The End Product
We always keep in mind the format in which your end product is to be released. Mastering for CDs, Vinyl or DVD Audio require radically different approaches in the mastering process. Similarly, compilation CDs can involve dozens of tracks from a variety of studios and engineers that need moulding into a cohesive album. Whilst each track is treated individually, they should all compliment one another on the finished product.
Format Conversion
We can read and convert your files in any format you provide. See our FAQ section for recommended formats.
Adding punch and sparkle
No matter what you do, does your mix lack the crisp, punchy sound of commercial productions on CD? If so, we can help. We have a variety of equipment and processes to bring your track to life. We can "lift and separate" your mix to compare favourably to major releases.
Dynamic Control
That "punch" mentioned above can be introduced by creative use of compression. By using multi band compression, we can control specific frequencies that may be dominating a mix . Compression is one of the most complex areas of sound processing, and we recommend that you DO NOT compress your final mix before sending it to us, as too much compression can lead to harsh, flat sounding tracks that lack dynamics.
Perceived Loudness
As well as the creative use of compression outlined above, we can raise the perceived loudness off the track by careful use of transparent limiting to give similar results to contemporaryl releases. Experience is essential in achieving a clear transparent sound that is not overcompressed or lacking in dynamics.
Track EQ
The correct EQ can be the key to achieving a perfectly balanced mix . If your mix has too much or too little bass when heard on other equipment, it is a sure sign that something is wrong with your mixing environment. Similarly, you may find your track sounds too dull or too sharp. Using our experience, and equalisation of the highest quality, we can make your tracks sound balanced in a variety of acoustic environments
"Topped & Tailed"
All tracks are trimmed to ensure the removal of any audible noisefloor at the beginning and end of tracks. We can perform fades or reduce the length of tracks, even crossfade tracks into others.
Click or Hum Removal
Unwanted mains hum or digital clicks can be removed without affecting musical content.
Stereo Widening
The stereo image can be expanded to give a broader soundstage if required. Whilst this can lead to a wider and more spacious sound, great care must be taken to ensure the tracks are in phase and remain mono compatible.
Vinyl Restoration
We have a long standing reputation in restoring vinyl recordings and the results could astound you! We offer declicking, decrackling, and denoising processing, and for cases requiring extreme restoration, we can offer processing by the highly respected Cedar system at an extra charge.
Dithering
We use the highest quality AD converters, and all digital processing is carried out in 64bit resolution. At the end of the mastering process, tracks have to be converted to 16bit in order to meet the Red Book Audio standard for CD releases. Dithering ensures the highest quality conversion process. Your tracks will usually be supplied with a 2 second gap between them, but this can be set to be a larger or smaller amount if required. We also provide you with a cue sheet with exact track lengths to assist in the preparation of MCPS / PRS forms etc.
Enhanced Auditory Receptors
Otherwise known as EARs! Our mastering engineer comes equipped with two of them, and in combination with excellent monitoring and near flat acoustics, he employs them at all stages of the mastering process. He has 26 years experience as a sound engineer and 14 years in mastering. He has worked for Sony & with many household names in the music industry. Have a look at a recent customer testimonial.
