Mastering
The last step before release: your stereo mix gets consistent loudness, a controlled frequency balance and export files distributors expect — tuned in our control room, not through an anonymous online preset.
Mastering at Oaklandledger is about real-world listening: earbuds on the tram to Amsterdam Centraal, car Bluetooth and studio monitors in our 20 m² room. We do not fix arrangement mistakes; we make a mix that already works sound finished and ready for digital and physical release.
You can submit a mix we created via Mixing, or an external mix from another engineer. Technical targets and LUFS goals are explained in master loudness for streaming; rates and revisions below and in terms and conditions.
Process
Delivery
Send a stereo WAV with headroom via contact. State desired formats (streaming, vinyl test, video) and reference tracks if you have them.
Analysis
We measure loudness, spectrum and phase. If the mix has problems (clipping, extreme narrow stereo) we flag them before continuing — sometimes returning to mixing is smarter.
Master pass
EQ, dynamics and limiting are applied sparingly so the song keeps its character. Multiple formats are derived from one master chain where possible.
QC and delivery
Listening checks on two systems, then download links or files on disk. Up to 2 revision rounds on loudness or tone — not a full remix from scratch.
Mastering vs mixing
Mixing balances stems into one piece of music; mastering works on that single stereo file (or a small set of variants). If vocals sit too far back in the mix, mastering will not hide it — we suggest Mixing or a revision with your mixer. Mastering adds polish, consistent loudness across EP tracks and technical metadata where needed.
Podcast and spoken word use different criteria than music; that sits under podcast & voice-over. The music mastering described here assumes an already balanced instrumental and vocal picture.
Who it is for
Independent artists shipping one single to Spotify, labels with a five-track EP, producers who mix themselves but want a second opinion on limiting and low-mids. Bands who recorded here and want mix plus master under one roof: after Band recording and optional Mixing, mastering closes the loop.
If you only need a demo for labels, we can discuss whether a light master is enough or a simple reference loudness fits better — we are upfront when mastering is too early.
Delivery format
Send interleaved stereo WAV, preferably 24-bit, at your mix sample rate (44.1 kHz for most releases, 48 kHz for video). No mp3 as source. Leave 3 to 6 dB headroom on peaks; a mix already at 0 dBFS with clipping cannot be boosted safely.
- Filename with title and version, e.g.
Title_Mix_v3.wav. - Optional: instrumental without master limiter as a separate file only by prior agreement.
- ISRC and credits in a text file — we do not embed incorrect metadata without your list.
Questions about stems instead of stereo? That is Mixing, not mastering; see delivering stems for mixing.
Loudness and streaming
Platforms normalise playback; extremely loud masters lose punch after upload. We aim at targets that fit your genre and distribution channel — concrete LUFS and true-peak agreements are in our loudness guide, so you know what to expect on Spotify, Apple Music or Bandcamp.
Vinyl prep or highly dynamic jazz often keeps more headroom than an EDM single. Tell us the medium in the brief; we do not master everything to the same ceiling by default.
What you receive
By default you get a master WAV for digital release at the agreed sample rate. On request we add versions: for example a slightly quieter variant for video or a DDP stub only when confirmed upfront — no surprise formats your DAW cannot read.
We do not return stem multitracks; mastering is end-of-chain. DDP for CD pressing can be arranged with external plants; discuss before invoicing. Files go via secure link; keep your own archive — studio backup 12 months.
Revisions
2 rounds are for fine-tuning: slightly less sibilance, a bit more overall level within safe true peak, consistency across EP songs. «Different guitar tone» or «add new vocals» is outside mastering and needs a new mix.
Please give feedback with timecode or section references. After approval the master is final for distribution; later changes are a new job. See FAQ on turnaround.
Turnaround
One song can often ship within a few working days after clean delivery; EPs at €265 are planned as a batch so loudness matches between tracks. Rush is possible within Tue–Fri 10–20, Sat 10–18 when the calendar allows — expect quick replies from you on previews.
We respond to intake within 1 working day. Visiting for a mastering session is rarely needed; listening appointments at Bilderdijkstraat 165 are welcome. Getting here: Tram 3 and 12 stop Bilderdijkstraat (2 minutes' walk). Bus 15 stop Bilderdijkstraat. From Amsterdam Centraal about 15 minutes on tram 3 towards Muiderpoortstation..
Rates
Prices are consumer rates including 21% VAT. Per track: €70. EP up to five songs: €265 — economical when you master a release in one go.
| Option | Incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Single track | €70 |
| EP up to 5 tracks | €265 |
Ex-VAT on business invoices: ask for net figures on the quote. 30% deposit may apply on larger batches. Payment and cancellation: terms and conditions.
Not included
Mixing, editing, music production, artwork, distributor setup on Spotify or Apple, rights registration and physical pressing sit outside mastering. Tape restoration from old cassettes is a separate conversation.
Want the full chain at Oaklandledger? Start with recording (Vocal recording or Band recording), continue with Mixing and finish here. Legal info: legal notice, privacy: privacy policy. Contact: contact or 020 261 4890.
Included
- Analysis of the delivered stereo mix
- Master pass with tailored EQ, dynamics and limiting
- Loudness aligned to medium (see loudness guide)
- 24-bit WAV master for digital release
- Short technical note on delivery
- Up to 2 revision rounds at master level
- Archive for 12 months
FAQ
Does the mix have to come from you?
No. External mixes are welcome when the WAV is technically sound. If we mixed it ourselves, we already know how balances were built — that can shorten revisions.
How loud will my master be?
It depends on genre and platform. We follow master loudness for streaming and your brief — no automatic «as loud as possible» without discussion.
Vinyl and streaming in one price?
One master WAV can often serve both; sometimes we make an alternate version with more headroom for vinyl. Extra versions are quoted — not default in €70 unless agreed.
What if my mix is clipped?
We pause and report it. A light declipper sometimes helps; often returning to the mixer is better. Plan Mixing or ask your mixer for a new export.
Do you deliver MP3 as well?
On request we create mp3 or other lossy formats from the master WAV. Default delivery is lossless WAV for the best quality when uploading to distributors.
Other services
Vocal recording
Singing, rap and spoken word in a dry booth with guidance at the console.
€95 · per hour
Band recording
Live room for up to five musicians, separate booth and an individual headphone mix per player.
€125 · per hour
Mixing
Balance, space and dynamics for singles and EPs; revision rounds as agreed.
€195 · per track
Podcast & voice-over
Conversations, interviews and voice-over with quiet acoustics and fast export.
€88 · per hour
Recording in Amsterdam?
Plan your next session with us
Tell us what you want to capture: within 1 working day we reply with a slot proposal and a written quote, no obligation.