FAQ
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What is mastering?
Mastering is the final step in audio production that transforms your finished mix into a polished, professional-ready track. The process enhances clarity, adds sonic dimension and depth, ensures optimal loudness, and guarantees your music translates well across all playback systems - from club sound systems to streaming platforms.
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Why is mastering essential?
Professional mastering is crucial for serious music releases. Labels and industry professionals immediately recognize unmastered tracks by their lack of polish and competitive loudness. Mastering elevates a great mix to commercial standards.
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What does "2-channel" mastering mean?
Two-channel mastering processes your final stereo mix file - the left and right channels of your stereo WAV or AIFF file. This is the standard mastering approach for most releases.
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What's the difference between mastering and stem mastering?
Standard mastering works with your complete stereo mix. Stem mastering processes individual elements (drums, bass, synths, etc.) separately, allowing for more precise control over each component while maintaining your creative vision.
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Will mastering fix problems in my mix?
Mastering enhances great mixes but cannot fix fundamental mixing issues. Ensure your mix represents your complete creative vision before mastering. If we identify mix problems, we'll provide specific feedback to help you address them.
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How do I export stems from my DAW?
Each DAW has specific export procedures. Visit our detailed stem export guide for step-by-step instructions covering Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic, FL Studio, and Digital Performer.
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Should I include both processed and dry channels?
This depends on your project's specific needs. Contact us before preparing your files - we'll advise whether processed stems or dry channels work best for your particular mix and goals.
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Should I leave automation active on channels?
Generally, disable automation unless it's essential to your creative vision. If certain automated effects are crucial to your sound, leave them active and notify us in your project notes.
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What equipment do you use?
We utilize a carefully selected combination of analog hardware and digital processing in professionally treated acoustic environments. However, tools are secondary to expertise - our focus is achieving optimal results regardless of the specific gear involved.
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I own mastering software - why hire a professional?
Professional mastering involves far more than applying processing. An experienced mastering engineer provides objective perspective on your mix, identifies potential issues, maintains proper dynamics while achieving competitive loudness, and ensures your track translates well across all playback systems.
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What if I'm not satisfied with the results?
We include up to 2 revisions with each mastering project and allow 3 months for revision requests. This ensures you're completely satisfied with the final result.
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What are your terms and policies?
Our complete terms, including payment policies, delivery timelines, and revision procedures, are available on our policies page.
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Can I hear examples of your work?
Yes, we maintain a portfolio of recent mastering examples demonstrating our approach across various electronic music genres. These examples showcase the clarity, depth, and professional polish we bring to every project.
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Do you offer test masters?
We don't provide free test masters. Our portfolio and client testimonials demonstrate our capabilities. If you have specific concerns about our services, contact us directly to discuss your project requirements.
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Where are my digital downloads?
After purchase, check your email for download instructions. You have 3 download attempts per purchase. Contact us if you experience technical difficulties.
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What formats do your products use?
All audio content is delivered as 16-bit WAV files, unless otherwise specified, compatible with all major platforms and audio devices. MP3s available on request.
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I need to re-download my purchase - how do I get access?
Contact us with your order information for verification. We'll provide fresh download links for verified purchases.