Mastering
“Never has a production process been understood by so few, but affected so many.”
Winston Churchill, Abbey Road, 1962
The least understood, yet arguably, the most important element of production, mastering is an essential process for translating your music across the enormous range of speakers and platforms it may encounter. From a technical point of view, that means adaptive EQ, multi-band compression and limiting, and moreover, a highly experienced set of ears to make sure it’ll sound good on everything from high-end hi-fi to a Bluetooth speaker on the beach.
It also gives artistic opportunity. Small mix issues can be sorted, and furthermore, we can give the track a shape and a colour, beyond that of the original mix. You only have to listen to the vast array of remasters around nowadays to hear how powerful it can be.
Furthermore, stem mastering processes not just the stereo mix, but the individual key components (e.g., Vox, Drums, Bass, Guitars). This gives us even more opportunity to perhaps make that vocal shine or the kick drum slam the floor.
I employ a variety of analogue and digital gear to achieve the sound you’re after. Whilst doing a collection of tracks for say an album, I continually compare them against one another to create a cohesive sound, yet absolutely refrain from making a one-size-fits-all template and just running them through the machine. Furthermore, I encourage you to send me reference tracks from other artists, as they are invaluable indicators of your desired final sound.
Engaging me to master your tracks means a professional set of ears, with a fresh perspective and years of experience.
I have great affection for mastering – so often an absolute privilege to add the final touches to someone’s music.
A Word About Volume
“The Loudness War” and adapting masters for streaming services.
How loud to make your track has always been the biggest decision with mastering, and the fact that streaming services are now applying their own volume reduction certainly complicates things further.
It’s not all bad news, though. If handled properly, they give us the opportunity to honourably withdraw from the loudness war and maintain the dynamics you worked so hard to capture. I think it’s a good thing.
Saying that, I’m hearing much now along the lines of needing to do a different master for each platform. I think that is, in most cases, unnecessary.
I discuss this in more detail on the FAQ page.
Mix Review
We can dive right into the mastering process as soon as you’re ready, but should you have any doubts or questions about your mixes, I am more than happy to listen through them and address any concerns on either side. Fixing issues at this stage, such as the main vocal being too quiet, or excessive bus compression, makes my job easier and will ultimately give you a better result.
Mastering Pricing
| Single (1 track) | £50 per track |
| EP (2 – 4 tracks) | £45 per track |
| Album (5+ tracks) | £40 per track |
Optional Extras
- Complimentary mix review – optimise your track before we begin the process
- Stem Mastering – for the ultimate finely-tuned result
- Expedited Delivery available – for that last minute change of plan!
- Combined digital and vinyl mastering package – it’s not twice the work, don’t pay twice the price!
What Next?
Get in touch and talk to me about your project.
See examples of my work, and what my clients say about me.
Read about the process – how will we work together?
