Mastering

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MASTERING, MAXIMIZING & FINALIZING

Mastering is a form of post production editing and is the process of transfer the final stereo mix into the master medium that will be used for reproduction. However the main purpose of mastering also involves procedures to balance the energy of a mix and optimise sound translation on all playback systems. When it comes to albums or collection of tracks the mastering procedure should also include operations that will insure the overall homogeneity of the album in frequency and amplitude aspects.

ALBUM MASTERING

ALBUM MASTERING

Mastering for collection of tracks in Albums and EP’s.

STEM MASTERING

STEM MASTERING

Advanced Stem Mastering Tecnique

STEREO MASTERING

STEREO MASTERING

Stereo Maximazing & Finalizing

MASTERING PROCEDURES

EQUALIZING

Treating the frequency aspects of the mix by attenuating, boosting or troubleshooting.

STEREO IMAGING

The process of balancing and treating the stereo image of a mix so it will gain all advantages of stereo sound.

MULTIBAND COMPRESSION

Independent dynamics processing and manipulation for multiple frequency bands to ensure accurate reproducing.

EXCITING AND ROOMING

Gives a harmonisation boosting and adds character and mood to the final product.

MAXIMIZING

Level maximizing will make sure your track sounds loud enough but without also destroying the dynamics in it.

FILE DELIVERY

Our masters are delivered in high quality uncompressed WAV audio files and additional MP3 and FLAC files for Web use.

STEREO VS STEM MASTERING

Stem mastering is different from Stereo mastering as it involves more procedures but more precision to the final master. Stem mastering uses a number of grouped instruments such as drums, keyboards, bass, guitars, vocals and Effects grouped in stem stereo or split stereo files. This allows the mastering engineer additional scope to discretely enhance and optimize any specific set of instruments within a mix down. It also affords enhancement based on the summing of the stems. Additionally, standard stereo mastering processes are also included. Stem mastering can produce subjectively improved sonic results, increased depth and dimension to the resulting master.

STEREO MASTERING FILE REQUIREMENTS

What We Expect from your files:
  • Export your mix down as interleaved or split stereo file. Make Sure it is starts and ends smoothly.
  • Leave somewhere between -6dB to -3dB of headroom at the highest peak in the track.
  • We accept WAV or AIFF files at 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96kHz; 16 or 24 bit.
  • Make sure to bypass all effects processing applied to the master bus channel before exporting.
  • For songs with loud drums is recommended to provide an additional mix with kicks and snares adjusted at +3db peak from the rest of the mix .
  • Feel free to include reference files that are close to your expectations. A commercial song is only a guide and results are completely dependent on the quality and style of the mix provided.
  • Please provide along with your files Barcodes and ISRCs where applicable.

STEM MASTERING FILE REQUIREMENTS

What We Expect from your files:
  • Your files should have the same duration, sample rate and bit depth.
  • Export your stems from exactly the same time code position in your digital audio workstation time line so they will synchronize in any digital audio workstation.
  • We accept WAV or AIFF files at 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96kHz; 16 or 24 bit.
  • We cannot accept DAW sessions (i.e Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase etc).
  • Group all effects in one or more separate tracks and leave as dry as possible the rest of the groups.
  • If your music has loud drum sounds provide the Kick and Snare into separate tracks. All other drum sounds can be on the same group..
  • If you make dance music provide your main synth leads into separate stems
  • Make sure the levels of your stems are exactly the same as in your main mix. When all stems are mixed at 0 db you should listen an identical version of your full mix.
  • Include your full mix separately for us to use it as reference file along with any other reference files of commercial songs. Note that a commercial song is only a guide and results are completely dependent on the quality and style of the mix provided.
  • Please along with your files provide Barcodes and ISRCs where applicable.

STEM GROUPING EXAMPLE #1

  • Stem Mix #1 – Kick
  • Stem Mix #2 – Snare
  • Stem Mix #3 – Rest of the Drum kit
  • Stem Mix #4 – Bass Instruments
  • Stem Mix #5 – Electric Guitars
  • Stem Mix #6 – Acoustic Instruments
  • Stem Mix #7 – Keys/Strings/Pads/Synths
  • Stem Mix #8 – Main Vocals
  • Stem Mix #9 – Background Vocals
  • Stem Mix #11 – Every other instrument
  • Stem Mix #12 – Effects (only Wet Signal)

WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM US

  • We will accept 2 revisions for you master
  • Preview files are delivered in 16 bit 44.1 kHz versions
  • Final master files are delivered in WAV format in any sample rate and bit depth you desire.
  • Additional MP3 or FLAC file is also provided.
  • Masters in mediums such as Vinyls is available as a separate service
  • Digital Publishing and distribution to all major music sites and shops is available as a separate service

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