Mastering is the final bridge between your mix and release day. It’s where an objective set of ears makes sure the record translates in the real world, where level and dynamics are calibrated without flattening the music, and where deliverables are prepared cleanly for distribution.
I run an owner-operated studio on the Eastside of Seattle and work with artists worldwide through a fully human process — no presets, no assistants, no drama. The goal is simple: masters that feel emotionally true, sound clear and settled, and hold up everywhere.
Core mastering
Singles / EPs / Albums
I master one song at a time, with the full project in mind when cohesion matters (especially EPs and albums). The approach is restraint and translation: preserve what’s already working, then refine balance, impact, and tone so the record survives phones, cars, headphones, and real speakers without losing intent. I also work with podcast, YouTube, and live-session releases when the goal is platform-proof clarity: intelligible midrange, controlled peaks, consistent level, and clean delivery.
Sequencing and transitions
For EPs and albums, I can handle sequencing, spacing, fades, and transitions so the project plays as a coherent body of work — not a folder of unrelated files.
Deliverables
Every master is delivered in the formats you actually use, labeled clearly, ready to upload or hand off.
Included with each song:
24-bit WAV master
CD-quality version
Reference MP3
Optional add-ons
Alternate mixes (instrumental / clean / a cappella, etc.)
If you need alternate versions delivered alongside the main mix, I can master those in the same formats so the whole release package stays consistent.
Apple Digital Masters
If you’re distributing to Apple Music and want the Apple Digital Masters deliverable, I can provide an optimized ADM file that meets Apple’s specifications.
Vinyl pre-masters
If you’re pressing to vinyl, I can provide dedicated pre-masters tailored to the format’s physical constraints, giving the cutting engineer an optimized, cut-friendly source for clean playback.
CD / DDPi production master
For compact disc releases, I can provide a DDPi production master — the preferred format for pressing plants — including your audio, track order, spacing, and metadata.
Analog / tape processing (by request)
Analog / tape processing is available on request for an additional fee.
Stem mastering and forensic restoration
When a project truly needs it, I also offer stem mastering and audio restoration. This is case-by-case — most projects are best served by finishing the approved mix.
How it works
I keep the workflow simple so nothing gets lost and the process stays focused.
Send your mix
WAV/AIFF at the native sample rate (24-bit preferred). If you have references, include them — optional, not required.
First pass
For singles, turnaround is typically quick (often within 48 hours, depending on workload). Albums take longer by nature — we’ll confirm timing up front.
Revisions (included)
Up to three revisions per track are included. Specific feedback is welcome — the goal is to help you land the record confidently.
Final delivery
You receive the final masters and any alternates, cleanly labeled and release-ready.
Rates and terms
I treat mastering as a craft, not a bulk service, so pricing stays consistent whether it’s one song or twenty. Albums aren’t discounted per track — cohesion work is real work. Very short pieces (intros/outros/interludes under a minute) can be priced lower.
Per song: $140
Includes the formats above, up to three revisions, and direct one-on-one communication.
Each alternate mix: $35
Instrumentals, clean edits, a cappella versions, etc. Delivered in the same three formats.
Apple Digital Masters (per project): $100
A couple of important notes
Alternate versions should be submitted at the same time as the main mix. Late alternates are charged at the full mastering rate.
I don’t offer free test masters. Instead, I provide level-matched before/after examples so you can hear the difference fairly.
If you want everything in one place, the full breakdown is here: Rates and Process (PDF)
Technical finalization (game / interactive / sessions)
I’m comfortable working with audio teams and technical deliverable requirements — clean specs, predictable files, no drama. I’ve taken game design and game audio coursework, and I’m used to thinking in terms of implementation constraints, playback context, and shippable assets.
When a project needs implementation-aware finishing (not creative rework), I offer game-audio finalization: translation, loudness/DR calibration, asset polish, and implementation-aware QC with a psychoacoustics bias.
This is best used when you already have approved content and need it to ship reliably: consistent assets, clean tails/loops, platform-appropriate loudness, and a clear QA pass informed by how audio is actually perceived in context.
Not sure if you need mastering?
If you’re on the fence, start with two quick resources
And if you’re ready, let’s get to work.