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Des Grey Mastering is Moving! Upgrading Our Studio for an Even Better Experience

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2025 MASTERING STUDIO Des Grey Mastering is Moving! Upgrading Our Studio for an Even Better Experience We’re moving into a brand-new studio space, and we want you to join us on the journey. From upgrading our acoustics to creating a more comfortable, client-friendly environment, every step is about enhancing the experience and delivering even better results. Follow along as we fine-tune every detail, sharing behind-the-scenes updates, insights, and the passion that drives us to make this space the best it can be.

How to prepare your mixes for Mastering

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How to prepare your mixes for Mastering Welcome to the Des Grey Mastering Blog—your source for expert audio insights, tips, and recommendations. Explore mastering techniques, gear reviews, and industry trends to elevate your sound and inspire your next project. Preparing your mixes for mastering is a crucial step to ensure that your tracks will sound their best in the final stage. Here’s a guide to help you prepare your mixes for Des Grey Mastering or any mastering engineer: 0. Plugins Please export the mix with all important sound processors. If you have mixed through any master-bus processing those plugins are part of your mix and must not be removed.  1. Headroom  Just make the mix sound great :). Thoughtful master bus processing is always welcome. A touch of headroom is welcomed.  2. Export in the Highest Quality File format: Export your mix as a WAV or AIFF file, as these are uncompressed formats that preserve the audio quality. Bit depth: Minimum 24-bit or 32-bit float for the best quality. Sample rate: Export at the same sample rate you used during mixing (44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz, etc.). Do not dither when exporting the final mix.  3. Limiting or Heavy Compression Applying tasteful limiting or compression to your mix is never a problem. These processes are typically done during the mastering stage to control dynamics and achieve loudness. If you have applied compression, ensure it’s transparent and doesn’t squash the mix too much. The mastering engineer will make adjustments to dynamics as needed. 4. Organise Your Tracks (If Submitting Multiple) If you’re submitting multiple tracks for an album or EP, make sure they’re properly named and organised in a folder with each file clearly labeled. This will make the process easier and more efficient for the mastering engineer. Ensure your tracks are in the correct order if they’re part of an album or a series. 5. Include Reference Tracks (Optional) If you have a reference track or two (tracks that have a sound you admire and want your music to be similar to), include them in your submission. Make sure they are of similar genre or style to your work and that the mastering engineer understands why you’re using them as a reference. 6. Provide Detailed Instructions (Optional) If you have specific requests or preferences, let the mastering engineer know. For example, if you want a specific style of EQ or a particular loudness level, provide these details in a clear note or document. If you’re working on a specific format, like Dolby Atmos, surround sound, or vinyl, specify that upfront. 7. Double Check Your Mixes Listen on multiple systems (headphones, monitors, car stereo, etc.) to ensure there are no major problems like distortion, excessive bass, or harsh highs. Check the fade-out: If your track ends with a fade-out, make sure the fade is smooth and not abrupt. 9. Remove Unnecessary Files or Tracks Delete any unused tracks or effects that were part of your mixing session but didn’t make it to the final version. Send only what’s necessary. Avoid sending session files (e.g., Ableton, Logic) unless specifically requested by the mastering engineer. 10. Include Your Contact Information Include your name, email address, and any other relevant details, such as the project title and the artist name, in the file metadata (if possible) or in an accompanying document. By following these steps, you’ll help ensure that your tracks are ready for the mastering process and that the final product will be as polished as possible. Whether you’re sending to Des Grey Mastering or any other engineer, clear communication and quality prep work will always lead to better results!

Apple Digital Masters: Why They’re Useful and the Benefits of Using a Certified Studio Like Des Grey Mastering

