Mastering
How it works
Submit your files and other helpful info (metadata, reference tracks, vinyl manufacturer, etc…) via the mastering form below and we will send you an invoice. For new clients, it can be helpful to get in touch to discuss your goals before your first mastering session.
Once your invoice is paid, the mastering process will begin. This may start with receiving optional mix notes for your songs. If you are mixing your own tracks this can be a helpful step as it can offer insights into issues that may be best addressed in the mix prior to mastering. If you have questions check out the FAQ below and feel free to reach out with any questions.
Pricing
2-5 songs
- Hybrid Mastering
- Mix Notes
- Album Sequencing
- Metadata
Single
- Hybrid Mastering
- Mix Notes
- Metadata
6+ Songs
- Hybrid Mastering
- Mix Notes
- Album Sequencing
- Metadata
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure what mastering is or why you might need it? Check out this helpful article here to learn about the process: https://diymusician.cdbaby.com/releasing-music/what-is-music-mastering/
Here, songs are mastered using a combination of analog outboard gear and digital plug-ins. Each song is different and the exact processing choices are made based on what best serves each song. In most situations your song is processed in real time as it passes through analog outboard gear and any appropriate digital processing is applied before and/or after the analog chain.
- Make sure you do not have any peaks on your master bus, we recommend peaks no louder than -1. Check the loudest parts of your song and areas with loud hits from percussive elements like drums.
- Highly recommend removing or disabling all plugins/processing on your master bus.
- DO NOT SEND MP3s! Export .wav or .aiff stereo files using the same sample rate and bit depth as the session.
- Make sure the beginning and end of your songs are trimmed to exactly where you want them to be or specify that you’d like the mastering engineer to have creative freedom over start and end points/fades.
- Label tracks with the track number and exact spelling of the song title. Use the format: “01Song Name.wav” to avoid any confusion.
Once you have prepared your tracks, fill out the Mastering Form. Within the mastering form you can include a link to your files or upload a .zip containing your files. This form will also give you an opportunity to enter your metadata exactly as you would like it to appear in your files.
Once you have submitted your files you will typically receive an invoice within 24 hours. Invoice payments can be made via Venmo to venmo.com/u/Jake-Stillman or using a bank transfer through a convenient payment window within the invoice. Once payment has been received, work will begin on your masters.
If you request mix notes via the mastering form you will receive a list of comments, potential edits, and/or processing settings for changes that would be better addressed in the mixing process to ensure that your songs reach their fullest potential. Clients often feel that this is a valuable step in the process of working with a mastering engineer. Notes are typically delivered within 48 hours of receiving your master. Once you have received your notes you will have the opportunity to resubmit your tracks or proceed with mastering as is.
This totally depends on how busy it is and the size of your project. Typically turnaround time is within 2 weeks of receiving payment or receiving your final mixes (following mix notes if requested). Just reach out if you have questions about availability. If you need a quick turnaround we can usually accommodate for an extra fee. Contact us directly to request a quick turnaround.
Your engineer will work with you to achieve the sound that you are looking for. Most often clients are happy with their masters after the first run, but if you would like the engineer to make changes to the master, revisions will be made free of charge. Three or more revisions often indicate an issue in the mix, you will be able to discuss potential solutions with your engineer.
Mastering can often reveal issues that may have been overlooked during the mixing process. This will often be resolved through mastering notes but if you find that you would like to make a change to your mix after mastering, your engineer will provide one set of mix resubmissions for free. Major changes (removing a part completely or major balance adjustments will require completely new settings) and all resubmissions following the first cost $25 each.
Alternate versions, such as instrumentals, are charged at a rate of $25 per alternate.
Yes! Use the contact form to request a sample. Include a link to an original track via wetransfer, google drive, dropbox, etc… and be sure to follow the “making sure your tracks are ready for mastering” steps above. You may include a link to a reference track that embodies the tonal qualities or style you hope to emulate, Youtube works fine for this. You will receive a portion of your song in MP3 format, typically within 5 business days.
Metadata is information about your songs which is embedded directly into the music files. Metadata can include the artist name, album name, genre, ISRC codes, and more. Most digital distributors like CD Baby or Distrokid will add metadata themselves, so this has become a less important step in the modern digital distribution era. On the other hand, if you hope to send these files to your local CD manufacturer this may be an important and relevant step. There are metadata editors available online but we will add this information to your files as part of our mastering service if you want. For more information on exactly what metadata is and why you might want it check out this helpful link from CD Baby