Mastering

What is Mastering?

Through carefully applied compression and equalization, mastering is  the process of sonically balancing and creatively enhancing your final mixes.  When performed correctly it can take your mixes to the next level adding punch, clarity and volume while preserving the dynamic contour of each track.  When mastering a complete album, care is taken to insure that the overall color  (equalization) and feel (volume) are consistent from track to track.  Excess silence is removed and fades are adjusted where needed so that the flow from song to song is natural and pleasing.

Why do I need it?

If you want your mixes to compete with what is currently on the market, chances are you’ll need to have it mastered.  Though the use of high end Mastering hardware and software and years of experience we can ensure that your mixes will  be enhanced to their fullest potential.

Is it expensive?

Their are currently numerous online companies that offer mastering services and their rates can vary drastically making the choice somewhat complicated.  If you try to save money will your project suffer for it?  At West End Recording Studios we feel that we offer outstanding quality and value for your money.  Most of the top mastering houses (including ours) are using similar high end gear (see list below).  So what sets one apart from another? It is of course the mastering engineer’s ears and experience.   

Our prices are competitive 

($100 per single. $700 for a 10 song album with additional songs prorated at $70 each) We have been mastering recordings for over 15 years.

What’s the process?

If you aren’t near one of our facilities you can either mail the mixes or for faster service transfer them directly over the internet.  A 50% deposit is required to initiate work. Sections of each mastered mix will be provided for your reference and upon final approval the balance and final payment will be due.  Final masters can be transferred digitally or by post at a nominal additional charge.  Payments can be made via Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, Cash or Check.

Additional Free Service...

Once you’ve placed you deposit down for mastering, we offer a unique service in which we’ll review your mixes (prior to mastering) and offer suggestions on possible mix improvement.  If you are in a position where you can still make adjustments this can be invaluable.  Many of our clients take advantage of this service as it can be very beneficial to get a "fresh set of ears" on a project.

Mastering Equipment

Weiss EQ1-MK2 Equalizer

Manley Stereo Variable MU Tube Limiter Compressor

SSL G-Series Stereo Compressor

Waves L16 Mastering Multiband Limiter, De-esser, Renn Bass and Maxx Bass, Renn Compressor and EQ, S1 Stereo Image Widener

TCElectronics MD3 Multiband compressor and Brickwall Limiter

Sony/Oxford Inflator and Equalizers

Aphex Aural Exciter

Digidesign Pultec EQ

Lynx Aurora Converters

Genelec 1030A powered monitors with Sub woofer

Yamaha NS10M monitors

Auratone Cube Monitors

Sony and AKG Headphones