Mastering
The final step before your mix reaches Spotify, Bandcamp, vinyl or broadcast: balance, dynamics and loudness tuned to your medium, with an engineer who listens to your mix properly first.
Mastering is for artists, producers and labels who already have a mix but want a neutral, critical listen before release. In our Oud-West control room, mastering engineer Tim Jansen works on calibrated monitors with analog and digital chains and clear targets per platform.
You do not have to be on site: many projects run via upload and e-mail feedback. If you want to attend, we schedule a session within our opening hours. Background on loudness is in our streaming loudness guide.
Process
- 01
Brief
Send stereo mixes (WAV or AIFF), references and the target medium: streaming, vinyl, broadcast or download. Include tempo, title and any ISRC notes.
- 02
Analysis
We check headroom, tonal balance, noise and clicks. If the mix needs work, we point you to mixing before mastering starts.
- 03
Master
EQ, dynamics, stereo width and loudness are shaped for your goal. You receive a first master for review.
- 04
Revisions and delivery
Up to 2 revision rounds are included. We then deliver final files and keep the project for 12 months.
Who is this for?
Mastering suits solo artists, bands, beatmakers and podcast-music producers who want a consistent sound across several tracks. Labels in Amsterdam and beyond often send EPs or singles when the mix is already done by the artist or an external mixer.
If you still need a mix or stem balancing, choose mixing or vocal recording in our booth first. Mastering does not fix recording mistakes or arrangement issues; it strengthens what already works and prepares it for distribution.
What to deliver
Supply one stereo mix per song, preferably 24-bit WAV or AIFF with no limiter on the master bus. Leave enough headroom below 0 dBFS so EQ and dynamics have room. State the sample rate you need (for example 44.1 kHz for CD, 48 kHz for video).
- File name: artist – title – mix.wav
- Short note: genre, reference track, target platform
- Optional: a previously approved master for contrast
- For vinyl: side length and fade preferences
Unsure about stems? Read how to deliver stems for a mix — it also helps if you remaster later.
Loudness and platforms
Streaming services normalise playback; masters that are too loud lose punch, quiet ones sound weak after normalisation. We aim at common targets (for example around −14 LUFS integrated on many streamers) without squashing your mix unless you want that aesthetically.
Broadcast and ads often have stricter specs; mention that in your brief. In the loudness guide we explain how we measure and which references we use. Vinyl needs extra care for bass mono and sibilance — we discuss that per project.
Atmos, MFiT and extra stems
Besides stereo mastering you can order extra stems for spatial audio (Atmos) or Apple Digital Masters (MFiT). Each extra stem is billed separately at the rate in the price table. That helps when your label or aggregator asks for both formats.
Not every song suits Atmos; we will say honestly if the mix is too thin or mono. Stereo stays leading unless you explicitly want an immersive version.
Turnaround and revisions
Once we have a complete delivery we reply within 1 business day with a schedule. A single often takes a few business days; a four-track EP is planned as one block so loudness matches across tracks.
2 revision rounds are included: concrete feedback by e-mail or during a short listening session in the studio. Extra rounds or stem changes after approval are quoted separately. See terms and conditions for cancellation (free up to 7 days ahead) and payment.
Delivery formats
By default you receive 24-bit WAV and 16-bit WAV for upload; on request AIFF or high-quality MP3 for previews. DDP for CD mastering is possible by arrangement. Files are delivered via secure download or on a drive you provide.
We store sessions for 12 months in our studio archive. After that we delete working files unless you extend storage. Re-releases within that period can often get a revised master quickly.
Pricing and VAT
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Stereo per song | €85 |
| EP (4 songs) | €295 |
| Extra stem (Atmos / MFiT) | €45 |
Net for business clients with a valid VAT ID: €70.25 per song. B2B invoices payable within 14 days. A 30% deposit may apply on larger projects.
If you combine mastering with mixing in the same studio, we align export and naming so there is no generation loss. Questions? Contact us or call 020 737 0842.
What is not included
Mixing, editing, tuning, sample clearance, artwork and distribution to Spotify or other platforms are outside mastering. We do not normally do forensic restoration of old tape or spatial remixes from stereo-only sources.
If your mix has technical problems (clipping, phase issues, heavy noise), we report that before invoicing. You can then choose repair in a mix session or another supplier. General questions are on FAQ; privacy around uploads is in the privacy policy.
Included
- Critical listen and technical check of your mix
- Stereo mastering tailored to your medium
- Up to 2 revision rounds on the master
- WAV export (24-bit and 16-bit) plus optional AIFF
- Consistent loudness across EP projects
- Project archive for 12 months
- Short reply within 1 business day after request
FAQ
Should my mix already be mastered?
No. Deliver a mix without a bus limiter and with headroom. We handle final polish. If you only have a rough bounce without balance, mixing is probably needed first.
Can I attend the session?
Yes, by appointment in our control room at Overtoom 682, Amsterdam. The studio is on Overtoom in Oud-West. Tram 1 (Overtoom stop) and tram 7 (Marnixplein stop) are a short walk away. From Amsterdam Zuid station, allow about 15 minutes on tram 1 towards Centraal. Bike racks are in front of the entrance; car parking is limited — use Q-Park Byzantium (Overtoom) or on-street spaces outside blue-zone hours. Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00–20:00, Saturday 10:00–18:00. Closed Sunday. By appointment only.
How fast do I get files back?
After a complete delivery we plan within 1 business day. A single is often ready within a few business days; an EP is treated as one loudness line.
What if I need more than 2 changes?
Extra revision rounds or new mixes after approval are quoted separately. We document your feedback each round so nothing is lost.
Do you master podcast audio too?
For spoken word, podcast recording or light editing is often enough. Music mastering targets releases; if unsure, e-mail [email protected].
Other services
Vocal and spoken-word recording
Singing, rap and voice-over in a treated booth with an engineer at the desk.
€105 · per hour
Band and live recording
Full band together in the live room, with a separate vocal booth.
€165 · per hour
Mixing
Balance, space and dynamics for singles, EPs or albums — two revision rounds included.
€195 · per song (up to 48 tracks)
Podcast and interview recording
Two to four voices, a calm setup and direct export to your host.
€98 · per hour
Music for picture
Score, jingles and sound design for video, ads and online campaigns.
€115 · per studio hour
Project in Amsterdam?
Let's plan your session
Tell us briefly what you want to make: we reply within 1 working day with a slot proposal and a written quote, no obligation.