Mastering

When mastering makes sense

Mastering pays off once your mix is done and you are heading to Spotify, Bandcamp, vinyl pressing or sync libraries. It focuses on translation: the same song should work on earbuds, in the car and on studio monitors, within each platform’s loudness norms.

If you only need an internal demo, mastering is optional. For a public release, a master reduces odd automatic normalisation and unexpected clipping after upload. If you are unsure whether the issue is mix or master, read our streaming loudness guide or ask for a quick check via [email protected].

• Singles and focus tracks for release
• EPs up to five songs with consistent perceived loudness
• Albums where order and gaps matter
• Stem masters from mixing or external mixes with enough headroom

What we expect from your mix

Send a stereo WAV, preferably 24-bit, sample rate up to 96 kHz, without a limiter squashing the mix flat. Headroom between the loudest peaks and 0 dBFS lets us apply EQ and dynamics subtly without artefacts.

Do not add dither before delivery; we choose dither suited to the final format. Put title and version (explicit/clean if relevant) in your message, not baked into odd file names alone. For stem mastering from our mix service, use the stem master package at €98 incl. VAT.

If the mix is already extremely loud, we discuss whether a mix revision is smarter than mastering on top of a crushed source.

Loudness, platforms and references

Streaming services normalise playback; mastering too loud does not buy extra impact and can worsen pumping. We aim at common targets (including around −14 LUFS integrated for many streaming catalogues) without artificially quieting tracks that need dynamic genre headroom.

Send one or two references close to your song in genre and energy — not chart hits with unrelated production. The loudness guide explains how to read LUFS, true peak and crest factor without comparing your mix to the wrong examples.

Vinyl or cassette mastering sits outside standard rates; sync masters with multiple lengths (clean / instrumental) are quoted per version.

The mastering workflow in the studio

Lars works on a dedicated chain with full-range monitors and a second smaller pair for translation checks. Correction uses EQ, multiband dynamics and limiting only where the track benefits — no one preset on every song.

For EPs and albums we build a sequence list: order, crossfades and gaps between tracks. You get a preview set to compare at home. 2 revision rounds after the first master are included when feedback arrives bundled by email; major revisions after changed mixes are quoted separately.

Listening in the room is by appointment during Mon–Fri 10–20, Sat 11–18 at Goudsbloemstraat 73 in the Jordaan. Directions are on the contact page (Tram 13 or 17 to Westermarkt; about seven minutes on foot via Bloemgracht toward Goudsbloemstraat. From Amsterdam Centraal, bus 18 toward Slotervaart, get off at Haarlemmer Houttuinen, then five minutes walking.).

Delivery formats after mastering

By default we deliver:

• 24-bit WAV at the delivery sample rate (up to 96 kHz)
• 16-bit WAV for CD duplication or older distribution, with proper dither
• File names following your track list

Apple Digital Masters, MFiT or DDP for pressing are available on request for an extra fee. We do not upload directly to aggregators; you or your distributor place the files. More on data processing when uploading is in the privacy policy.

If you record, mix and master at Micracoriva, sample rate and gain staging stay consistent from vocal sessions or band recording through to release.

Mastering rates incl. VAT

Prices include 21% VAT. Business invoices show NL858964314B01; payment within 30 days for approved B2B work under terms and conditions.

Net: track €64.46, EP €276.86, stem master €80.99. More than five tracks at EP scope or album projects above twelve songs are quoted as projects. 30% deposit on confirmation.

Turnaround and revisions

A single track is usually mastered within three to seven business days after proper delivery. EPs are scheduled as a block; you get a delivery date upfront. Rush is sometimes possible when the calendar allows — call 020 737 0284 to hear options.

2 revision rounds after the first master are included when you send bundled feedback (loudness, EQ balance, fade). Uploading a completely new mix after mastering counts as a new project. Details are in the terms and FAQ.

We keep project files for 12 months. Download your masters in time; after the archive period we delete them unless you extend storage.

Limits of the service

Mastering does not replace mixing. Noise, bad edits, harsh sibilance or an unbalanced mix cannot be fully fixed in mastering. In those cases we recommend mixing or a partial remix.

Not included by default: restoration of damaged recordings, pitch/tempo correction, creating instrumentals from a stereo file without stems, legal advice on samples, and physical manufacturing. For podcast loudness or speech-only material, our podcast recording line with editing is often a better fit.

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Included

• Listening analysis on calibrated monitors
• Stereo master for streaming and download
• True peak control and format choice
• 2 revision rounds after first master
• 24-bit WAV export, 16-bit on request
• EP sequencing up to five tracks
• Archive for 12 months