disable all fx
on mix bus

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mastering faqs

1. What is mastering?

audio work

deliverables

unbiased listening

Can include adjusting:

• tonal balance
• dynamic control
• stereo image
• levels & loudness
• pops/clicks/hums
• track sequencing
• fade ins/outs

The long awaited final product!

• We create all formats &
  versions needed for your
  release medium(s) & send via
  ZIP file to ensure no data loss
• Also includes necessary docs,
  invoices, & talking to cutting
  engineers, if making vinyl

Arguably the most
important part!

A fresh set of ears &
new listening space
will illuminate things
that are hidden to
mixer/producer/artist

2. How should mixes be prepared for mastering?

5. What does mastering cost?

4. What can(‘t) be expected from mastering?

3. What gear is used? Can mastering be DIY?

peak levels
under -3 dbfs

maintain

samples + bits

leave time at
start/end

You can keep certain
things on if it makes
the mix, but please
remove all limiting &
heavy compression.
For reference during
mastering, send files
with FX on & off.

Strive not to exceed
-3 dbfs peak on the
master bus. This will
avoid clipping when
rendering your mix &
leaves headroom for
mastering to make
your music loud!

Render your mix at the
same sample rate &
bit depth used for
recording & mixing.
Ideally 48khz/24bit or
more. Mastering has
the tools to convert at
the highest quality.

It’s best to leave a few
seconds at the start &
end of each track. This
ensures nothing is cut
off during the render
and makes space for
mastering to create
smooth transitions.

fix everything you can during recording & mixing

Mastering works within the confounds of a stereo file; any processing
applied affects the entire mix. It’s always better to fix a problem at the
source, which allows mastering to focus on enhancing your music.

Standard

Singles $75/song

2-5 track EPs $60/song

6+ track LPs $50/song

+$10 for songs over 5min

Priority turnaround, 4x revisions, 3x formats

Pay-What-You-Can

$20 - $50 / song

We want to make mastering affordable
& approachable for everyone.

Suggested rate: $10/min of material

Variable turnaround, 2x revision, 2x formats

The most important tool in mastering are monitors and the room they’re in.

great care is needed to master without quality monitoring in an acoustically treated room.

We work entirely in-the-box using mastering software from:

The basic tools for mastering are eq, compression, & limiting; What really differs is how they are applied

(hint: very subtly) along with technical knowledge to meet industry standards and avoid faults.

DIY mastering is possible, but you can’t bring a fresh set of ears, and it takes you away from creating & playing.

we’re here to help in ELEVATING your music to its greatest potential!

when sending your mix in

Render each song via master bus to a single stereo file in lossless format.

Include the latest listening version & any reference tracks.

Zip all files together for secure online transfers.

lossless formats = WAV, AIFF, FLAC

• subtle & broad adjustments

cohesion & smooth transitions

final quality control check

• up to a month to finish a full album

• re- recording, mixing, editing, producing

restoring lost musical data

Magic fixes for recording/mixing errors

• publishing, distribution, promoting, archiving

it varies by studio and services being provided. here are our current rates:

First song mastered with us is always FREE!

- ContacT ME to discuss a potential project -

live music services

Professional Guidance for your next Concert/Event

15 years & 2500+ shows of experience with:

about me

• Andy Whilden - owner/engineer

contact

info@treelinesound.com

- we would love to hear from you -

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