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I got feedback on an instrumental track (small orchestra) a while ago that mentioned that the track should be mastered. The screener didn't elaborate. I assume he/she meant some compression on the whole mix, for loudness.

I've read from a couple sources, though, that libraries don't like you to compress the main bus, because the stems don't add up to the same mix.

Does anyone have any insight on that? should I compress that whole mix or not?

i think “mastering” a track for a library’s consideration is different from them accepting the track from you. they will not likely take it as is if they want to add it to their catalogue.

instead, they will likely refer you to their guidelines for deliverables that will have details about things like, WAV or AIFF, 24 or 16bit, 44.1khz or 48khz, stems, alts, max peak LUFS, etc.

since libraries will have their unique requirements, i like to think the minimum is a balanced mix/master appropriate for the genre. its the best way for a prospective library to evaluate whether its useful to them.

hope that helps!

Yes it needs to sounds mastered, make sure it's in the same ballpark as the reference tracks for loudness etc.

Don't worry about the stems, they will be close enough as to make no practical difference

That clears it up. Thanks!