Questions about mastering
File preparation, loudness, stems, turnaround and delivery. If your question isn't here, ask me directly.
Questions
What is audio mastering?
Mastering is the last step before a record is released. The mastering engineer takes the finished mix and adjusts its tone, dynamics and level so it sounds right on any system, from earbuds to large speakers, and keeps the songs consistent with each other. The result is the set of final files sent to streaming services, CD plants or vinyl cutters.
What is the difference between stereo mastering and stem mastering?
Stereo mastering works from one finished stereo mix per song. Stem mastering works from 4 to 8 grouped stems, such as drums, bass, music and vocals, so the engineer can fix balance problems like a buried vocal or harsh cymbals that can't be fully corrected in a stereo mix.
How should I prepare my mix for mastering?
Export a 24-bit or 32-bit float WAV at your session's sample rate, with nothing on the master bus that limits or maximizes level. Leave a few dB of headroom, with peaks around -3 to -6 dBFS. Add a short note about the record and one or two reference tracks you like the sound of.
How loud will my master be?
As loud as the music can take without losing its punch. Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube turn loud tracks down to a normalized level, so a heavily limited master usually sounds smaller on streaming.
Do you use analog gear?
Yes. I use a hybrid chain with a Thermionic Culture Phoenix valve compressor, an Audioscape E VCA bus compressor, and Hendyamps Michelangelo and Goly NetEQ equalizers. I monitor on HEDD Type 20 MK2 and Dynaco A250 speakers and HEDDphone Air Motion Transformer headphones.
How long does mastering take?
Most projects are delivered within 3–7 business days. If you have a release date, mention it when you book and I'll schedule around it. Delivery within 48 hours costs 50% extra.
How many revisions are included?
Two rounds of revisions are included. They cover changes to the master, like tone, level or the spacing between songs. A new mix counts as a new master.
How much does mastering cost at Oak Tapes?
Stereo mastering is $100 for a single and $80 per track for EPs and albums. Stem mastering is $140 per track for up to 8 stems. Instrumental or alternate versions are $20 per track, and a vinyl premaster is $75 per project. Every project includes two rounds of revisions, hi-res and 16-bit/44.1 kHz WAV files, and a DDP for CD.
Do you offer mixing?
No, Oak Tapes is mastering only. If your mix has a balance problem you can't fix yourself, stem mastering lets me adjust things like vocal level or low end without a remix.
Do you work with artists outside New York?
Yes. Every session is online: you send a download link from anywhere, and I send the masters back the same way.
What files will I receive?
High-resolution WAV masters for distributors like DistroKid, CD Baby or TuneCore, plus 16-bit/44.1 kHz WAV files and a DDP for CD manufacturing. Vinyl premasters are available as an add-on.
What genres do you master?
Mostly jazz, indie rock, alternative and singer-songwriter records, and anything acoustic or dynamic.
How do I pay and send files?
Send your project through the contact form with a download link from Dropbox, Google Drive or WeTransfer. I'll reply by email with a quote and payment details before I start.