Mastering
More than 25 years of experience has taught me that Audio Mastering is mostly about listening.
Learn more about how I can help turn your great mixes into timeless classics.
It's true, it is all about the Mix.
Making sure that your mixes' original character translates everywhere
Every mix has a unique character. Optimal mixes usually require only minor adjustments, but what I think is important to note is that minor adjustments can make a huge difference in how they translate to other playback systems. Having a little bit of headroom at the Mastering stage can help retain (and often improve) the “depth” of your mixes, while improving their inherent sonic qualities.
The benefit of adding an experienced and impartial set of ears
When I get mixes in for mastering, I’m listening for issues that may prevent me from accomplishing the goal above. Oftentimes, these issues are very minor and they may require a mix revision; something like vocals sitting just a tad bit too high or too low can easily be overlooked on your end after working on a mix for several hours. If that happens, I’ll provide you with detailed feedback with the intention of getting the most optimal mix prior to mastering. I rarely get revision requests, but should you want to make an adjustment, even if it’s a tweak or two back at the mix, no prob, I don’t charge for them.
Processing gear tailored to the genre I work with
After working on many projects over the years, I’ve settled on a small, but effective analog & digital (hybrid) toolset. If you’re adding “analog-modeled” plugins and compression/limiting processes to get your mixes sounding closer in level and sonic character to some of your favorite “Golden Era” releases, I believe that I can take care of that process in a more convincing way. Having years of experience to know how much of these processes to dial in without overdoing it is the key. I also have custom analog processors that I’ve built and modified specifically for the type of mixes that I work with.
Services and Rates
Below is a list of services I offer and my current rates. Discounts are applied based on the number of songs, and what other additional services are required for your project. Fill out the request form for a (discounted) custom quote based on your project's needs.
Mastering - $35 (per song)
Includes a detailed analysis and specific feedback if I feel that there are sonic balance issues with your mix(es). Oftentimes, these are very minor details that can be overlooked on your end after many hours of working on a song/mix. Included with each master is the full resolution 24 bit file, an analog dithered 16/44.1 file (should you want to make a CD run at a later time, or burn CD-Rs for yourself), and a 320kbps MP3 reference file.
Stem Mastering - $70 (8 stems max)
Send up to 8 stereo sub-mixes (e.g., drums, instruments, vocals, bass, etc.) for your song. Includes mastered Instrumental and A Capella.
Vinyl Premastering - $15 (optional add-on)
I don’t cut vinyl, but have worked with some of the best vinyl cutting engineers in the biz on behalf of clients. Just like how seasoned mix engineers know to leave a little bit of headroom for the mastering engineer, the same goes for the vinyl mastering folks. Vinyl Premasters will be delivered in 24 bit and 320k MP3 as well. Attention is placed on added dynamic range, making sure the bass doesn’t have phase issues and that the high frequencies are not overly sibilant.
DDP Image - $50
The best source format for commercial CD replication. It contains a 1:1 copy of your CD project that has built-in error detection that guarantees that the CD pressing plant will be using a bit-for-bit copy of your CD masters.
Sequencing - $50 (included with DDP Image)
24 bit “streaming ready” master sequence with track names/IDs where they need to be. I can copy a reference sequence or use provided time stamps for each track. Includes sequence with track names/IDs in .wav (BWF) and individual files exported in 24/16 bit, .wav and FLAC
Standalone DDP Player - $25 (optional add-on)
In addition to a DDP Image, I can create a standalone (Mac/Windows) DDP player that will allow you to play your entire album, display all of the metadata (artist/album/track names), and extract 16/44.1 audio files directly from it, and it will also burn a CD-R (CD-R drive required). The player will only work for the DDP Image that it was created for, it will not open other DDP Images.
1 Year of Cloud Storage - $20 (optional add-on)
All Mastering clients get a 30-day cloud storage/backup link for their files. This option provides a full year of storage for your Masters, including DDP files and any other files related to your project.
How my services work
After receiving your quote
If you approve of my quote for your project, I’ll send you a link to upload your mixes (no need to create an account). I will then give your mixes a thorough listen and will report back if I spot any issues. I’ll also let you know what the turnaround time will be (usually 3-5 business days for full-length projects).
Payments
A 50% deposit is due when I begin working on your project (you will also have the option to pay the full amount). I will send you an invoice after listening to the mixes and giving you a turnaround time (usually between 3-5 business days for full-length projects). Files will be uploaded to your personal upload portal when the balance is paid.
Accessing your Masters
All projects come with 30 days of access to a private file upload portal created just for your project. I also offer a full year of storage for an additional $20.
I don’t charge for revisions, I rarely get them. If you spot something you want to adjust, even if it’s a minor adjustment back at the mix, no prob (within reason).
Additional Services
Mastering Consultations - $50 (per hour)
I’m available for consultations on all topics related to audio mastering, via phone or video. Fill out the form below to get started:
Mix Critique - $25
For those who finalize their own mixes but could use an experienced, fresh perspective. Get detailed feedback to help your mix translate better everywhere. A file upload portal will be provided for you to upload a high quality mix for evaluation. Fill out the form below to get started:
Request a custom quote
Rapaudiology is a term that I came up with years ago that means High Fidelity in Hip Hop. Fidelity in the context of loyalty to rich, punchy bass, crisp and non-fatiguing mids, and that timeless feel that we can identify with when we hear it. I have a “Rapaudiology” playlist with more than 50 music videos from previous Mastering projects that you can check out on my YouTube channel (and please trust me when I say that YT’s audio quality does not rival their vinyl/CD/lossless versions). Here are a few: