Mastering FAQ
Why does my recording need Mastering?
Mastering brings everything together in your track, ensuring it sounds great no matter where it's played. It's the last step in the post-production process that gives your music that polished, "ready-to-go" vibe.
What kind of can i expect from Mastering?
Your final mixes are fine-tuned to ensure a smooth and cohesive sound for your project. This includes adjusting the EQ for better balance, enhancing the dynamic range and stereo image, reducing noise, and fixing any issues. Plus, we’ll handle the editing, sequencing, and prepping the files for the formats you need, along with adding the necessary metadata.
What is the difference between Mastering and Stem Mastering?
Stem Mastering gives me greater control over my adjustments. For instance, if I want to boost the guitar's high end, I can do that without messing with nearby frequencies, like brightening the cymbals. Similarly, if the vocals are too prominent and need to be toned down, I can adjust them without changing the overall mix's sound.
Do i really need a separate Master for additional formats?
Different formats have different requirements and limitations, so we always recommend separate masters to ensure each version reaches its full potential.
What to do before Mastering
1
Leave Headroom
When sending your mixes over for mastering, please leave around 5dB of headroom. The loudest parts of your mix should be 5dB below 0.
2
No Master Bus Processing
Turn off any master bus compression or limiting. This includes any effects or plug-ins on the master bus. In the case you prefer to mix with a master bus compressor, it's best to use it sparingly. Please transfer a version of your mix without the bus compressor as well.
3
File Formats
The final mixes should be stereo or split mono .wav or .aiff format at the sample and bitrate they were mixed.
4
Evaluation
Before starting mastering, we will evaluate your mix and suggest changes if necessary or possible. Sometimes a fresh perspective will reveal things that the artist or mixing engineer missed during the mixing session, which can be improved upon to deliver the best results.
