Avoid applying any dynamics processing to the stereo mixdown when mixing unless you feel that the mix doesn't work without the effect in place. Especially with the advent of DAW (digital audio workstation) mixing, engineers are frequently tempted to place compressors or limiters on their stereo mix buss in order to boost levels for clients. This makes the mastering engineer's work much more difficult. Unless you feel that removing dynamics processing from the stereo buss will negatively impact the aesthetic of a given mix, remove it and let the mastering engineer get the dynamics where they need to be during the mastering process.

Use quality media for your studio master. Shorter-length DATs (90 minutes or less) are generally more reliable than longer-length DATs (120 minutes or longer). I use and recommend Mitsui and Taiyo Yuden CDR media, as these brands have yielded very low error rates when used with my Plextor burner. Such quality considerations are generally unimportant when choosing analog mixdown reels, as there are fewer manufacturers/formats to consider when choosing media.

If mixing to DAT, leave the first minute of the tape blank. The first minute of tape on a DAT is far more susceptible to errors than the remainder of the reel.

You do not need to mixdown your master in sequence. However, if you do not, you will need to send me either a "mock up" CD (created in a DAW) that explains the sequence, required fades/edits and timings between tracks or a detailed written note with this information.

Listen to the studio master very carefully before finishing the mixdown session to ensure there are no problems with the master (sequencing issues, clicks, pops, bad edits, dropouts, etc.).

If possible, have your engineer back up the studio master before sending me the original copy and be sure to insure your package in case it is lost.

If you have the capacity to produce digital mixdowns at better than CD quality (better than 16-bit, 44.1KHz audio), please do so. If you do, you will need to burn a data disc (not an audio disc) of the resultant files to send to me. If you burn an audio disc from files that are 24-bit or higher bitrate or 48KHz or higher sample rate, the files will be have to be downsampled to 16-bit 44.1KHz audio, resulting in potentially grave audio degradation. I can accept digital files at all sample rates and bit depths.