WHAT IS MASTERING?

Mastering is the last step in the creative process, and the first step in the distribution process. This is the LAST TIME anything can be changed before it’s released into the world. The mastering engineer exists to be that buffer and help guide a record to a final, commercially ready product and piece of art. Having a new set of ears evaluate your record in a superior monitoring environment, with deep knowledge in audio and music is VITAL.

Mastering engineers handle a lot more than just “making it loud”. While loudness is one of our jobs there is a lot more to it than just that, that separates a good sounding record from a great sounding record. 

Some things the mastering engineer is responsible for;

-File formatting and conversion with superior tools to achieve the best overall sound. 

-Distribution deliverables such as CD DDPs, audio for video, and vinyl sides. 

-QC [Quality control] to make sure your record doesn’t have any clicks, pops, bad fades, distortion, etc. 

-Loudness standards and translation from medium to medium (such as CD, Digital, And Vinyl, which all can require different masters)

-Sonic Evaluation and balance throughout your record. This is again, THE LAST TIME anything can be changed. Our goal is to provide you with the best sounding record possible while also tailoring to each medium’s specifics so you go home with a killer sounding, professional piece of art.

The mastering engineer is both a guide through the ending processes and another set of fresh critical ears that is not worth skipping. 

Preparing for Mastering

Please note the following checklist BEFORE submitting files to mastering.

  • Are the mixes bounced as 24-bit wav files?

  • Have limiters been removed from the output bus? [if using a limiter, please provide a limited version as well for my reference]

  • Am I receiving the correct mix version to master?

  • Have you listened to the mix outside of a DAW before submitting?

  • Have you bounced out instrumentals, radio edits, etc if needed?

  • Is this actually the final mix?

things i need to know

Please send the following info to me along with the submitted files.

  • Song order

  • Where the files are going and how they are being distributed

    • Sending to CDBaby/Distrokid?

    • Attaching to a video separately?

    • Submitting manually to each platform?

    • Printing to a CD? Vinyl? Cassette?

  • How you would like your songs to fade into each other [if any preference]

  • What references you’d like me to look at

  • Do you have any artistic direction/aesthetic you’re looking for in the master?

  • Do you like the mix? Or does it need a lil somethin’?

master resolutions available

STREAMING

  • 44-16 - 44.1kHz, 16-bit, for CD / Digital upload

  • 44-24 - 44.1kHz, 24-bit, for Digital Download sites

  • 48-24 - 48kHz, 24bit, for video or YouTube

  • 96-24 or 88-24 - 96kHz, 24-bit or 88.2kHz, 24-bit, for HD streaming sites such as Tidal

CD ready

  • CD DDP - available for an added $25 fee.

  • PLEASE PROVIDE ISRC AND UPC CODES [for more info click here] AND ALBUM ART

    *Distribution services can also supply these codes upon submission*

VINYL ready / VINYL MASTERING

  • PRE VINYL - available for an added $25 fee.

  • PLEASE PROVIDE CORRECTLY SPELLED SONG NAMES/ARTIST NAMES/CATALOG NUMBERS/ALBUM ART

  • Vinyl Cutting/Mastering: Please see THIS link for more information.

FAQ

What do you charge?

  • Singles: $125

  • Multi-Song Projects: $85/per song

  • Alt mixes (Instrumental, TV, etc.): $25/per addt. mix

How do I hire you to master my project?

  • Navigate to the “Book A Session” tab and follow the instructions to book a session with me!

How do I send you my files?

  • Please upload files to: https://joshsebek.wetransfer.com/

How will my files be delivered?

Songs will be delivered via WeTransfer. Files will be organized by master number / revision number and will remain active while the current project is ongoing. [see master resolutions for folder schemes]

*CD masters will be delivered via ZIP file - to play your DDP please click this link

*Vinyl prep masters will be delivered in side order alongside a PQ sheet and engineer contact info for your plant of choice

How many revisions do you offer?

I offer the initial Master Reference and two revisions for the original project price. Following revisions will be quoted for the original project price.

How do I pay you?

Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle wire transfer is just fine!

Have more questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch!