The last pass, before the song leaves.

What mastering does

A master sets the integrated level, the true peak, the tonal balance of the stereo file, and the sequence if the release is more than one song. Streaming services turn loud masters down. A file that is only loud, with no control of peaks, arrives tired. We master so the song holds together at a sensible level, and we can supply a second, louder file when a service, a car, or a radio edit needs it.

We talk about the target before we print anything. Streaming playback sits near an integrated level of about −14 LUFS on several large platforms, while many gospel releases still want a louder master for rooms and radio. Both can exist. They should not be the same file by accident.

What to send, and what you get back

Send a wav mix with headroom, not an mp3, and not a file that has already been limited to the edge. Leave the top of the meter alone. Tell us the song order if it is an EP, and tell us if a choir feature or a spoken intro has to stay quieter than the chorus on purpose.

You receive the master wav, and the platform-ready export we agreed. If the mix itself is the problem, we will stop and recommend mixing instead of polishing a balance that is not there. That refusal saves the release.

Albums, singles, and live playback

A single is one decision. An EP is a sequence: the level should feel related from song to song, not like five different studios. A playback version for a worship team is a different brief again, because it has to survive a PA and still leave room for the live vocal. Say which of those you need in the first message.

If the song also needs a picture, book video against the approved master, not against a demo. The cut should be made to the file people will actually hear.

Questions about this service