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Apple Digital Masters: Why They’re Useful and the Benefits of Using a Certified Studio Like Des Grey Mastering Welcome to the Des Grey Mastering Blog—your source for expert audio insights, tips, and recommendations. Explore mastering techniques, gear reviews, and industry trends to elevate your sound and inspire your next project. Apple Digital Masters: Why They’re Useful and the Benefits of Using a Certified Studio Like Des Grey Mastering As the digital music landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: quality is everything. Artists and producers are constantly looking for ways to ensure that their music sounds its best, whether it’s streamed on a platform like Apple Music, Spotify, or played on high-end audio systems. One key factor in achieving optimal sound quality for digital releases is the Apple Digital Masters certification. But what exactly are Apple Digital Masters (formerly known as Mastered for iTunes), and why should you use a certified studio like Des Grey Mastering? Let’s explore. What Are Apple Digital Masters? Apple Digital Masters (ADM) is a program by Apple that ensures your music is delivered in the highest possible quality for streaming on Apple Music, iTunes, and other Apple devices. The goal is to provide the best listening experience for users, with audio files that sound great on any device, from earbuds to professional speakers. In simple terms, Apple Digital Masters means that your music has gone through a mastering process that meets Apple’s stringent requirements for quality, dynamic range, and loudness. This includes specific encoding settings and technical standards to ensure that your music sounds as good as possible when streamed or downloaded. Why Are Apple Digital Masters Important? High-Resolution Audio Quality Apple Digital Masters are optimized to deliver high-resolution audio, which preserves the depth, clarity, and richness of the original recordings. With the rise of lossless streaming on Apple Music, this high level of quality has become even more important. ADM ensures that your music is up to standard with Apple’s technical specifications, helping it stand out and sound pristine to listeners. Ensures Consistency Across Devices One of the unique advantages of Apple Digital Masters is that the mastering process takes into account the varied devices on which users listen to music. From smartphones to high-end speakers, the mastering process ensures consistency across all platforms, helping listeners experience your music exactly how it was intended, regardless of the playback device. Better Dynamic Range and Loudness Apple has specific loudness standards for their music, designed to give your track a consistent volume without sacrificing its dynamic range. While other platforms may use different loudness normalization techniques, Apple Digital Masters ensure that your track is loud enough to stand out but not so loud that it loses detail or suffers from distortion. Boost Your Visibility on Apple Music Apple’s Digital Masters program is a signal to listeners that your music has been mastered to the highest standards. Having your track certified as an Apple Digital Master can also potentially boost your visibility in Apple Music’s catalog, as it gives your music a quality edge over non-certified tracks. Why Use a Certified Studio Like Des Grey Mastering? While any studio can technically master a track for Apple Music, using a certified Apple Digital Mastering studio like Des Grey Mastering offers a few distinct advantages. Here’s why working with Des Grey Mastering can benefit you: 1. Certified Expertise in Apple Digital Masters Des Grey Mastering is a certified Apple Digital Mastering studio. This means that Des Grey and his team have undergone rigorous training and adhere to Apple’s strict guidelines to ensure that each track is properly optimised for the platform. Using a certified studio means you’re working with someone who knows exactly how to get the best sound out of your music, ensuring it meets Apple’s quality standards. 2. State-of-the-Art Equipment and Techniques Des Grey Mastering uses cutting-edge technology and high-end equipment to ensure that your tracks are mastered to the highest standard. The studio is equipped with industry-standard digital processing tools, as well as analog gear that allows for precise adjustments and enhancements. When it comes to delivering Apple Digital Masters, this combination of technology and expertise is critical in producing music that sounds its best. 3. Attention to Detail for Streaming Platforms Apple Music’s algorithms and audio processing can alter the final sound of your track when streamed, so it’s essential to prepare your track with precision. Certified mastering studios like Des Grey Mastering are not just focused on loudness—they ensure the dynamic range, clarity, and tone of your music remain intact, even after it’s processed and streamed. 4. Custom Tailoring to Your Music Every track is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t always work. When you work with a certified engineer like Des Grey, you benefit from personalized service that tailors the mastering process to the individual characteristics of your music. Whether you’re working on an acoustic album, an electronic track, or a full orchestra, Des Grey Mastering knows how to bring out the best in your sound while adhering to the Apple Digital Masters guidelines. 5. Professional Insight and Advice As a mastering engineer with over two decades of experience, Des Grey doesn’t just deliver a finalized track—he provides valuable insight into the mastering process, helping you understand how to get the best results from your mix before it’s sent for mastering. This personalized guidance is essential for artists who want to ensure their music sounds amazing and meets industry standards. How Des Grey Mastering Prepares Your Music for Apple Digital Masters The process of preparing your music for Apple Digital Masters at Des Grey Mastering involves several key steps: Assessment of Your Track: Des Grey will listen to your track carefully to evaluate its dynamic range, balance, and overall sound quality. Mastering Process: Using specialised software and equipment, Des Grey will optimise the track to meet Apple’s loudness normalisation standards, ensuring the right balance and clarity. Testing for Compatibility: Before finalising the track, Des Grey will test it across various playback systems … Read more

