Mastering for release-ready audio
The final step before distribution: controlled loudness, sequencing and exports for streaming, vinyl prep or broadcast — without re-mixing your song.
Mastering at Labsterra is for stereo mixes that already work musically but need a final EQ, dynamics and loudness pass for your chosen platform. Noah El Amrani and the team work on a calibrated chain in east Amsterdam, using meters as guidance rather than as the artistic goal.
Supply a mix without a bus limiter unless we agree otherwise, plus notes on target platform and references. Whether the mix came from our mixing service or elsewhere, the workflow is the same. Mix problems go back to the mix stage — mastering will not fix a buried vocal or rumble that belongs in the source.
Process
- 01
Intake
Mix file, sample rate, target (streaming, vinyl, video) and references. We confirm per-track or album rate and delivery date.
- 02
Analysis
We measure loudness, spectrum and phase; if issues appear we discuss a mix revision before mastering.
- 03
Master pass
EQ, dynamics and limiting matched to your goal; album projects get consistent spacing between songs.
- 04
Export
WAV and optional MP3 notes; 2 revision rounds on loudness or tone within agreed limits.
Mastering vs mixing
Mixing balances stems and tells the story per song. Mastering works on the stereo mixdown: subtle tonal balance, width, dynamics and ceiling for your release format. If the vocal is still too quiet or kick and bass collide, that belongs in mixing — we do not master multitrack sessions.
No mix yet? Start at services or read mixing budget guide before booking mastering. Our vocal recording often flows into mix and master with the same engineers for consistency.
Platforms
Streaming (Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer): we align with common loudness norms so your track does not surprise listeners after upload, without flattening dynamics unless you want that artistically.
Vinyl: masters respect width and bass mono compatibility; cutters receive files with enough headroom. Broadcast / video: stricter loudness targets are available on request — name the platform at intake.
How to deliver
Send stereo WAV, ideally 24-bit at your session sample rate (44.1 or 48 kHz). Leave at least 3–6 dB headroom on the mix bus; no limiter pinned at 0 dBFS. For album mastering, send songs in play order and note desired gaps.
References set direction, not law. Unsure about DAW export? Stems and file formats also covers mixdown discipline. Questions: [email protected] — we usually reply within 2 business days.
Album sequencing
The up-to-twelve-track album rate includes a coherent master across the project: no song that suddenly feels much louder unless that is intentional. We listen in sequence and adjust spacing and fades where needed.
Standalone singles are mastered independently; playlists on platforms handle bundling later. For short EPs under five songs you can pay per track or bundle mix and master via contact.
Revisions
You receive 2 revision rounds after the first master to ask for slightly more or less brightness or a different loudness target within the chosen format. Large stylistic shifts may need a new pass at extra cost.
Concrete notes (“chorus at 2:30 less sibilance”) beat vague adjectives. Delivery and payment rules live in terms and conditions.
Rates incl. VAT
Consumer prices include 21% VAT.
| Option | Price | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Per track | €68 | One stereo mixdown, standard streaming master |
| Album up to 12 tracks | €235 | Sequence, consistent loudness, adjusted gaps |
Net: €56.20 per track, €194.21 for the album. More than twelve tracks or special deliverables: quote. Business invoice: 14-day terms possible. 30% deposit on confirmation.
Delivery and archive
You get a hi-res WAV master and optional MP3 for quick checks. DDP for CD replication is explicit scope — not default. Files transfer via secure download; keep local copies.
We archive masters 24 months (see privacy policy). Active project storage sits on 48 TB capacity. After retention, recovery is not guaranteed.
Not included
Mixing, recording, remixing, stem mastering, artwork, ISRC registration and platform distribution sit outside Mastering. We do not give legal advice on rights; for bands see rights in band recording.
Want one studio for the chain? Plan mixing and mastering together — often smoother than unrelated vendors without shared notes.
Studio hours, directions and general policies: FAQ, about us and guides. Attended sessions follow Tuesday–Friday 10:00–20:00, Saturday 11:00–18:00. Closed Monday and Sunday. at Czaar Peterstraat 213.
Included
- Mixdown analysis (loudness, spectrum, phase)
- Stereo master WAV for agreed target
- Reference MP3 on request
- 2 revision rounds within format agreement
- Album spacing and fades on album rate
- Short delivery notes (sample rate, peak, loudness indication)
- Archive for 24 months
FAQ
Should my mix already be loud?
No — healthy headroom is better. We set the final ceiling. An over-limited mix leaves less room for a transparent master.
Do you master instrumentals or stems?
We master stereo mixdowns. Instrumental versions count as a separate track at €68. Multitrack stem mastering is not offered.
How fast is turnaround?
Depends on queue; intake gives a date. Rush is sometimes available for a surcharge via contact.
Can I listen in person?
Attended mastering is possible by appointment during Tuesday–Friday 10:00–20:00, Saturday 11:00–18:00. Closed Monday and Sunday. at Czaar Peterstraat 213. Many releases run fully online — that works with decent monitors on your side.
What if the mix is technically wrong?
We pause and recommend a mix revision via mixing or your engineer. Re-mastering after a fixed mix is billed at the regular track rate.
Other services
- 01
Vocal recording
Isolated booth, engineer support and backline for vocals and spoken word.
€95 · per hour - 02
Mixing
Balance, space and dynamics for singles, EPs and albums.
€185 · per track - 03
Band recording
Live room for drums, guitars and keys with multiple iso booths.
€125 · per hour (studio) - 04
Podcast recording
Table setup for two to four voices, basic edit and export.
€88 · per hour
Recording in Amsterdam?
Plan your next session
Tell us what you want to capture: we reply within 2 working days with a slot proposal and a written quote, no obligation.