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 alters 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 IRSC codes, text information etc can be added.

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 is normal for the person who wrote the music to become almost too close to the track so loosing objectivity over how it sounds as a whole. So the chance for someone experienced to assess the work and make the appropriate changes (if needed) is very important.

How should I deliver my files?
If possible always deliver the files in the bit depth and sample rate they where recorded in with 5-6 db of headroom preferred but we can work with anything from 16bit 44.1khz Wav’s or Aiff’s upwards. 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 your looking for warm, loud, dynamic etc

What format are files returned in?
Usually files are returned as 16bit 44.1khz Wav’s but we are happy to supply in your requested format. Cdr production masters are available on request and 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 required back so we do try and make sure your 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 5 working days.