Our service is the last step in the production process. It is the creative bridge between the mix and release of a song. It is the last chance to repair existing problems. It contains artistic and technical aspects as well as the preparation for distribution and replication across multiple release formats such as: Vinyl, CD, iTunes and more.
Stereo & Stem processing: In order to optimize your songs we can either use a stereo wav file or up to 8 multi-tracks to master your music.
During a stereo master one wav file per song will be mastered. The song is processed through our analog gear (eq’s, compressors, limiters etc.).
For a stem master we’re using up to 8 separate tracks per song (instruments, vocals, etc). Stem or Multi-track processing gives our engineer more freedom to enhance your song compared to a stereo master. Its kind of a mixture between a mix and a master just without any usage of creative fx such as reverbs, delays or similar.
On all masters we’re enhancing the stereo width and are creating a consistent sound for a whole project. Our audio mastering service involves matching the volume and dynamics of songs in order to create the final loudness. Your music will sound finished & polished after leaving the studio. We will be fixing mix issues so your songs will sound refined matching your genre. It is important to correct balances in the mix and to enhance the sonic character of the song. We’re also specialists in audio remastering where we enhance already released projects.
Our professional engineer uses eq’s to correct certain frequencies and compression techniques to improve the dynamic range. Your tracks will be playable on a wide variety of systems, such as: Home Hi-Fi Systems, Clubs, iPod, iPad, Notebooks, Cars and many more. This is important to maintain a consistent quality.
How to prepare your files? Allow a headroom between -3 and -6db (The additional signal available above the audio level before clipping occurs). Please make sure to de-ess your vocals so the “s” don’t sound harsh.
Be careful with the bass, less is more especially in genres with heavy sub bass. The bass shouldn’t sound boomy and be much louder then the other instruments.
You can send us either a stereo wav file or up to 8 stems (separate tracks) per song. This technique is great for warming up digital mixes to give them a punchy and clean analog console sound.
Learn more about our Stem Mastering Service.
Our masters are compatible to all digital stores such as iTunes, Amazon, Soundcloud and many more. We can create masters for Apple’s special hd audio section “Mastered for iTunes” on request.
More about Mastered for iTunes.
We are preparing your album for cd duplication. Our engineer will create Red Book CDR’s or DDP files after international audio standards. This ensures your project will be pressed error free.
More about our CD Mastering Services.
We prepare your music for vinyl duplication. We are optimizing your songs for the vinyl cut so a smooth replication process is possible. Furthermore we are analyzing your mixes for vinyl compatibility.
Learn more about Preparation for Vinyl.
First of all a mix and a song being mastered are two completely different tasks.
While a song is being mixed every single instrument & vocal tracks are processed, balanced and cleaned. Multiple tracks are being mixed down to one final version. This can be done either in the digital or analog world using a daw or tape machine. Online Mixing is the next to last step before a track is mastered by an engineer in the studio.
While a song is mastered only a stereo file or in some cases stems of a final mix are used. The songs are always seen as a whole and the “bigger picture” is in the main focus. The dynamic processing differs too, for example a stereo or multi band compressor is used to gain stage and to color the track in combination with a limiter.
During the process, moderate compression is used to enhance the quality.
In order to book a session with us simply email or call us with all details and needs about your project. Try our audio mastering service with a free test master first.
