High Quality Audio Mastering for CD and the Digital Download Age
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What format should I deliver the music to you in?
The best format is PC or MAC data CD/DVD containing WAV or AIFF files. It's best to record your tracks at 24 bit and a sample rate of 44.1khz if your intended target is CD, although any sample rate up to 96khz can be submitted. A normal 16bit/44.1Khz audio CD is also fine. I can also accept good old fashioned DAT tapes at either 16 or 24 bit if you prefer to work this way.
If you are unsure about how to best present your tracks, just ask.
Can I upload the tracks to a server for you?
Yes, I can provide you with FTP details if this is preferable. Alternatively, feel free to upload them to your own space where we can access them.
What should I do to the tracks before sending them?
In a word, nothing. Please don't additionally compress or heavily limit your tracks over and above what you did at mixdown. This is the most common cause of problems at mastering. Eq'ing and balancing a dynamically flat track that is constantly hitting 0.0 db through too much limiting can be a frustrating task at the best of times, leave all this to me. It's also advisable not to normalise the tracks. Some mix compression can be an important part of what makes a track sound great though so don't be afraid to use it creatively! Again if you are unsure about anything, just ask.
What do you do at the mastering stage?
Top and tailing (fades), EQ, transparent through to creative compression, click removal, spatial balancing, volume balancing and limiting.
Additionally I can edit your tracks to remove unwanted sections, edit the tracks for radio, or any other kinds of editing which you are not able to do before mastering. If you just want to add/remove or replace a section, I wont charge extra for this. I will always try not to make additional charges for this service within reason.
What happens if I dont like what I hear?
The most important thing for me is that you are happy with what you hear. If there is anything you are unsatisfied with, let me know. I want to find out what you are not happy with and ensure that any subsequent changes I make are right. There are no charges for this. It's important you are happy with the work and it's important for me to know that you are happy.
I always talk to you before a session to discuss the tracks. You might want the tracks to be as loud as possible, or you might have another track in mind that you would like to push your track towards in overall sound and feel. Maybe you feel that the tracks need some creative compression to give a different feel, or add more pump for certain applications. There are many variables and approches to consider so I always listen to you before we start a session.
I have been on the other side of the coin many times as a musician, mixing engineer and producer and fully appreciate how frustrating it can be if your music is returned to you and the mastering engineer has taken desicions about your music your not happy with. Please don't be worried about speaking to me in these situations, it's important!
How quick is your turnaround?
Normally 3 days from receipt of your CD, although occassionally longer if the job is particularly involved or there are special instructions.
Give me other examples of where mastering can be useful?
Aside from CD production and digital downloads, mastering your music can be extremly beneficial if you are preparing demos for record labels and want to create the best impact. Maybe you have your own website that your using to get interest in your music, or maybe you're selling your own CD's at gigs. Maybe you are cutting vinyl at an unattended cut and would like to provide a pre-master. Under these circumstances I can give the time to your mixes that isn't always possible in a large commercial facility that has a very limited time per booking. Whatever the intended application, theres no substitute for good mastering!