Audio mastering is the final step in the music creation process. It takes place after your final mixes are done, and just before the release and distribution of the musical work.

Starting with a finished mix, mastering engineers apply techniques to smooth dynamics, increase presence, heighten clarity, and improve listenability, while sweetening the sound of your music.

When working with a musical album, we make sure each track flows together in the manner you intend, and exists as a cohesive part of a whole.

Mastering engineers also typically perform any file conversions or special masters necessary for physical media production and digital distribution.

Mastering is an essential step in making your music sound professional and competitive when compared to other artists.

Mastering should ideally be performed on any musical work being released to the public, as the differences in quality between a final mix and a finished master recording can be significant.

Here’s some studio policies/procedures:

If you’re shopping a project around, test masters from me are always free.

Once your project is booked:

I offer 30 days of unlimited revisions and your money back, after I deliver your finished masters.

After those 30 days, I’m available for additional revisions on a paid basis.

Any mistakes on my end are always corrected free of charge, at any time.

The only time I charge any extra fees are for rush jobs where you’d need guaranteed delivery from me in under 7 days, and that’s typically double the quoted price.

Check out my mixing guidelines for mixing tips and tricks, and more info on project preparation.

Sure! Check out my Vinyl Test Pressing Guide for more info.

I use a wide variety of specialized, mastering-specific equipment in my studio, in a combination of analog and digital styles.

Everything from multi-thousand dollar analog compressors and equalizers (some of which are custom-built), to reference quality digital-to-analog converters, and other digital tools.

I encourage you to judge my work based on how it sounds, rather than on the tools used to make it. Contacting me for a free test master is a great way to do this!

Every project requires a unique touch, and doing a test master together is a much more accurate way for you to evaluate what I can do for your music, than a gear list would be.

Details on my rates can be found on my pricing page.

While algorithmic mastering has its place and can be a cheaper option, most of the artists I work with don’t want their music to sound cheap, and they also prefer collaborating with a fellow creative to make something handmade and very special.

I think handmade and special is what your music deserves, given the time and effort put into making it.

I encourage you to judge the differences for yourself. Contact me for a test master, and compare my results with an algorithmic service’s offerings, to see which you prefer.

I’m glad you asked! I maintain a free online resource for artists to learn more about music production and independent music-making. We talk about a wide range of music and arts-related topics over there.

It’s called DIY Music Guide.