Frequently Asked Questions:

MASTERING VS. MIXING:

Commonly confused. Simply put: 

Mixing is the process of manipulating the song on a track-by-track basis. Setting levels, EQ’ing and compressing instruments and groups of instruments to create a two-channel (stereo left and right) mix of your song.

Mastering is the manipulation of that two-channel stereo mix, putting the finishing touches on it to make it as “presentable” as possible. Mastering also includes ordering, spacing and prepping a track for its final delivery format.

Of course, this is a gross simplification of both processes, but it is important to understand the fundamental differences. 

WHAT FORMAT SHOULD MY FILES BE?

Assuming you're working with a DAW (if you're not contact us to arrange submission), simply export your stereo mix at the sample rate of your session and the highest bit depth your DAW will allow. Mixes should have at least 3 db of headroom before clipping and any loudness processing (L2, L2007, T-Racks, Ozone, etc.) should be removed from the master bus. More in-depth details about submission are available in our client area.

HOW LONG DOES MASTERING TAKE?

Turnaround times can vary depending on the project and current workload, but we typically have a finished master within 1-2 weekS.

How do i submit my mixes?

Once you schedule a session we will give you a login to access our user area. There you'll find a secure upload form to send your files along with some other information directly to us

Here's a more detailed description of how to prepare your files for mastering

HOW DO I PAY FOR MY MASTERING?

Once we've received your files and verified they are ready to go, we'll send you an invoice via email.  This invoice is generated via PayPal, but you do not need a PayPal account to pay. Any credit card will also work. 

Due to the quick turnaround nature of mastering, checks are generally discouraged.

CAN I ATTEND MY MASTERING SESSION?

Yes! We are located a little over an hour north of NYC, and just 5 minutes off I-87. Directions can be found below. We are also near the Poughkeepsie, NY stop of the Metro North Hudson Line, which can be taken out of Grand Central Station, as well as several points in the Bronx and Westchester County.