Specifications for Mastering:
• Files: native sample rate, 24 bits (strongly recommended), without any limiting on the mixbus. Peak level max -3dB.
• Specify the sound you want to achieve, for example: clean, brilliant, dynamic, loud, dark, saturated... References are also welcome.
• Specify the final medium(s), for example: Vinyl, Cassette, CD, or other digital formats.
• Tracks listing (for Vinyl or CD premaster).
• ISRC Codes (if desired).
How do I prepare my files for mastering?
We recommend you to send your files in wav, aiff, or flac formats (or cd) at the highest quality possible. We prefer them delivered in 24 bit, and at the sample rate that you used recording and mixing your work. Please do not up- or down-sample your files - we use top class converters and dithering algorithms in the studio that does the job without producing unwanted artifacts. Please export with a minimum of -3db of headroom. This means that your peak level cannot be louder than -3dbFS. Do not worry about low volume, we have all the tools needed to bring your loudness level high and maintain audio quality.
Why do I need to have my music mastered in a specialized studio?
Mastering is a process that can be likened with both art and science. The role of the mastering engineer is to bring the source material to its highest quality possible. It requires skill, a well trained ear, specialized tools, and an acoustically suitable room. Mastering also entails consideration of limitations specific for different playback mediums, may it be streaming, vinyl, or club compatibility.
What are the advantages of having someone who did not produce or mix a track mastering it?
If you have produced, arranged and/or mixed a musical work, you will know it all by heart. After hours of listening to the same piece your ears are no longer fully analytical of it. This puts you at risk of overlooking details that a new pair of ears would spot. A skilled mastering engineer listens to your music with an objective ear, finding new ways to improve its detail, depth, and loudness levels.
Can I use a limiter or compressor on the mix bus?
You may carefully use a compressor on the mix bus if you like the sound that it produces. We suggest leaving your mix without any sort of limiting effects, as we can provide you with a high quality limiting in our studio.
For further questions and info, don’t hesitate to contact us.