FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Audio mastering is the final step in the music production process that involves preparing the final mix for distribution. It involves enhancing the overall sound quality of the mix, adjusting the levels, equalization, compression, and other processing to ensure that the final product sounds its best across various playback systems.

Common tools we use in audio mastering include digital and analog eqeualizers, compressors, limiters, stereo wideners, harmonic exciters, and dithering. Techniques used in mastering include adjusting the overall volume levels, balancing the frequency spectrum, managing dynamics, adding warmth, and creating a consistent sound across multiple tracks.

It's best to submit your audio files in the highest quality format possible, such as WAV or AIFF (such as 44.1khz 24bit) Avoid submitting MP3 files as they are compressed and can result in a loss of quality.

The time it takes to master a track can vary depending on the complexity of the project, the number of tracks involved, and the amount of processing required. Typically, a single track can take a few hours to master, while an album can take several days.

Mixing involves adjusting the individual tracks of a song and balancing their levels, panning, and effects to create a cohesive sound. Mastering, on the other hand, involves processing the final mix to create a polished and cohesive final product that is ready for distribution.

Before sending your audio files for mastering, ensure that they are properly mixed and edited. This includes ensuring that the levels are consistent, there are no pops or clicks, and any unwanted background noise has been removed. It's also important to leave enough headroom in the mix to allow for additional processing during mastering.

A good mastering engineer should provide a polished final product that meets your expectations and is ready for distribution. They should also be able to provide guidance on how to prepare your audio files for mastering, provide feedback on the mix, and make suggestions for improvements if necessary ahead of mastering.

The cost of audio mastering can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the experience of the mastering engineer. Typically, mastering can cost anywhere from €50 to several hundred euro per track or more for an album. Our mastering rates start at €60 per song for stereo mastering