Shape a sound that tells your story

Mastering is a crucial step in the music-making process that encompasses several key aspects:

Quality check: Professional mastering helps identify and fix issues like unwanted clipping, clicks, or pops, and other technical errors. It ensures that every element of your track is intentional and error-free.

Audio processing: Using techniques like EQ, mid-side processing, and limiting with both digital and analog equipment, mastering enhances your songs to sound their best on any platform.

Mix feedback: Through critical listening, mastering can offer valuable feedback on your mix, potentially leading to adjustments that improve the overall sound quality.

Loudness management: Mastering ensures your music meets the desired loudness level appropriate for its style without sacrificing quality.

Format delivery: I provide high-quality masters in any format you need, including digital (for streaming), ADM (Apple Digital Masters), CD, vinyl, and cassette tape.

Mastering refines your music to ensure it translates well across all listening environments, making it an indispensable part of the production process.

Most importantly you should be satisfied with how your mix sounds before sending it off for mastering.

When preparing your mix for mastering, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure that the highest peak-level is −3dB or lower before exporting your mix. This prevents any clipping and allows for flexibility and headroom during the mastering process. Secondly, remove any limiters on your stereo bus. The overall volume should sound lower, as we will adjust it during mastering.

Lastly, export a .wav or .aif file in the same sample-rate as your mix project and preferably with a 24 or 32 bit depth.

Use the file sharing service of your own choice, e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive or WeTransfer to upload the file(s). Once the file(s) are uploaded you can book your mastering right here. Afterwards, I will reach out to you to schedule a date for mastering and more information about how to deliver the files.

The time required depends on the number of songs, as more tracks will naturally take longer to master. I strive to send you a first draft master by the morning following your scheduled mastering date. Once you've provided feedback, I can make any necessary revisions. If you have a specific deadline, please inform me in advance so I can accommodate your timeline.

Yes, I can be booked anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks in advance. While I sometimes accommodate last-minute projects, please check my availability before submitting your music. You can book your mastering right here. Afterwards, I will reach out to you to schedule a date for mastering.

I pride myself in providing you with the best mastering and customer service. Therefore, I offer an unlimited number of revisions of the master over the same mixdown. However, the limits of optimization are determined by the quality of the mix. If a revision is required due to changes made in the mix (not suggested by me) an additional fee may be charged.

You do not pay until you are completely satisfied with the master. After you have approved the master, you can make the payment via bank transfer or PayPal. All the necessary information will be provided on the invoice sent to you via email after the mastering process.

For larger projects, a deposit may be required to secure the booking.

Unfortunately, attending the mastering session in person isn't possible. To ensure your song receives the full attention it deserves, I prefer to focus entirely on the details of the music. However, I'm happy to schedule a call before and after the session to discuss any specific details or address any questions you might have.

Be sure to back up your masters in at least two separate locations! Sontale Mastering does not offer an archiving service, so it's your responsibility to securely store your masters.