Mastering
From approved mix to release-ready audio: consistent level across tracks, platform formats and optional vinyl pre-master — finished in our Oud-West control room.
Mastering is the last technical step before your music reaches a distributor, vinyl plant or video partner. At Okiatech, Ruben de Vries handles mastering and session planning: he works on calibrated monitors in the 22 m² control room from your final mix, not from raw recordings. The aim is a coherent release in level and tone without reopening the mix.
You can book mastering after an external mix, or chain it after Mixing and sessions in our live room or vocal booth. We deliver lossless files and explain which WAV to upload in our master delivery formats guide. Rates below include 21% VAT; deposit and terms are in our terms and conditions.
Process
- 01
Deliver the mix
Send a mix WAV with headroom (no brickwall limiter on the bus unless that is your sound), plus references and an EP tracklist if relevant. Unsure? Ask for a short mix check via contact before you commit.
- 02
Intake and order
We confirm scope (single, EP, vinyl per side), loudness direction and delivery formats. For vinyl we agree side A/B length so the pre-master stays realistic.
- 03
Mastering pass
Ruben works track by track and balances the set. You receive a first version by secure link; we do not schedule a live control-room session unless you book that separately.
- 04
Revision and delivery
You get 2 revision rounds within reasonable scope (level, EQ balance across tracks). We then deliver agreed WAV files; we keep project files for 9 months.
Who this service is for
Artists and producers in Amsterdam and beyond with a mix that is artistically done but not yet a unified «release». Bands releasing four to six tracks as an EP. Managers who want one technical contact after mixing here or elsewhere.
Mastering is a poor fit if you still need arrangement fixes, stem balance or major EQ surgery — that belongs in the mix. Spoken-word shows follow different loudness targets; start with Podcast and audiobook instead.
What we actually do
We do not erase mix problems: harsh resonances, clipping or an unstable bass are not «fixed» in mastering. We do align tracks, protect transients and stereo image, and prepare the set for normalization on Spotify, Apple Music and similar platforms.
On request we supply multiple formats (for example 16-bit/44.1 kHz and 24-bit/48 kHz). You enter metadata and ISRC at your distributor; we supply audio. See the formats guide for detail.
From recording to master in one chain
Many clients arrive via vocal recording or band recording, mix with Maarten van der Berg and finish with Ruben on mastering. That reduces confusion over file names, sample rate and headroom. Only need the last step? Email your mix and a short genre or reference note to [email protected].
We usually reply within 2 working days on intake and schedule work after you accept the quote. A 35% deposit confirms the job as set out in the terms.
Rates and what is covered
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single track | €72 | One song, standard digital delivery |
| EP | €295 | Four to six tracks as one project |
| Vinyl pre-master | €35 | Per side, for cutting engineer |
Net amounts for business invoicing appear on your quote (e.g. €59.50). B2B payment may be due within 14 days. Extra versions (instrumental, clean edit) outside scope are quoted separately.
Vinyl and physical release
Vinyl needs a pre-master per side with controlled low end and highs — not the same file as your streaming master. Our vinyl option (€35 per side) is for the plant, not the loudest home listen. Send pressing specs when you have them.
You arrange pressing and distribution; we deliver audio as agreed. Discuss track order and side length before we start so sides A and B stay balanced.
Revisions, turnaround and archive
2 revision rounds after the first master are included: slightly more presence, or one track a touch louder in an EP, for example. A full new mix export starts a new job. We aim for delivery within a few working days of the final mix; busy periods are flagged upfront.
We store masters for 9 months. Local backup is your responsibility; see privacy policy. After that we delete project data per our policy.
What is not included
- Mixing, editing or stem repair — see Mixing
- Studio recording — services overview
- Creating distributor accounts or copyright registration
- Unlimited revisions beyond agreed rounds
- Rush without an agreed surcharge
Questions on rights to masters: legal notice and terms and conditions.
Booking and contact
Send your mix, tracklist and desired formats via contact or email. Phone: 020 737 0891. Address: Eerste Helmersstraat 42, 1054 DG Amsterdam — Tram 3 or 12 to Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat, then about four minutes on foot. Tram 1 or 7 to Leidseplein, then roughly eight minutes via Overtoom. Bike rack in front of the building.. Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00–21:00, Saturday 10:00–18:00, by appointment only.
More on loudness, WAV choice and upload checks: guides and FAQ. Combining mastering with studio time? Unused block hours do not roll over automatically; see the 48-hour rule in the terms for certain bookings.
What is included
- Mastering by Ruben de Vries on studio monitors
- Level and tone balance across one release
- Standard digital WAV delivery (formats as agreed)
- 2 revision rounds after first master
- Secure download link and 9 months archive
- Short technical note when delivery differs from default
Frequently asked questions
Should my mix already have a limiter?
Not necessarily. Many mixes master better with headroom on the bus. If heavy limiting is part of your sound, say so when you deliver. We then agree what can still move within delivery formats.
How fast will I get the master back?
After the final mix and confirmed order, expect a few working days depending on queue and EP size. Rush only by agreement. We state an estimate on the quote; first reply within 2 working days.
Can I attend the mastering session?
By default we work offline and send a link. To listen in the Amsterdam control room, request that when booking — we schedule within Mon–Fri 09:00–21:00 · Sat 10:00–18:00 and may charge studio time separately from the mastering rate.
What if I send a new mix after revisions?
A new mix export is a new job or extra work, not a free revision. Small export mistakes (wrong start time) we handle pragmatically; call 020 737 0891 or email [email protected] with the file difference.
Do you master projects mixed elsewhere?
Yes. Send WAV (or agreed format) and sample rate; stems are not required unless we agree otherwise. External mixes use the same rates on this page.
Other services
- 01
Vocal recording
A 10 m² booth, a microphone matched to your voice and an engineer guiding you take by take.
€89 · Studio hour
- 02
Band recording
Up to five musicians at once in the live room, separate headphone mixes and a view of the control room.
€385 · Half day (4 hours)
- 03
Mixing
Balance, depth and dynamics for your track, with two revision rounds included.
€235 · Mix per track
- 05
Podcast and audiobook
Recording, editing and mastering to your platform or publisher guidelines.
€79 · Podcast, studio hour
A project in Amsterdam?
Let's plan your session
Describe your project: within 2 working days you get a proposed slot and a written quote, no obligation.