1. Never Normalize your mixdowns.
2. Try to avoid any red in your volume meters, especially the Master Output meter.
3. Try to leave at least 3-5db "Headroom" or space to the top of the Master Output meter. If your mixes peak to the very top of the meter, mastering engineers will be limited in what they can do for the track.
4. How loud your mix is has no effect on how loud it can be when mastered, unless it is too loud. If it's too loud, the mastering engineer will be limited in using effects to make the song sweeter. So have your mixes at a good level in the Master Output meter, 3/4 of the way up is a good, safe rule of thumb.
5. Converting files to MP3 format can degrade sound quality and should be avoided, if possible, until after the mastering process. Using the most original version of the sound files is suggested.
6. Do not use limiters or compressors on your whole mix to make it louder. The mastering engineer's equipment in most cases does a better job. Also, the necessary E.Q.ing and effects which may be needed must happen before compressing and limiting in most cases, or the song could sound overloaded before reaching optimum loudness when mastering.
7. Try to get rid of ALL unwanted clicks, pops, hiss, noise, etc., as even ones that may seem too low to notice usually become more audible when mastered.
These are the most common issues that can hinder a client's results no matter where a project is mastered.
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