Sound Affair Mastering
Precision Mastering for Vinyl, Digital, Streaming & CD
Mastering is the final step in the recording chain, giving your project a consistent, polished, and professional sound. We’ll talk to you about what you want to get out of the mastering process and determine the best way to get you there. Then, we’ll assess your mixes and let you know if we have any questions or concerns.
Sound Affair uses analog playback through the Focusrite Blue Mastering system, so all our mastering is analog. We can make the process completely analog by first laying back your tracks to tape. Or, we can work directly from your audio source.
Many of the same functions that are used in mastering for Digital, Streaming and CD. Vinyl manufacturing requires a master lacquer for each side. Mastering the album and cutting the lacquer are the first steps in the pressing process and the last chance in post-production to make your music sound its best. We also cut one-off records. These are reference disk's to preview how your master lacquer will sound on your playback system and also in a home environment. Once approved, the master lacquers can be cut and shipped to the pressing plant of your choice.
Most importantly, all mastering is done in a balanced listing environment incorporating ZRA (Zero Reflection Acoustics) Technology, a new standard in professional studio room design. This will provide the accuracy necessary to create a master that will sound great on all formats.
Details, details . . .
Compression and limiting
Stereo enhancement
Dynamic sibilance control
General assembly – includes fades in and out, cross fades, track sequencing, and spacing
Add CD text
Add ISRC codes for digital distribution
Real-time block error check and analysis of master CD
Apply noise reduction to eliminate hiss or hum, if necessary
Tape layback (if applicable)
Raise the albums over-all level to professional standards
Fix minor mix deficiencies
Add bass, high end, or other EQ as needed
Eliminate noise and clicks between tracks
Real-time phase and polarity check of left and right audio channels
Bass management and optimization
Transfer mastered audio to final PMCD or DDP for replication, duplication, vinyl and digital distribution
If you have any questions, or need more information about mastering for Vinyl, Digital, Streaming, and CD, please contact us by phone, text or email. Or you can also fill out a Request a Quote form here.
Vinyl, Digital, Streaming & CD Mastering