Stereo mastering
Stereo mastering is mastering from one finished stereo mix of each song. I set the tone, dynamics, width and level of every track through a hybrid tube and valve chain, then deliver WAV files ready for Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, CD and vinyl.
$100 for a single, $80 per track for EPs and albums, with two rounds of revisions. Book stereo mastering
What you get
- Mastering through analog hardware and digital tools, chosen per song
- Level set for how streaming services play music back, not for the loudest possible number
- Checks on two pairs of speakers and headphones before anything is sent
- High-resolution WAV files, 16-bit/44.1 kHz WAV files and a DDP for CD
- Two rounds of revisions
Is it the right choice
Send a stereo mix when the mix is finished and you're happy with the balance between instruments. If a vocal, kick or bass feels off and you can't go back to the mix, stem mastering will get you further.
Questions
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.
What sample rate and bit depth should I send?
Send the sample rate your session ran at, whether that's 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz, as a 24-bit or 32-bit float WAV. Don't convert or dither it yourself; that happens at the end of mastering.
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.