Mastering

Mastering is the final polish stage in music production, prepared to optimize a track for distribution. A mastering engineer focuses on ensuring the track translates well across playback systems and formats.

Key objectives:

Loudness consistency:
Achieve competitive level without sacrificing dynamics.
Total balance:
Ensure the overall spectrum is clear and musical.
Stereo imaging and width:
Appropriate spatial sense without phase issues.
Technical readiness:
Appropriate loudness standards and metadata for streaming, CD, and vinyl.

Typical tools and techniques:

EQ for fine-tuning balance across the full mix.
Compression/limiting to control peaks and maximize loudness.
Stereo enhancement and imaging tweaks to shape width.
M/S processing and multiband processing for targeted adjustments.
A/D conversion considerations and dither when final formats are rendered.

Deliverables

Finalized stereo master files at required formats (e.g., WAV/FLAC with 24 or 16-bit, appropriate sample rates).

Metadata (ISRCs, track titles) and track-specific loudness notes.

Recording services are priced $60 AUD, per hour.