


 * If using MP3 as your target file type, cut some of the high frequencies.MP3's have difficulty with these frequencies.


 * Busy mixes have a tendency to lose punch.Sparse mixes translate better.


 * Make sure the level is hot. Normalize if necessary.


 * With MP3's your encoder might sound better at 32kHz than 44.1 kHz


 * Leave some dynamic range, don't compress too much.


 * Use multi-band compression sparingly. It confuses the encoding algorithm


 * Set encoder option to highest quality setting.

The reason for this is many encoders output hotter than the source material.
 * Limit the output of the material intended for Mp3 to -1. not -.1