Mastering

Who this service is for

Independent artists releasing a single, labels finishing an EP, producers who mix in the box but want a fresh mastering ear, and bands that recorded in our live room and want a neutral final step. Companies with jingle or library material that must sit at a consistent level are welcome too — as long as the source is a stereo mix.

Mastering does not replace mixing: if vocals sit too low or the bass is muddy, we send you back to mix work or to our mixing desk. That saves revisions and disappointment after release.

What to deliver

Supply one stereo file per song, ideally:

• Format: WAV, 24-bit, your project sample rate (48 kHz is common)
• Headroom: peaks around −3 to −6 dBFS, no mix-bus limiter already squashing everything
• Naming: song title + version (e.g. track01_mix_v3.wav)
• Optional: instrumental if you may need stems later for sync

Include reference tracks that are not yours but show the level you want — that often works faster than long written briefs. If you plan to remix from stems later, our stem delivery guide explains how we like files organised.

Sequence and album flow

EP and album mastering is not only about each song in isolation but about order: gaps, crossfades and whether side A and side B feel right. You provide the track list and desired pause lengths; we deliver one master per song plus a sequence sheet for your aggregator or plant.

For vinyl we discuss side length early. Long programmes sometimes need slightly lower overall loudness — we explain the trade-offs openly, without promising what a cut will accept.

Loudness and streaming

Platforms normalise playback; extremely loud masters rarely help. We aim at common targets (often around −14 LUFS on many streamers) unless you deliberately want another aesthetic. The format guide lists what Spotify, Apple Music and download stores expect.

True peak stays controlled so lossy conversion does not surprise you with clips. Where useful you get both a streaming master and a variant with a little more headroom for your own archive.

Rates at a glance

All figures on this page are consumer prices including 21% VAT. Business clients are invoiced ex VAT at the net amount on the quote.

More than twelve tracks or special vinyl-cut files: request a quote via contact. Deposit 25% on confirmation; free cancellation up to 5 days before the planned delivery week.

Revisions and archive

2 revision rounds are included when feedback is specific (time stamp, “a little more air in the chorus”, not just “make it warmer”). Major mix changes after mastering need a new mix bounce and are billed as a new job.

We keep project files for 12 months on studio storage, then delete unless you book an extension. Download masters when we deliver and keep your own backup — distributors sometimes ask for re-uploads years later.

What is not included

Mixing, vocal editing, spatial remixes, ISRC registration, artwork or distributor accounts are outside mastering. Forensic restoration of old tape sources is only taken on after we assess the material.

If you only want a quick loudness check without full mastering, say so upfront — we can suggest a shorter path or point you to frequently asked questions.

Scheduling and visit

Most mastering is offline; you do not need to sit through the whole session. You can book a listening pass in the control room — useful when album sequence is decided together. Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00–21:00, Saturday 10:00–17:00, by appointment only.

Address: Van Boetzelaerstraat 35, 1051 DT Amsterdam (Westerpark). Directions: Tram 13 or bus 18 to Surinameplein, then about seven minutes on foot via Van Hallstraat; bike rack next to the entrance.. Questions? Email us or call. Terms: terms and conditions.