FAQ
What is mastering?
Mastering is the final step in the record production process. It is essential to have an objective pair of trained ears triple check your music before distribution so my work is based on careful, detail-based listening in an acoustically treated room with only the highest fidelity converters and speakers. I listen for any errors that may have been missed in the mixing session and I am responsible for track sequencing, fades, transitions, metadata, and file formatting. I also offer stem mastering and audio restoration services.
No two mastering engineers are the same because personal taste comes into play while refining the timbre of bass, midrange, and treble frequencies to highlight and enhance musical content wherever possible. Another crucial step involves adjusting level so that playback loudness will be consistent while striking the optimal balance between factors like dynamic range and sonic power. This is a highly specialized task which requires a great listening environment, a range of professional tools, and of course technical knowledge and years of experience.
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When it comes to working with my clients, I believe the mastering process should be tailor-made for each song. I understand that each artist and producer has a unique vision for their music, and my role is to help them realize that vision with the utmost care and dedication. I begin by actively listening to their needs and goals, ensuring a thorough understanding of the sonic qualities they wish to achieve. Communication is key, and I maintain an open line to address any questions or concerns throughout the mastering process. My commitment to quality extends to the tools and techniques I employ, always striving for perfection and embracing the latest advancements in audio technology. With every project, I aim to infuse the music with the same passion and attention to detail that have defined my career, resulting in masters that truly reflect the artist's intention and resonate with listeners worldwide.
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I know that mastering can seem a complicated subject so I strive to communicate openly from the start of the project until the masters have been approved by you. During that process, you can expect an extremely dedicated, passionate engineer who will go the extra mile to get the results you need. So if you’d prefer to deal with your engineer directly rather than through a booking manager, contact me.
After receiving your mix, I take time to carefully listen, analyze, and provide constructive feedback, addressing any quality control issues that may have been overlooked in the mixing stage. Together, we'll bring your music to its full potential, and my commitment to your project remains unwavering until you're completely satisfied with the final product. Your art is at the heart of our work, and I am here to ensure it's brought to life with clarity, precision, and a touch of sonic magic.
When I’ve done my thing and the final master is ready, you will receive a link to download the audio as a high resolution master, a CD quality version, and a reference MP3.
My turnaround time is typically within 1 to 3 business days for singles and 1 to 2 weeks for albums, however I am always willing to accommodate shorter turnaround times if need be - just give me a heads up before we begin!
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Mastering engineers typically don't mix records, and there are distinct reasons for this separation of roles.
First, maintaining objectivity is crucially important. Mastering offers a fresh perspective when a mixing engineer, deeply involved in the creative process, may become too attached to the individual tracks, making it challenging to provide an objective final touch. Second, I work in an acoustically treated room with mastering-specific tools and equipment to ensure the best possible results. Lastly, having a different set of experienced ears and a skill set dedicated to mastering usually results in a more polished and consistent final product.
In essence, while mixing and mastering both play critical roles in music production, they serve distinct purposes, and it is specialization in each area that allows for the best possible outcome in terms of sonic quality and artistic expression.
As such, I am always more than happy to refer you to some of the many talented mixers I know.
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Please remove any limiters from the mix buss.
Check to ensure the mix is not clipping.
Turn off normalization, overload protection, trim silences, and dithering.
Do not change the sample rate of your session or upsample.
Only use 32 bit floating point or 24 bit WAV files.
Bounce offline and double check your bounced mix.
Let me know if you have ISRC or UPC codes for your release.
Include any reference versions you have previously limited or premastered.
Send instrumentals, clean edits, and other alternates with the main mix.
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Please use the contact form on this site or email aw@alexanderwright.com to let me know how I can help bring your project to life, and of course I am always happy to answer any questions you have! You can expect a reply on the same day.