Mastering
Mastering is where we finalize your sound before your production meets the world; enhancing the dynamic balance, depth, weight, punch and clarity of your mix, so it translates seamlessly across every system and is ready to be released.
Approach
We see mastering as the final layer of intention, the moment where everything comes together, and your music takes its final shape before meeting the world. It is a careful, focused process that honours both the technical demands of the format and the emotional depth of your music.
Whether your mix is raw and intimate, big, punchy, lush and cinematic or organic and vibrant, our goal is to preserve its character while enhancing clarity, cohesion, and impact across all playback systems. Nothing is ever done on autopilot. Every EQ move, every adjustment in dynamics, and every decision about loudness is made with care.
We are mindful of where your music is going, whether that is streaming platforms, vinyl, CD, or film, and tailor the master accordingly. And just like with mixing, mastering is a dialogue. If you have thoughts, references, or a vision for how your master should sound or feel, we welcome that input.
To us, mastering is not about making things louder, it is about helping your music feel complete, polished, and ready to connect with the world.
Process
We begin with gaining perspective. We take a step back from the individual details and start listening to the track as a whole, how it moves, how it feels, and how it holds together. Our first goal is to understand the sonic identity of the mix: What space does it live in? How does it carry emotion? Is it cohesive, or is something standing in the way of clarity and impact?
From there, we move into the technical phase: gentle tonal shaping, dynamic control, stereo imaging, and final gain staging. Usually it involves addressing low-end tightness, harshness, or tonal buildup. Everything we do is in service of the mix, with the intention to enhance what is already there, and make the track come into focus, almost like a photographer turning the lens ring on the camera to capture the sharpest image possible.
We work with selected first class analog equipment, using trusted tools to enhance your track. Whether you are releasing a single, an album, or a score, we also make sure your master meets the specific requirements of the platform or medium, be it streaming, vinyl, film, or broadcast.
Before final delivery, we will send a reference for your approval. You are always welcome to give feedback or ask for changes. This final step is just as collaborative as the rest of the journey. After all, it is your creation, we are just here to help you finish the story.
Getting Started
At Soundhood Studio, we welcome mastering projects of every kind; singles, EPs, or full albums, spanning all genres from pop and rock to jazz, classical, R&B, indie, and more. Wherever your music is headed, streaming platforms, vinyl, CD, or live playback systems, our focus is to make sure it sounds balanced, powerful, and consistent across every playback system and in any listening space.
Whether your mixes were crafted in a professional studio or on a home setup, we are here to help you get them ready for and through the mastering stage. The more prepared your final mix is, the more effectively we can highlight its dynamics, tonal character, and overall impact, giving your music the cohesion and expression of a finished production.
To guide you through the process, we have gathered practical tips on: Optimal file formats and delivery specs for mastering. Headroom and dynamics, why leaving space matters. Final checks to ensure your mixes are truly ready for mastering.
You can explore these topics and more in our FAQs section, where you’ll also find step-by-step instructions on how to upload and submit your project.
Got questions or want to talk about your project? Drop us a line anytime, we are listening.
E-Mail:
project@soundhoodstudio.com