Unveil every song.

MASTERING

This is the final creative process for a mix.
Prior to release, mastering represents the critical final step that requires the expertise of a skilled and talented engineer to maximize the investment made in the song up to this point.

  • Mastering entails refining a mix, adding the final processes to enhance specific sonic attributes. This process includes fine-tuning levels, EQ, tonal shaping, density, implementing stereo enhancements, and vigilant monitoring for any imperfections like clicks, pops, and plosives that might detract from the music. The result is a finished sound based upon the musical esthetic goal that is now tailored and prepared for seamless playback across various formats and platforms, such as, streaming services, MP3, Hi-Res, CD, *vinyl, radio, or broadcast so that it will translate well in any listening environment. 

  • Mastering ensures coherence throughout the entire album and readies the music for distribution across diverse formats.

  • This post-production creative process can range anywhere from mild “kid gloves” treatment to significant contribution in the sonic destination. Each record or song that I master is handled on a client by client basis, assessing vision and goals to determine the best possible mastering approach.

  • All of my mastering work is treated as if it were my own project. My goal is to maximize the best sonic characteristics and eliminate or diminish any negative sonic issues. With the vast array of tools available, there is great potential for each project to be taken to a high level of sonic musicality.

  • Whether it’s for a record or a single, one of the main goals is sonic cohesion to match the “sound” and levels throughout the project or the various singles being released.

I’m dedicated to providing a phenomenal master that competes with the best:

  • I am personally involved in direct dialogue from the outset.

  • I offer in-depth feedback on mixes to address potential issues that could compromise or bring unnecessary problems into the mastering process.

  • I will send one of your songs mastered to ensure you’re 100% pleased, prior to mastering the entire project.

  • I offer stem mastering, a process that involves mastering a song from multiple stereo tracks (sub-mixes), known as a stems. This allows the ability to manipulate the sound of the stems to contribute to the final master in a way that offers far deeper control and sonic possibilities.

    • If this option is of interest, please contact me to discuss these possibilities and the protocols needed for this type of mastering.

Mastering is also often needed for the following audio files to ensure proper industry standard levels, to achieve optimum tonality, remove unwanted background noises, etc:

  • Spoken word recordings of any kind can benefit greatly.

    • Modern tools are available that can remove nearly anything unwanted from your source file to restore and save what would previously have been considered unusable. “Sweetening” any voice or audio, transforming it into a professional sounding product.

      • Audio books

      • Voice-overs

      • Sermons

      • Lectures

  • Videos with any audio and/or spoken word, often needs the audio mastered.

    • Adjusting volume incongruencies, tone, overall levels and balance, etc.

      • The mastered audio is then consolidated back into the video file.

  • Soundtracks for movie scores, streaming shows, and television.

*Mastering for vinyl requires different levels, EQ, and potential time constraints for song layout. Vinyl has made a comeback in recent years because of it’s own unique sound. It will not be mastered as loud as the typical modern record in a digital format, therefore retaining greater dynamic range (This is a genre dependent statement). We can discuss vinyl as an add on option if you are interested. Some artists prefer vinyl as a limited edition run as a special order for fans.

Things to Know

Since you desire the best possible sonic experience for your audience — mastering is essential.

  • File formats: 24 or 32-bit WAV, AIFF at a sample rate of 44.1 or higher.

    • The ideal format is what the mix session is using. Print the mixes at the same resolution.

      • I recommend printing the mix to another stereo track vs bouncing the mix.

        • Then export the mix keeping the same bit depth and sample rate of the project.

  • Mix peak levels are flexible. Anywhere from around -12 dBTP on up, as long as it doesn’t clip or exceed 0dbTP.

  • If you recorded at a lower resolution like16-bit, I would advise mixing at the higher recommended resolutions of 24 or 32-bit, but maintaining the same sample rate.

  • Keep in mind that I am also a mix engineer. The benefit to mixing AND mastering a project is the immediate access to making mix adjustments if/when needed during the mastering process. Click on Mixing in the menu to learn more.

  • Pricing is based on a client by client basis. Call or message me to discuss your project.