MASTERING: HOW TO PREPARE FILES
If you have done your own rough/home master, you can also include it in the package for a reference.
Guidelines for submitting a pre-master:
• We recommend turning off all compression and limiting on your master channel before the bounce/export. If you have any processing on the master channel that is part of the 'sound', you can leave it ON.
• Ensure the headroom on your master channel is at around of -6dB and not peaking/clipping over 0dB at loudest parts of the track.
Export/bounce settings:
Format: WAV
Sample Rate: 44.1 KHz or higher (if your project if at 44.1Khz please do not choose higher rates at the export)
Bit Depth: 16bit or higher
Dithering: OFF
Normalise: OFF
• Please name your track using following format: ’Artist Name - Track Title’, i.e. Chris Guy - Rock It
You can use Wetransfer.com to upload the file(s) and send us the link to [email protected]. We also accept files from other file sharing websites such as Onedrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, pCloud, etc.
If you have any questions or get stuck at any point, please let us know and we will be happy to assist.
Guidelines for submitting a pre-master:
• We recommend turning off all compression and limiting on your master channel before the bounce/export. If you have any processing on the master channel that is part of the 'sound', you can leave it ON.
• Ensure the headroom on your master channel is at around of -6dB and not peaking/clipping over 0dB at loudest parts of the track.
Export/bounce settings:
Format: WAV
Sample Rate: 44.1 KHz or higher (if your project if at 44.1Khz please do not choose higher rates at the export)
Bit Depth: 16bit or higher
Dithering: OFF
Normalise: OFF
• Please name your track using following format: ’Artist Name - Track Title’, i.e. Chris Guy - Rock It
You can use Wetransfer.com to upload the file(s) and send us the link to [email protected]. We also accept files from other file sharing websites such as Onedrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, pCloud, etc.
If you have any questions or get stuck at any point, please let us know and we will be happy to assist.
Mixdowns: How to prepare & send stems ?
Before exporting your stems, please get in touch and let us know which DAW you're using. We'll send you step-by-step instructions tailored to your software to ensure the best export settings for mixing.
WHAT IS A STEM?
A stem is typically an individual track in the project bounced to Wav later at the export. However a Group can be also a stem, if you decide to export it as one track. We offer different stem packages, the more stems you are submitting, the price will be higher.
Please remember the more stems we have access to, the more impact it will have on the final result.
If you’re unsure which package to choose, drop us an email at [email protected] for free mixdown evaluation and we will advise which package would be the most suitable.
Please remember the more stems we have access to, the more impact it will have on the final result.
If you’re unsure which package to choose, drop us an email at [email protected] for free mixdown evaluation and we will advise which package would be the most suitable.
Why Mastering?
Mastering process is the last stage in music production. It means bringing the song to the industry standard RMS and peak volume and preparing it for the distribution for particular media. Quality masters will make your tracks stand out more and can potentially increase the sales and chances to get your demo noticed by a record label. Mastering engineers will make sure your productions have sufficient dynamic range, warmth, and will be transferable to other soundsystems.
What Is the difference between Mixing and Mastering?
Mixing means that we have access to individual tracks of the project to make necessary adjustments. Mastering means working with just one Wav file (pre-master) exported from your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) software. Mixing has much more impact on the track then mastering, if you're unsure whether your project needs professional mixdown, ask us for a free expertise.
turnaround times
Please allow up to 3-4 working days for Mastering and 4-5 working days for Mixdowns (not including the day of receiving the files). We will confirm the delivery day via email once we have received and checked the files. Files are usually delivered between 5pm - 6pm GMT /BST. We are closed during weekends and bank holidays.
Sometimes we may need an extra day or two to get the best out of your track, as every project is different and some may require extra work, so please be patient.
If you require an urgent mix or master prior to hard deadline or a gig, please let us know the deadline before submitting the files and we will make sure everything is delivered on time. Rushed turnarounds are subject to availability and charged extra depending on current schedule.
When mastering, from time to time we ask clients for mixdown amendments in order to get the best results at the mastering stage. This may delay the delivery in some cases, depending on when the revised track has been re-submitted (we will inform you if any delays will occur). Please take that into account when planning a deadline.
Errors in stem submissions for mixdowns may delay your delivery and incur in additional charges, so please make sure to follow carefully the file submission guidelines.
