Mastering is the final stage of the music production process, where a completed mix is carefully prepared, optimised and formatted for release.

At Phoenix Sound Studios, mastering can be provided as part of the recording and mixing process or as a standalone service for completed mixes supplied by artists, bands, producers and recording studios.

A well-mastered recording should translate consistently across different playback systems while maintaining the character, dynamics and impact of the original mix. Mastering can also help ensure that your music is appropriately prepared for its intended format and method of distribution.

What is involved in mastering?

Every recording is different, so there is no single mastering process that works for every song. Each track is assessed individually and processing is applied only where it is appropriate.

Depending on the requirements of the material, mastering may include:

  • Broadband equalisation – balancing the overall tonal character of the recording
  • Multiband compression – controlling dynamics within specific frequency ranges where required
  • Overall dynamics and level control – achieving an appropriate balance between loudness, dynamics and impact
  • Track fades – creating clean and appropriate beginnings and endings
  • Track spacing and sequencing – arranging the running order and spacing of tracks for an EP or album
  • Track ID and metadata preparation – preparing tracks and identifiers as required for the intended delivery format
  • Quality control – checking the final master for unwanted noise, clicks, distortion, clipping and other issues

The aim is not simply to make a recording louder. Good mastering is about achieving the right balance between tonal character, dynamics, consistency and overall impact while preserving the integrity of the mix.

Mastering for Streaming & Digital Distribution

Music is now distributed across a wide range of streaming and digital platforms, each of which may process audio through its own encoding and playback systems.

Masters can be prepared with digital distribution in mind, including consideration of:

  • Sample rate and bit depth
  • True peak and inter-sample peak levels
  • Loudness and dynamic range
  • File format and delivery requirements
  • Track sequencing, fades and spacing
  • Metadata and ISRC information where required

The objective is to provide a high-quality master suitable for digital distribution, rather than simply mastering to a particular loudness number.

High-resolution masters can be supplied in appropriate formats for delivery to distributors and digital platforms.

Vinyl Mastering & Preparation

Vinyl requires different considerations from digital distribution.

A master intended for vinyl can be prepared with the requirements of the vinyl cutting process in mind. Factors such as frequency content, stereo information, dynamics, overall level and the available running time on each side can all influence the final result.

Vinyl preparation may include consideration of:

  • Low-frequency content and stereo information
  • Overall level and dynamics
  • High-frequency content
  • Track running time and side length
  • Track sequencing
  • Fades and transitions

Where required, separate masters can be prepared for digital and vinyl release, rather than using the same master for every format.

The final vinyl master can then be supplied in the format requested by the cutting engineer or pressing facility.

Album & EP Mastering

Mastering an album or EP involves more than processing each track individually.

Particular attention is given to the relationship between the tracks as a complete body of work, including:

  • Relative level between songs
  • Tonal consistency
  • Overall dynamics
  • Track sequencing
  • Track spacing
  • Fades and transitions
  • Consistent delivery specifications

The objective is to create a cohesive listening experience while allowing each song to retain its own character.

Single Mastering

Singles can be mastered for digital distribution, promotional use, physical release or multiple formats.

Where required, alternative masters can be produced for different applications, such as:

  • Digital/streaming release
  • High-resolution download
  • Vinyl
  • CD
  • Instrumental versions
  • Clean or edited versions
  • Other label, distributor or production requirements
Mastering Deliverables

Masters can be supplied in the formats required for your release.

Typical deliverables include:

  • High-resolution WAV masters for digital distribution
  • 24-bit WAV files at the appropriate sample rate
  • DDP (Disc Description Protocol) images for professional CD replication or duplication
  • Vinyl-ready masters prepared for the cutting/pressing process
  • Separate digital and vinyl masters where appropriate
  • Instrumental versions where supplied or requested
  • Clean or edited versions where required
  • Album and EP sequencing, track spacing and fades
  • Metadata and ISRC information where supplied and required
  • Alternative formats or versions to meet specific label, distributor or production requirements
  • Final quality-control checking of delivered masters

If your label, distributor, pressing plant or replication facility has specific delivery requirements, these can be taken into account before mastering begins.

Remote Mastering

Phoenix Sound Studios also offers a remote eMastering service.

Simply send us your completed mix and we can complete the mastering process remotely. The entire process can be handled online, making it suitable for artists, bands, producers and studios located anywhere.

Once the mastering process is complete, your finished master can be supplied in the appropriate format for your intended release or distribution.

Preparing Your Mix for Mastering

For the best results, mastering should begin with a well-balanced final mix.

Where possible, provide the mix at its native sample rate and bit depth without unnecessary processing on the stereo output. If you have a specific sound or reference in mind, reference tracks can also be supplied.

It is helpful to provide information about:

  • The intended release format
  • Whether the project is for streaming, CD, vinyl or multiple formats
  • Any specific distributor, label or pressing-plant requirements
  • Required versions or edits
  • ISRC or metadata information, where applicable
  • Any particular areas of the mix you would like assessed

If you’re unsure how to prepare your mix for mastering, that’s fine. We can discuss the project and advise on the most appropriate delivery format.

From Final Mix to Release-Ready Master

A great mix is only the starting point. Mastering is where the finished production is carefully refined and prepared for the way your audience will actually hear and receive it.

Whether you’re releasing a single, EP, album, vinyl record or CD, Phoenix Sound Studios can provide mastering and professional delivery formats suited to your project.

Your music. Professionally mastered. Ready for release.

Book Your Mastering Session

Contact Phoenix Sound Studios to discuss project, release format and mastering requirements.