Mastering isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Every genre and release format has unique sonic characteristics that require a tailored approach. At the heart of our custom mastering solutions is a hybrid process that combines top-tier analog hardware and cutting-edge digital software. This ensures your music achieves the warmth, depth, and clarity it needs for optimal playback on all formats—whether for streaming, vinyl, or immersive platforms like Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio.
Genre-Specific Mastering: Enhancing Your Unique Sound #
Each genre presents its own set of challenges and opportunities. By applying a combination of analog processing and digital precision tools, we ensure every element of your mix is enhanced to meet the demands of the style.
Here’s how we adapt our process for specific genres:
- Jazz & Classical
- Analog EQs (Manley Massive Passive, Pultec EQP-1A): Add warmth and depth while preserving transparency.
- Minimal Compression (Shadow Hills Mastering Compressor): Maintains dynamic range for a natural sound.
- Stereo Imaging Tools (Brainworx bx_control): Subtly adjust the width while keeping the spatial feel of live recordings intact.
- Electronic & Dance Music
- Multiband Compression (FabFilter Pro-MB): Controls dynamics across different frequency bands for a punchy, club-ready sound.
- Transient Shaping (SPL Transient Designer): Enhances the attack and energy of drums and synths.
- Sub-Bass Management (UAD Ampeg SVT): Tightens and defines the low end for maximum impact on large sound systems.
- Hip-Hop & R&B
- Parallel Compression (Empirical Labs Distressor): Boosts the body of vocals and drums without losing dynamics.
- Saturation (Thermionic Culture Vulture): Adds harmonic richness and analog vibe to vocals and basslines.
- Dynamic EQ (iZotope Ozone): Reduces harshness while enhancing vocal presence.
- Pop & Rock
- Midrange Detail (SSL G-Master Buss Compressor): Brings vocals and guitars forward in the mix.
- Harmonic Excitement (Soundtoys Decapitator): Adds brightness and character for a polished, radio-ready sound.
- Loudness Optimisation (NUGEN MasterCheck): Ensures your track is loud yet clear for streaming services.
- Reggae & Dub
- Bass Focus (Analog EQ – Pultec EQP-1A, UAD Ampeg SVT): Ensures the bassline is deep, warm, and controlled—crucial for driving the rhythm.
- Drum Weight and Groove (Shadow Hills Compressor): Enhances the kick and snare to sit firmly in the mix without overpowering.
- Spring Reverb and Tape Delay (Soundtoys EchoBoy, UAD EMT 140): Adds authentic dub-style effects, creating depth and movement in the mix.
- Parallel Compression: Keeps the groove tight and punchy while preserving the natural dynamics of live instruments.
- Stereo Imaging (Brainworx bx_stereoMaker): Expands the spatial field subtly, ensuring vocals and skanks cut through with clarity.
Format-Specific Mastering: Optimising for Every Platform #
Different release formats require specialised mastering to ensure optimal playback across all listening environments. We prepare your music for the following formats:
- Streaming (Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal)
- Loudness Normalization (iZotope Insight): Ensures your track meets platform-specific LUFS standards (typically -14 LUFS).
- High-Resolution Masters (24-bit, 96 kHz): Prepare your music for lossless streaming services like Tidal and Apple Music.
- Dynamic Consistency Checks: Prevents pumping and distortion caused by streaming compression algorithms.
- Vinyl
- Low-End Mono Conversion: Ensures compatibility with the vinyl cutting process.
- De-essing (SPL De-Esser): Reduces sibilance to prevent distortion in high frequencies.
- Separate Vinyl Master Preparation: We create a dedicated master for vinyl, with different EQ curves and dynamic adjustments.
- CD and Broadcast
- CD Mastering (Red Book Standard Compliance): Meets technical requirements for digital audio CDs (16-bit, 44.1 kHz).
- Broadcast Loudness Standards (EBU R128): Ensures compatibility for radio and TV.
- Immersive Audio (Dolby Atmos & Sony 360 Reality Audio)
- Object-Based Mastering (Dolby Renderer): Positions elements precisely in the 3D space, creating a fully immersive experience.
- Spatial Reverb and Ambience (SPAT Revolution): Adds realistic depth and spatial movement.
- Binaural Compatibility Checks: Ensures the immersive mix sounds great on headphones as well as speaker systems.
Why Hybrid Mastering? #
Our hybrid mastering process offers the best of both worlds:
- Analog Hardware: Provides warmth, depth, and musicality. Tools like the Manley Vari-Mu, API 2500 Compressor, and Neve 33609 bring unique tonal color and enhance the natural sound of your music.
- Digital Precision: Ensures accuracy and control. We use industry-standard tools such as FabFilter Pro-Q3, Sonnox Limiter, and iZotope RX for detailed frequency shaping, restoration, and dynamic control.
This combination allows us to craft masters that are rich, vibrant, and perfectly suited to your artistic vision.
Why Choose Custom Mastering? #
Every project is unique, and our custom mastering solutions are designed to help your music reach its full potential. We collaborate with you to understand your creative goals and provide advice on how to enhance your sound for your target audience and platform.
Whether you want a warm, vintage sound for vinyl, a modern and punchy mix for streaming, or an immersive 3D experience, we’ll ensure your music sounds exactly how you imagined—if not better.
