MASTERING
MASTERING
MASTERING
STEREO || VINYL || CD
Mastering is the final step in the creative process—a delicate balance of technical precision and emotional instinct. The fusion of music and science, ensuring every detail is polished, every nuance preserved, and every track is ready to translate seamlessly across all playback systems. Mastering is not about changing the music—it’s about revealing it. It provides the clarity, depth, and impact that allows music to be felt as much as it is heard. It’s the last opportunity to perfect the sound before release. A well-mastered record doesn’t just play—it resonates. It connects. It stands the test of time. With state-of-the-art monitoring and a meticulous approach, we ensure that your music reaches its full potential—true to the artist’s vision, elevated to its highest form.
PREPARE
Great mastering starts with a great mix. Proper preparation ensures your music reaches its fullest potential. Here’s how to prepare:
Communicate Your Intent: Every record has a story. The more we understand your vision, the better we can bring it to life.
Reference Thoughtfully: If you have a sonic vision, share references — but trust the process. Mastering is about elevating, not imitating.
Know Your Formats: Different formats require different master preparations. Please communicate how you’ll be distributing your music.
Provide High-Quality Files: Send 24-bit or 32-bit Float WAV, AIFF, DSD, or DXD files of the approved stereo mix — avoid MP3s and M4As whenever possible. Keep the integrity of the mix by exporting at the same resolution at which it was recorded and mixed — avoid unnecessary sample rate conversion, dithering and normalizing.
Avoid Over-Thinking: If you love your stereo bus processing, leave it. If you are unsure, provide both a limited and unlimited version. There are no strict requirements for headroom however, rendering 32-bit Float files ensures safety from clipping.
Label and Sequence Clearly: Clearly label track numbers, artist name, titles and mix version. Example: 01_ArtistName_SongTitle_MixVersion. If the album sequence is set, please include a reference file of the full sequence.
Include Metadata (Optional): If you’d like ISRC codes, UPC/EAN, album art, or metadata embedded, please provide them with your files.
INCLUDED FILES
Standard Stereo Mastering includes the following file formats for both the Main and Clean Mix. Additional alternate versions, vinyl sides and DDP images are billed separately:
High Resolution Masters: If delivered at native sample rate, 24-bit / 88.2 or 96kHz interleaved .wav files of the digital master.
Standard Masters: 24-bit / 44.1 or 48kHz interleaved .wav files of the digital master.
CDQ Masters: Upon request, 16-bit / 44.1kHz interleaved .wav files of the digital master. These are standard for CD resolution or for aggregators who don't accept higher-resolution 24-bit masters.
Playback MP3: a Hi-Res 320 kbps MP3 for casual listening and sharing.