Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly is involved in mastering?

A: Please read our About Mastering Page

Q: How should tracks be prepared prior to mastering?

A: Tracks sent should always be the final stereo mixdown with the best possible sound quality you can achieve whilst mixing. You should avoid equalising, compressing, limiting, or "exiting" the overall mix, as this restricts our ability to enhance the mix. Check that no distortion or clipping is on your tracks, and please don't apply any dithering or noise-shaping algorithms.

Q: How can I ensure tracks sound the way I want?

To help give us an idea of the type of sound you are trying to achieve, you can send a reference track in a similar style of music to your own.

Q: What formats do you accept?

A: We accept WAVor AIFF files of at least 16 bits/44.1 kHz and higher burned to CD. Files burned to Audio CD are also fine. We also accept DAT, or analog reel to reel tape at a small extra charge. Mastering from Mini Disc is also possible, though you should be aware that compression methods such as atrac tend to reveal unwanted digital artifacts when mastering. Compressed audio files such as MP3 or WMA are not recommended.

Q: What format will my master be supplied in?

CD masters will be supplied on Red Book Audio standard CDRs at 16 bit/44.1 KHz. Higher rates such as the DVD Audio format are also possible - just ask.

Q: Is there anything else you need to know?

Yes! Please tell us if your material is destined for vinyl or CD release, as both mediums require a different approach to mastering.

Q: What about Vinyl records?

A: We have a long standing reputation in restoring vinyl recordings. We can offer declicking, decrackling, and denoising processing and the results could astound you! For cases requiring extreme restoration, we can offer processing by the highly respected Cedar system at an extra charge.

Q: Can you change the running order of tracks?

Unless you tell us otherwise, we will supply tracks in the same order as the original media. It helps us if tracks are supplied in the correct running order, but if not possible, we can compile tracks in any order and at no extra charge providing clear instructions are given at the time of order.

Q: Should I "have a go" at mastering myself?

Perhaps the most important reason to avoid attempting to master yourself, is that the "fresh ears" of an experienced mastering engineer bring a new focus to a track. While recording, producing and mixing, even the best engineers get "used" to the sound of a track through repetition. Important details often get overlooked this way, and it's up to the experienced mastering engineer to bring out the elements "buried" in a mix.

Your material has to sound good on a wide variety of sources: from car stereos, to high end Hi Fi. It has to sound great on ghettoblasters and on a huge club PA.

The mastering process is the "last chance" to optimise your tracks to sound as good as possible on these systems. In our acoustically treated room, our monitoring system can reveal details that your monitors may not accurately reproduce. Even with the highest quality monitors, if your room is colouring the sound, you are not hearing what the public will hear when they play your recording.

Q: How do I know I'll like the end result?

A: When we receive your tracks, we will start to work on them asap (often the same day). We will prepare a demo MP3 file for you to download from a link sent to you by email. This will allow you to compare the original track with the newly mastered version. At this stage you are under no obligation, and we will not proceed unless you are 100% happy with the end result.

Q: How do I pay?

A: Simply confirm by email that you are happy with the demonstration track of your material, and we will send you a Paypal invoice for the final amount. You will then be directed to PayPal's secure servers where you may pay in Pounds, Dollars or Euros using any major Credit or Debit Card in 100% safety. See Our Charges for details.

Q: What happens next?

A: When Paypal confirm payment, we will commence working on the remaining tracks, keeping you updated via email. We aim to get your masters out to you asap - our reputation depends on a swift, high quality service.