FAQ

What are your rates?

Digital Master (optimised for streaming/download) - £35 Per Track.

Available Additional Add-Ons:

Pre Master Production Files for Vinyl Pressing - £10 Per Side.

DDP for CD Production & Duplication - £10 Per Disk.

Alternative Version Masters (Instrumentals, TV Mixes, etc.) - £5 Per Track.

Whats your turn around time like?

Typically, 5-10 days. However, please allow leeway for busier time periods. I aways make sure that I'm able to make a release date prior to taking on any work. If any jobs come in during a particularly busy period, I always make clients aware of this in case of any tight turnarounds required.

Can I book a consultation before mastering?

Absolutely! It's important to make sure the master engineer is the right fit for your project. More than happy to have a chat to discuss the project before making a booking if required.

Please get in touch using the Contact Form to arrange a consultation.

How should I send my mixes?

Please complete the online Booking Form. Here you can provide me with all the information I need for your project, as well as a link to your finished mixes. Mixes can be uploaded using online FTP services like WeTransfer, Drop Box, Google Drive, One Drive, etc.

When sending files, please send .WAV files at what ever Bit Depth and Sample Rate your mix session is running at (no MP3 files please). Remember to make sure I have access (if required) using this email address - magnuscollierec@gmail.com

Is there anything I should do to my mixes before I send them over?

Make sure all files are correctly named and that you are happy with the mixes.
If it's an EP, Album or Compilation, please provide a running order.
Ensure your mix files are not clipping.
Remove any heavy limiting from the mix bus (leave any other mix bus processing on though).
If possible, leave around 3dB - 6dB of headroom. If your mixes are coming in pretty hot, don't worry about it! I can still work it.
Finally, compile your mixes into a .zip folder before uploading them to me.

Do you need reference tracks?

Reference tracks are not crucial, however they can be useful. There are two types of reference track - reference tracks of already existing music or loud, limited versions of your mix:

Reference Tracks of Already Existing Music:
These references can help to give me a clearer idea of what kind of characteristics, tonality and overall level that you like the sound of.
Loud, Limited Versions of Your Mix:
These versions of the mix (or "Hot References") are often created by Mix Engineers and Producers to give a closer impression of what the master may eventually sound like. If you have been given such versions, please pass them onto me (along with your final mix files). These references can give me a better idea of what everyone has already been listening to and provide insight to what your expectations may be.

If you have reference tracks, feel free to mention them in the booking form and provide links.

How will I receive my final masters?

For first time clients, once I've finished your masters I'll send over cropped versions for proof along with your invoice. Once everyone is happy with their masters and the payment has been made, I'll send over the final master files (via WeTransfer), optimised for the required release formats.

What release formats do you master for?

Online Streaming Platforms & Digital Download Services (i.e., Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, etc.), Vinyl, CD and Cassette.

Do you offer attended Mastering sessions?

Unfortunately, I don't currently have the capacity for attended sessions at this time. If attended your session is crucial for you, there are some technologies that can be used to live stream during your session. Alternatively, I'd be more than happy to recommend some fantastic Mastering Engineers who do offer attended sessions.

What is Mastering and do I really need it?

Mastering is the final process that bridges production with release. When most people think about about mastering, they think about making a track louder. This is true to a certain extent. However, getting the track to a commercial and competitive level is only one part of the process. A Mastering Engineer will use a variety of techniques and specialist equipment to enhance the tonality of your mix, meeting the expectations of the Producer, Mix Engineer and Artist. There's also a large amount of quality assurance involved in mastering, which ensures that the music is optimised for the release formant, and shall playback as intend. Mastering also ensures that the music will translate well across all playback systems, from high end Hi-Fi systems, to Ear Buds, to Club Systems, to Smart Speakers, etc.

All music that's to be commercially released needs to be mastered.

The best results can be gained by using an experienced Mastering Engineer who can offer a fresh perspective on your music, while listening through a great monitoring system that they know like the back of their hand.