Sometimes we may need an extra day or two to get the best out of your track, as every project is different and some may require extra work, so please be patient.
If you require an urgent mix or master prior to hard deadline or a gig, please let us know the deadline before submitting the files and we will make sure everything is delivered on time. Rushed turnarounds are subject to availability and charged extra depending on current schedule.
When mastering, from time to time we ask clients for mixdown amendments in order to get the best results at the mastering stage. This may delay the delivery in some cases, depending on when the revised track has been re-submitted (we will inform you if any delays will occur). Please take that into account when planning a deadline.
Errors in stem submissions for mixdowns may delay your delivery and incur in additional charges, so please make sure to follow carefully the file submission guidelines.
payMENTS
All payments are made after we've checked your files and confirmed they are good to go. We accept Paypal, bank transfers (we have local accounts in UK, Australia, and EU countries), Wise (formerly Transferwise), XE, and Revolut. For international bank transfers, a screenshot of the completed transaction is required to proceed with mixing/mastering and your track will be released for your review once the funds have hit our bank account.
What are your opening hours?
We are open Monday - Friday between 12:00 - 18:00 GMT / BST. We are closed during weekends and bank holidays.
Christmas Break: 20.12 - 03.01
Christmas Break: 20.12 - 03.01
PRE-MASTERS AND INSTRUMENTALS
These are free of charge, please remind us at the end of the job to export them. By default all files are exported at 44.1KHz, 24 Bit WAV.
RAdio edits
Radio Edits are usually 3:00-3:30 long and are typically created by shortening the intro and outro of the EXTENDED edit on our end, which costs an additional £10. It's advisable that you suggest timestamps for the cuts.
Another option is to provide a separate set of stems for the Radio Edit. However, this is generally not recommended and will increase the cost significantly (usually around £30-£60 depending on the project size). That's because moving dozens of automations to a new arrangement is very time-intensive.
Instead, we recommend the following approach:
1. We mix and master the extended version
2. We export the stems back to you, you cut the radio version out of them
3. You send the radio version stems back to us
4. We process the stems through the mastering chain and deliver the final mastered radio version
This method costs just £25. As a bonus you also get to keep mixed stems for future remixes etc.
If you have already prepared a separate set of stems for the radio edit, please get in touch and we will find an optimal solution :)
Another option is to provide a separate set of stems for the Radio Edit. However, this is generally not recommended and will increase the cost significantly (usually around £30-£60 depending on the project size). That's because moving dozens of automations to a new arrangement is very time-intensive.
Instead, we recommend the following approach:
1. We mix and master the extended version
2. We export the stems back to you, you cut the radio version out of them
3. You send the radio version stems back to us
4. We process the stems through the mastering chain and deliver the final mastered radio version
This method costs just £25. As a bonus you also get to keep mixed stems for future remixes etc.
If you have already prepared a separate set of stems for the radio edit, please get in touch and we will find an optimal solution :)
Revisions & amendments
Revisions are free of charge and our aim is 100% customer satisfaction! There is no limit on revisions.
CAN I GET THE MIXED/MASTERED STEMS OR SESSION BACK?
Sure! There is an extra charge of £15 (mastering projects) or £20 (mix & master), to cover project preparation, exporting and uploading. Pre-masters are free of charge, just drop us a quick reminder once we have finalised the job.
CAN YOU HELP WITH SIGNING MY TRACK TO A RECORD LABEL?
No, however we can send our 'Industry Demo Signing / How To Get Your Demo Heard' pack which contains articles, interviews and a few tips from ourselves, to put you on the right track. It's available free of charge after you have used our service. Just drop us a quick reminder once we have finalised the job.
Can you mix or master my project file?
We generally avoid this approach due to potential issues such as missing VST plugins or conflicts between different plugin versions. Instead, we achieve the best results using WAV stems for mixing and mastering.
For those interested in learning from the process, we offer the option to receive the mixed stems and the mixed and mastered project file session for an additional £20. This is a valuable educational tool for understanding how your track was processed!
For those interested in learning from the process, we offer the option to receive the mixed stems and the mixed and mastered project file session for an additional £20. This is a valuable educational tool for understanding how your track was processed!
Do you tune vocals?
Vocal tuning is not included by default in the mixing process, but can be requested for an additional fee. Please get in touch, so we can evaluate how much work needed.
