Mastering
What mastering means?
Music mastering is the process of preparing and finalizing a mixed track for distribution. Mastering is the final stage in audio production, and its goal is to ensure that the track sounds as good as possible in all listening environments.
Why is mastering important?
- Sound Quality: A well-mastered track sounds professional and high-quality. Mastering highlights the best aspects of the mix and finalizes the track's overall quality.
- Competitiveness: In the music industry, competition is fierce, and an unmastered or poorly mastered track may not be competitive in terms of quality. Well-mastered music stands up well against other commercial releases.
- Readiness for Distribution: A mastered track is fully prepared for delivery to distributors.
- Consistency: Mastering ensures that all released tracks sound consistent and balanced in quality.
What mastering involves?
Listening and Analysis
Mastering begins with listening to and familiarizing oneself with the track. At this stage, potential issues are identified, and it is determined which aspects need special adjustment.
Equalization (EQ)
EQ is used to adjust the frequency balance of the track, ensuring it sounds balanced and pleasant on all listening devices. EQ can emphasize or attenuate specific frequencies.
Dynamic Processing
Dynamic processing involves using a compressor, limiter, and possibly an expander. A compressor evens out volume fluctuations, keeping the track's volume consistent. A limiter ensures that the volume does not exceed a certain level, preventing unwanted distortion.
Stereo Image Management
Stereo image management involves adjusting the width and depth of the soundscape. This may include expanding or narrowing the stereo image and placing different elements more precisely within the stereo field (stem mastering).
Saturation and Coloration
Saturation and coloration add harmonic frequencies and warmth to the track. This brings additional character and depth to the music.
Normalization and Volume Optimization
In the final stages of the mastering process, the track's volume is optimized to meet contemporary volume standards. Normalization ensures that the track's peak levels are technically correct. This involves considering the target level, such as the reference track's volume relative to the track being mastered.
Final Rendering and Format Conversion
Finally, the mastered track is rendered into the final format. Format conversions are done as needed to ensure the track is suitable for various distribution channels, such as streaming services or CDs.
Delivery format for the track?
The track should be delivered for mastering in the following formats: WAV file format, 24- or 32- bit depth, and resolution of 44,100 Hz or 48,000 Hz (higher resolutions are also acceptable). We recommend that the master track to be as clean as possible without any processing. Ensure that the track's peak levels do not exceed zero (0 dB). This is important because digital distortion (clipping) negatively affects the quality of the master. We can also master 16-bit WAV files and MP3 formats if higher quality files are not available.
Pricelist
1 Track Mastering 59€ (Campaing)
- Mastering for a one song stereo track
- New settings or new mixdown + 19EUR
- 12 Hour delivery 119EUR
- First master is for free (limited time only) no free re-visions in campaing.
Multitrack Mastering 99€
- Stem mastering offers greater flexibility in finalizing a track. In stem mastering, different elements such as vocals, drums, synths, and bass can be individually adjusted.
- Audio tracks: 4-8 tracks, additional tracks + €15 each
Podcast or mixtape mastering
The service includes balancing the levels and improving the quality of the audio tracks, ensuring your podcast sounds professional and pleasant to listeners. Request a quote!
Mixing and Mastering bundle 199€
- Includes mixing and mastering for one track.
- Express mixing and mastering within 24 hours €399