What mastering does here
Ruben de Vries handles mastering and session planning: he works from your approved mix (or our mix from Mixing). The aim is coherent loudness and tone without reopening the mix. Single track: €72; EP of four to six songs: €295; vinyl pre-master per side: €35 — all prices include 21% VAT.
Mastering does not fix mix problems: heavy resonance or clipping is not «removed» in mastering. Unsure? Request a mix check via contact first.
Standard digital delivery
You typically receive:
- 16-bit / 44.1 kHz WAV for many download and CD workflows
- 24-bit / 48 kHz WAV when your distributor or video partner asks for it
- Optionally a lower-level MP3 preview — not a substitute for the lossless master
File names follow ISRC or a naming scheme you provide. Metadata (titles, credits) you enter at your aggregator; we deliver audio, not Spotify or Apple Music accounts.
Loudness and streaming
Spotify, Apple Music and other major platforms normalize playback; extremely loud masters often sound smaller after normalization. We aim for healthy headroom and consistent perceived loudness across an EP — not loudness-war targets at the expense of transients.
Podcast or audiobook targets differ; see Podcast and audiobook. Music and spoken-word mastering share gear but not the same goals.
Vinyl pre-master
Pressing plants in the NL/EU often want a pre-master per side with controlled bass and HF. Our vinyl pre-master (€35 per side) is for the cutting engineer, not for speaker listening at home. Send plant specs when you have them.
Side length affects groove depth; discuss running order before mastering so we can balance side A/B. Physical pressing is your contract with the plant; we supply audio as agreed.
Mix to master workflow
Default path: approve mix → mastering within 2 business days of final mix → delivery by secure link. Mix should have headroom (peaks well below 0 dBFS); no «max loud» limiter on the mix bus unless that is your sound on purpose.
Revisions: 2 rounds as with mix, within reasonable scope (level, EQ balance between titles). Major changes after a new mix export start as a new job.
Archive and backups
We keep master files 9 months on our systems. Download and store locally plus cloud; we are not a permanent backup service. After that window we delete per privacy policy.
Sessions tracked in Amsterdam can link to the same title — useful if you need an instrumental later. Ask before the archive window ends.
Uploading to a distributor
| Item | Action |
|---|---|
| File | Upload our delivery WAV, no re-compress |
| ISRC | Unique per track; via your distributor |
| Artwork | JPEG/PNG to platform spec |
| Release date | Allow distributor lead time (days to weeks) |
Dutch performing rights (Buma/Stemra) and neighbouring rights are your administration; we do not give legal advice — see legal notice for Okiatech B.V. details.
Combining with other services
Record, mix and master in one chain? Read band budget and delivering stems for cost and file flow. Mastering only from an external mix: send mix WAV plus references via email.
Book via contact or 020 737 0891. Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00–21:00, Saturday 10:00–18:00, by appointment only. Rates also on services overview. If you need several versions (clean, explicit, instrumental), label them in your email so we do not deliver the wrong master.
