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Mastering

The Final Step Before Release

Mastering starts with a finished mix. It covers final adjustments to tone and loudness, checks across the release, and preparation of the files you'll deliver to your distributor or manufacturer.

For heavy music, a lot of that work involves managing the low end and loudness while keeping the drum attack audible. If something needs attention in the mix first, it helps to address it before mastering.

How It Works

The Mastering Process

Send your finished mix, references, and release details to get started.

  • Submit Your Mix

    Send a full-resolution, 24-bit WAV without limiting on the master bus. Include any loudness or file-format requirements.

  • References & Release Plans

    Share reference tracks and say whether you're releasing digitally, on a physical format, or both.

  • Master & Review

    You'll receive a master to listen to and review. Send your feedback so any revisions can be made before delivery.

  • Final Files

    Approved masters are delivered in the agreed formats.

Hands typing on a laptop keyboard
Step 01

Submit Your Mix

Send your finished mix as a full-resolution, 24-bit WAV without limiting on the master bus. Use the session's sample rate and check that the export includes the full beginning and end of the song.

Include any loudness or file-format requirements with the mix. If you've been listening to a limited version, send it as a separate reference. For an EP or album, label the tracks clearly and include the intended running order.

A hand writing in a notebook
Step 02

References & Release Plans

Share reference tracks and explain what you like about their tone and loudness. Mention anything in your mix that you want to preserve, such as the drum attack or the contrast between quieter and heavier sections.

Let me know whether the release is digital, physical, or both, along with your planned release date. Send any requirements from your distributor or manufacturer so the final formats can be agreed before mastering begins.

Close-up of a listener holding a headphone earcup
Step 03

Master & Review

The mix is checked for overall tone and loudness. EQ can address a harsh top end or a buildup in the low mids, while limiting is adjusted with attention to drum attack and distortion. Playback normalization is considered during these checks too.

For an EP or album, tracks are checked in sequence for differences in level and tone. Quieter songs and heavier sections can keep their intended contrast while the release is reviewed as a whole.

You'll receive a master to listen to before final delivery. Compare it with the mix and your references, and send any feedback. For a multi-track release, listen in running order as well as checking individual songs.

Portable drive with its USB cable
Step 04

Final Files

After approval, final masters are supplied as clearly labeled files in the formats agreed for your release. These may include 24-bit WAV files for digital delivery and 16-bit WAV files for CD, depending on your requirements.

Check the files against your track list before handing them to your distributor or manufacturer. If your release plans or format requirements have changed during the project, let me know before the final exports are prepared.

Contact Me

Ready to Master Your Next Release?

Tell me how many tracks you have, when you plan to release them, and which formats you need.

Let's Get Started