Mastering for release

When you need mastering

When your mix sounds right on one speaker but dull or harsh on a phone. When you release an EP and each song has a different loudness. When you head to Spotify, Apple Music, vinyl or radio and want common technical expectations without guessing on limiters.

Mastering does not fix a weak mix. If we hear structural issues (masking, out-of-phase bass) we suggest mixing or a mix revision first—that saves time and money.

What we expect from your mix

Stereo WAV, 24-bit, 44.1 or 48 kHz sample rate. Leave at least 1–3 dB headroom on the mix bus; no brickwall limiter unless you send a deliberate pre-master. Note fades and the exact length you want kept.

For an EP: deliver all titles at the same sample rate and give track order. The €240 package covers up to six songs with one consistent master line. Mastering singles at different times can shift colour; an EP session keeps the set coherent.

Streaming, vinyl and broadcast

Streaming services normalise playback; we aim for healthy integrated loudness without pumping (details in our guide). For vinyl we discuss side length, bass mono and lacquer notes with your plant—we supply audio, not records.

Broadcast and sync sometimes need strict true-peak limits. Mention that in the brief; we export to your spec where possible. Unsure about format? Contact us with your distributor spec handy.

The mastering process in the studio

We listen on full-range monitors in a treated room—the same site where we monitor band and vocal sessions. EQ, multiband dynamics and stereo width are applied subtly; sometimes analog outboard, sometimes digital only, depending on the material.

No flavour-of-the-week preset: every master starts with notes on genre, dynamics and what the mix already does well. On EPs we set a reference master on the strongest track and pull siblings toward it.

Revisions and turnaround

2 revision rounds are included in €78 and €240. Bundle notes: «softer chorus», «more air above 10 kHz», not conflicting instructions per version. Extra passes or stem mastering bill hourly or on quote.

Allow 1 business day for our replies. Typical turnaround for one song is three to seven business days after a solid mix delivery. For hard release dates call 020 737 0418 for rush options.

Pricing and invoicing

Business invoices show NL875024166B01 among other details. Net indication per track: €64.46. Deposit 30%; cancellation rules are in our terms and conditions. Master archives kept 24 months.

Delivery and metadata

You receive a final stereo master as WAV; MP3 or other formats on request. CD DDP can be discussed—not standard in the per-track rate. ISRC, UPC and credits go in at your distributor or label; we do not register rights.

Files go via secure download. When audio contains personal data (speech) our privacy policy applies. For processors: data processing agreement on request.

With recording and mixing

Many clients record here (vocals, band, podcast), then mix at €185 and master at €78. One contact and consistent file naming through the chain.

Already mixed elsewhere? Send the mix. We assess free of charge whether it is master-ready; small mix fixes sit outside mastering unless you book mix hourly.

Before you upload

Re-export without mix-bus compression if unsure. Listen on earbuds and a second device; note what still bothers you. Do not add dither when delivering 24-bit.

More on LUFS and true peak: mastering for streaming. Studio background: about us and FAQ. Find us at Maasstraat 47, Amsterdam—From Vijzelgracht metro (line 52) it is about a 7-minute walk via Ferdinand Bolstraat to Maasstraat. Tram 4 (Stadhouderskade stop) is roughly 5 minutes on foot. On-street parking is limited; P+R or garages near Overtoom are easier.

Included

• Listening check and technical review of your mix
• EQ, dynamics and stereo polish for release
• Loudness aligned to your platform goal
• EP sequence and consistency (EP rate)
• 2 revision rounds on the master proof
• Final WAV master (24-bit default)
• Master file storage for 24 months