I’m ready to have my project mastered. What should I do first?

Click “Get Started” to see our pricing and fill out the Mastering Form.

How do I book a mastering session? Is a deposit required?

Email or call us to discuss your project and request a mastering date. We typically do not require a deposit on the average project, but reserve the right to do so.

What is your cancellation / delay policy?

Ideally, you should wait to book your mastering date until after your mixes are all completed. Realistically, and especially with scholastic groups, this doesn’t always happen, and as a result mastering needs to be pushed back. Things happen, and we try to be as flexible as we can and to accommodate all deadlines as we are able. Often we can move things around and still meet all deadlines. Sometimes we can’t. In these cases, should you cancel or miss a mastering date with us without adequate notification, or should your project be delayed / lengthened due to circumstances beyond our control (such as you or your engineer uploading an incomplete or damaged file, or your mixing engineer missing their deadline), we reserve the right to charge a fee equal to 1-4 hours of our time. Usually these fees can be avoided with early, open communication, and through proper planning. Please see our pricing page for a complete breakdown of costs and fees.

We need our project mastered IMMEDIATELY!!! Is there any way to squeeze on to your calendar?

From time to time we do get a last-minute cancellation, so it doesn’t hurt to ask. If you MUST have your project “rushed” you will be charged a premium. Pending availability, 48-hour turnaround is available for an additional $130; 24-hour turnaround for an additional $260.

We do ask that if we are able to move something for you and accommodate your last-minute notice that you be likewise prepared to pay for
the work we do just as quickly. Sound fair? Good talk.

Will you release our mastered product without payment in full?

We work hard to try to meet every deadline, and we ask that you be prepared to pay for your project, in full, upon completion of our work. If paperwork needs to be filed first with your school or organization, please let us know well in advance so that we may have the opportunity to file it prior to your mastering date.

Do I need to attend the mastering session?

Because we work with clients from around the world and because bookings can sometimes shift by a day or three, most mastering sessions are unattended, with most or all of the process occurring over the internet. However should you desire, you are more than welcome to attend your mastering session. We have lots of great food available nearby, and should you need to stay overnight there are several hotels within a few miles of the studio.

One caveat for the budget-conscious:

Due to the nature of the back and forth that occurs when more than one person is present in the room (if only for the inevitable trading of stories), attended sessions take an average of one hour longer than do unattended sessions. That said, we welcome your in-person feedback and company. Be sure to let us know in advance if you plan to attend your mastering session.

I’m unsure which version of a given mix is “best”, or I have alternate versions of the same song. Should I send both of them to be mastered?

Yes. If you’d like our opinion we are happy to give it. We’re also happy to master a “clean” and “explicit” version of the same track, or a version with the lead vocal +1dB louder, etc.

I think I know just how I want the mastered mixes to sound. Should I sent you my “fake masters”?

Though it is not mandatory and we are more than capable of using our judgment to get the best out of each track (that’s why you’re hiring us!), please feel free to send us your fake masters / final mixes if you’d like for us to use them as a reference while we master your project.