1. Leave Headroom
Aim for -6dB to -3dB peak level on your master output. Disable some of the mastering plugins before export. Any limiter, compressor, maximizer and others that’s just there to make it loud should be bypassed. Avoid limiting or heavy compression on the master bus leave dynamics intact for the mastering stage.

2. Check Your Mix in Mono
Ensure your mix translates well in mono. Collapse it and listen if key elements disappear, revisit your phase and stereo imaging.

3. Clean Up the Low End
Use high-pass filters where appropriate to remove unnecessary low frequencies on non-bass instruments.

Avoid frequency buildup by ensuring kick and bass are working together, not fighting.

4. Use Reference Tracks
Compare your mix to commercial tracks in a similar style. Match tone, balance, and energy—not necessarily loudness.

5. Label and Export Correctly
Export your final mix as a 24-bit or 32-bit WAV/AIFF file.

Sample rate should match your project (typically 44.1kHz or 48kHz).

Name your file clearly:
SongName_Mix_Version.wav

6. Listen on Multiple Systems
Test your mix on headphones, car speakers, earbuds, laptop speakers—you’ll spot issues you might miss in the studio.

7. Remove Master Bus Effects (If Needed)
Unless your master bus processing is intentional and enhances the mix, disable any limiters, clippers, or finalizers before exporting.