WHAT IS MASTERING?
Mastering is the final stage in the creative process and also the first step towards replicating your music for various formats for sale.
WHAT DO YOU DO DURING THE MASTERING STAGE?
This varies dramatically from project to project as there is no cookie cutter way of mastering, but typically we will listen to the music and assess whether any creative work (EQ, compression, spatial balancing etc.) is needed to enhance the tracks or make them sit better within the balance of the project as a whole.
For CD projects things such as ISRC codes, text information etc. can be added as well as creation of DDP files.
WHY CAN’T I DO IT MYSELF?
The most important part of mastering is without question the chance for a different set of ears to listen to your mix. It's the chance for someone experienced to assess the work within a controlled environment with excellent monitoring and if necessary make the appropriate changes.
HOW SHOULD I DELIVER MY FILES?
If possible always deliver the files in the bit depth and sample rate that they were recorded in, ideally with 5-6 db of headroom, but we can work with anything from 16bit 44.1khz WAVs or AIFFs upwards. Please don’t use any processing on the master buss unless you are processing for sound and not volume.
Please feel free to supply mastering notes i.e. the kind of sound you're looking for warm, loud, dynamic etc. or better still you can supply reference tracks.
WHAT FORMAT ARE FILES RETURNED IN?
Usually files are returned as 16bit 44.1khz WAVs but we are happy to supply in your requested format. Vinyl pre-masters are returned in the native file format with no limiting or clipping added for volume. For CD projects we can supply DDP files.
WHAT IF I’M NOT HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS?
Having been on the other side of the mastering engineer, mixing engineer divide many times we understand the frustrations of not getting the master you require back, so we do try and make sure you're happy with your masters. To this end initially we will supply a section of the track in wav format for your approval before payment.
HOW DO I PAY?
Payment is via bank transfer or Paypal.
HOW QUICK IS YOUR TURNAROUND?
We usually will have your masters ready inside of five working days.
COSTS
- £30 – per track for up to 3 tracks
- £25 – per track for 4-12 tracks
For projects of more than 12 tracks please contact us for a price.
EXTRAS
- DDP – £25
- Vinyl Ready files for
cutting elsewhere – £5 per track
Samples are provided of the work before payment so you can be sure you will receive the sound you are looking for.
