Mastering

Who this service fits

Self-mixing artists who want a second opinion before upload, producers finishing an EP or album with one continuous sound, and small labels batching singles: these are our typical clients. Bands that tracked in our live room and had mixing here often return for mastering so the same engineer knows the chain from tape to export.

Mastering is a poor fit when the mix still has major issues — missing low end, clipped mix bus, vocals buried under instruments. We will say so and discuss a mix revision before mastering starts. That saves time and avoids disappointment on release day.

What to deliver

Send a stereo mix, or stems by arrangement, with clear file names and no limiter on the mix bus. Prefer 24-bit WAV or AIFF at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, consistent within the project. Include BPM, key and any fades you already printed.

For albums: track order, desired gaps and whether you need gapless playback. Our guide delivering stems for mixing targets mixing workflows, but naming and headroom advice applies to mastering too. Unsure? Email a short note via [email protected].

Loudness and platforms

Streaming services normalise playback; pushing level in mastering rarely wins and often adds distortion. We align with common digital targets and discuss what suits your genre and dynamics. Loudness for streaming platforms explains how LUFS, true peak and album-level loudness interact — without forcing one number on every style.

Need vinyl or CD as well? Say so at intake. Vinyl needs different bass and stereo choices; we deliver separate masters or notes for the plant, depending on what your distributor expects.

Sequence, metadata and DDP

On EPs and albums we sequence for consistent tone and level. Gaps follow your brief: tight for club tracks, longer breath for acoustic sets. Send ISRCs and titles; we embed them where the file format allows.

Full DDP for CD replication is outside the standard per-track fee; we quote if you need it. Most indie releases only need hi-res WAV masters per song plus a single sequence export for final listening.

Revisions and scope

Our mastering fees include 2 revision rounds: slightly less sibilance, one song a touch louder in album context, a different fade. Structural changes or a completely new mix after delivery are out of scope and quoted separately.

Send revision notes in one email with timecodes or track names when possible. We reply during studio hours: Mon–Fri 9:30–18:30, Sat 12–17. Payment and cancellation are covered in FAQ and terms and conditions.

Pricing and VAT

Prices on this page are consumer rates including 21% VAT. Business invoicing is available with 21-day payment terms when company details are verified. Album projects may require a 35% deposit; your quote states this clearly.

Tracks beyond bundle limits are billed per song. Full legal terms: terms and conditions.

Turnaround

A single track usually takes three to five business days after we receive a solid mix. EPs and albums are scheduled together; holiday peaks may add a little time. Rush is sometimes possible for a surcharge when the calendar allows — call 020 623 8147.

We do not run anonymous bulk mastering without intake: each job gets an engineer from our team, including work by our studio coordinator. That matches a 4-room studio operating since 2021, not a faceless upload farm.

Not included

Mixing, editing, tuning, sample clearance, artwork, distribution to stores and marketing are separate. We do not repair corrupt files or upscale lossy MP3s into fake hi-res masters — always start from the best mix you have.

No mix yet? See mixing or vocal recording if you want to build stems here. Rights questions: terms and legal notice.