Mastering

Who benefits from mastering

Artists who mix themselves but want a second set of ears, producers tightening an EP, labels on release deadlines, and bands done with band recording and mixing: mastering closes the chain. Short music beds for podcast recording or ads can be handled as single tracks too.

Internal demos only? A full master may be overkill — we will say so at intake rather than sell a package you do not need.

What we need from your mix

Send 24-bit WAV or AIFF, ideally without a slammed mix bus or with comfortable headroom (peaks well below 0 dBFS). State sample rate; we keep it unless you want conversion. Include track order, proposed ISRCs if you have them, and fade preferences.

Stem mastering is possible when agreed upfront — see mix file formats for export habits. Avoid mp3 as a commercial source unless it is all you have; lost quality cannot be restored in mastering.

Streaming, vinyl and broadcast

For Spotify, Apple Music and similar outlets we align loudness and true peak so your song does not sound out of place — without wrecking the mix. Vinyl needs extra care on low-mids and sibilance; we can deliver a cutter-friendly version beside a digital master.

Broadcast and ads often ship strict specs from the client. Send that pdf or loudness target; we aim for measurable goals, not «as loud as possible».

Sequence and metadata

On an EP or album we look at gaps, energy between tracks and whether you want a hidden track or continuous playback. We document fades and indexes in the delivery email. Title typos are cheaper to fix now than after distributor upload.

ISRCs usually come from your distributor or label; we can embed them in filenames when you provide them. For rights: our guide and terms and conditions.

Revisions and feedback

We plan for 2 revision rounds after the first delivery — specific notes («more air in the chorus», «track 3 slightly quieter in the album») beat vague «make it warmer». Extra rounds or long gaps may be quoted as additional time.

Questions during the project: reply within 2 business days on Mon–Fri 10–22, Sat 10–18. Rush release? Mention it when booking — same-day is not always possible, but expedited slots sometimes are.

Not included

Mastering does not cover new mix sessions, arranging, sample clearance, distribution or artwork. Mixing and vocal recording are separate services. Structural mix issues (phase, noise, clipping) are not fixed by mastering alone — we send you back to mix or tracking.

Unlimited revisions, forensic restoration and physical vinyl pressing sit outside standard rates. Custom quotes via contact.

Rates and VAT

All amounts are consumer prices including 21% VAT. Business invoices with 14-day terms after approval.

Tracks above bundle size bill at the per-track rate. Deposit 40% may apply on larger jobs; cancel up to 7 days before start per cancellation rules.

Amsterdam workflow

Mastering runs in our control room on Columbusplein in Amsterdam — The studio address is on Columbusplein in Amsterdam-West. Trams 13 and 14 stop at Columbusplein; from there it is about a three-minute walk. By bike you can use the racks along the square in front of the entrance. You do not need to attend; many projects are upload-only. Want to listen in on the final pass? Book a short studio slot and mention it upfront.

Resourceworks since 2019, 3 rooms and calibrated monitoring. 020 - 707 4829 or [email protected]. General questions: FAQ.

Included

• Mastering pass on approved mix
• Sequence and fades for EP/album
• Two revision rounds by agreement
• WAV export (other formats on request)
• Short technical notes on delivery
• File archive 24 months
• LUFS/peak guidance for streaming where relevant