Audio Mastering
We understand the individual needs of each client can be truly diverse, so individual proposals can be designed.
This site has brief guidelines of our services and some pages that include our Rates and Fees , Credits and a Mastering FAQ's.
Our audio mastering process will evaluate the overall tone, level and dynamic range of your music, and provide a uniform balance for the final sequence. By using specialized mastering equipment, we will help shape the sound of your record. With EQ we can clear up frequencies to make your record sound clearer. By using compression we can help “glue” the mix together. The mastering process will also prepare a final master format for replication/duplication. A verified error-checked master can be provided that will ensure the highest possible quality will be produced. Communication is key to great mastering, so be sure to let us know what things you're looking for from your mastering. Overall, the process should make your CD more listen-able on a wide range of playback systems, as well as making the continuous play of your sequence more consistent. The mastering process is about perspective... so your mixes stand up today, and, years down the line. Having a fresh set of trained ears go through a record has long been an essential part of the recording process. We also enjoy getting involved during your recording process, to ensure your mastering can be it's best. Call us if your having concerns about your recordings. We encourage you to try to attend your mastering session, if at all possible. If for some reason it may not be possible for you to attend, we may suggest the use of our FTP site where you may follow some selected progress of your session.
If you are interested in having a copy of your mastering in MP3 or AAC format, we have a few special processes that will help make these formats sound better. Usually this only adds about a half hour of time to the session as we process the files. Please inquire when booking a session so we can plan accordingly.
It is within our capabilities to add "Post Production" techniques to the mastering process. Many times we are asked to add effects (reverb, flanging, echoes...) or add additional parts that may have been left out of, or became "Buried" in, the mix. Sometimes these procedures work, sometimes they don't. If you have any concerns or questions about these processes, please call us ahead of time so we (and you) may prepare accordingly. We are also able to “de-noise” projects with a high noise level, talk to us before hand and we can make certain we’ll have all the right additional audio that may be helpful.
West West Side Music also performs "Tape Baking". If we are mastering from original tapes (reissues and boxsets especially) that may not have been stored in "Ideal" conditions, talk to us... it's not as scary as it sounds.
Most of all, remember, we want you to be comfortable in working with us. Some things that may be obvious to us may not be to you. Please feel free to call and speak to us about any questions or concerns you may have. Please send us your mixes as soon as your certain you're happy with them so we can listen and make certain you can get the most from us.