Mastering

Mastering is a technical but also creative process requiring a lot of experience . It should best take place using a dedicated linear monitoring system, uses specialised equipment and software and should be carried out by a person having the required distance to the production.

In order to achieve the best results for our clients, we often work (but not exclusively) with external renowned reference mastering studios. These studios are usually exclusively specialized on the task. We see our responsibility mainly in the supervision, technical and creative support of the music- and audio production in conjunction with the artists.

For the implementation of the mastering, we provide our infrastructure as well as our work force and presence at the studio if needed, in order to support the mastering process in conjunction with the mastering studio in the interest of our customers.

Technical aspects of mastering:

• Loss-minimised conversion of audio material into different formats
• Auditioning of the material by a neutral and unbiased person
• Identification and fixing of production errors
• Provide feedback to the mixing studio
• Minimal frequency response corrections
• Loudness adaptation to standard levels, which are required in broadcasting or on media such as CD/DVD or MP3 or online distribution platforms such as iTunes or Spotify
• Avoiding the generation of artefacts by format conversions (see “intermodulation effects”)
• Creation of the CD Master, with work steps such as PQ editing, definition of track lengths and pauses, fades and loudness adaptation of all songs/tracks on a CD
• Creation of digital image files for handing over to the press shop for reproduction of the data carriers.

Providing full support for handling the necessary formalities with print shops for CD/DVD reproduction as well as the rights organizations such as GEMA Germany or SACEM Luxemburg.