How Online Mastering Can Revolutionise Your Music Production

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How Online Mastering Can Revolutionize Your Music Production Welcome to the Des Grey Mastering Blog—your source for expert audio insights, tips, and recommendations. Explore mastering techniques, gear reviews, and industry trends to elevate your sound and inspire your next project. In today’s digital era, technology has drastically reshaped the music production process. Among the most significant advancements is the rise of online mastering – a powerful and efficient service that makes mastering accessible to musicians across the globe. In this post, we’ll explore how online mastering can revolutionise your music production and why working with a trusted expert like Des Grey Mastering can elevate your tracks to the next level. What Is Online Mastering? Online mastering is the process of preparing and finalising a track for distribution using digital tools, performed remotely by professional mastering engineers. Unlike traditional in-studio mastering, where the engineer works directly in a physical space with the artist, online mastering allows you to submit your tracks via the internet, and receive the final version of your track ready for release. The main difference is convenience: you don’t need to visit a physical studio, and you can work with top-tier engineers from around the world. With an online mastering service, you get high-quality results, without the need to invest time and money in travel or studio sessions. How Des Grey Mastering Can Revolutionise Your Music Production Des Grey Mastering, based in South Africa, is an excellent example of an expert online mastering service that takes your music to new heights. Here’s how working with Des Grey Mastering can revolutionsze your music production: 1. Expertise and Precision When it comes to mastering, it’s not just about making your track loud – it’s about enhancing the tone, balance, and overall emotional impact. Des Grey, with nearly two decades of experience in the industry, brings a deep understanding of audio engineering to the table. His expertise ensures that every track is treated with the utmost care and precision, leaving you with a polished, professional final product that resonates with listeners. 2. State-of-the-Art Tools and Techniques One of the key advantages of online mastering is that you get access to high-end, industry-standard tools – and Des Grey Mastering is no exception. From top-tier analog gear to the latest digital processing tools, Des Grey uses the best mastering equipment available. This means that your tracks are being worked on with cutting-edge technology, ensuring they stand out in a competitive music industry. 3. Tailored Mastering for Different Formats Not all tracks are created equal, and not all distribution platforms are the same. Whether you’re releasing your music on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, or preparing for vinyl or CD release, Des Grey Mastering tailors each track to meet the specific requirements of different platforms. With a deep understanding of industry standards, Des Grey ensures that your track is optimised for the best playback quality across all mediums. 4. Convenience and Flexibility In the past, if you wanted your tracks professionally mastered, you had to book studio time, physically transport your recordings, and coordinate schedules with engineers. With online mastering, all of that hassle is removed. You simply upload your track, and the mastering engineer takes care of the rest. Working with Des Grey Mastering, you can submit your tracks from anywhere in the world, receive feedback, and get your music mastered without the need for time-consuming studio sessions. 5. Affordability without Compromising Quality Online mastering services tend to be more affordable compared to traditional in-studio options. Des Grey Mastering offers competitive pricing for independent artists, helping you get the professional quality you need without breaking your budget. For emerging artists, this makes high-quality mastering accessible, which is often an expensive step in the traditional recording process. 6. Personalised Service While online mastering is all about convenience, it’s also about personalised service. Des Grey Mastering offers detailed communication throughout the process, making sure that your vision is fully realised in the final track. Whether you need revisions or specific adjustments, Des Grey works closely with you to ensure your music is treated with care and precision. Why Choose Des Grey Mastering? Working with Des Grey Mastering means working with an engineer who has a true passion for sound and a commitment to delivering exceptional quality. Des’s ability to listen and understand each artist’s unique sound ensures that every project is treated individually, and every track gets the attention it deserves. For almost two decades, Des Grey has worked with a diverse range of artists, from independent musicians to well-known names, ensuring they get the most out of their music with mastering that brings out the best in every track. Final Thoughts Online mastering is no longer just a trend – it’s a game-changer in the music production world. Services like Des Grey Mastering provide the tools, expertise, and flexibility to make high-quality mastering more accessible than ever before. Whether you’re an independent artist or a seasoned producer, Des Grey Mastering can help you take your tracks to a level that will impress listeners across the globe. If you’re ready to elevate your music with professional mastering, get in touch with Des Grey Mastering today and experience the power of online mastering for yourself.

Top Mastering Engineers in South Africa

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Des Grey Mastering South Africa

Top Mastering Engineers in South Africa.If you’re an indie artist, there are so many factors you need to keep in mind, to successfully release a project.  With that said the hard work and dedication you have for your project should be matched by any professional you choose to work with. This goes double for any mastering studio, as they’re responsible for the final production step of your release.  The project you wrote, performed, perfected, recorded, and mixed, over the span of months or even years is about to be finished.

Our new monitoring system : Vivid Audio K1

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Our new monitoring system : Vivid Audio K1 Welcome to the Des Grey Mastering Blog—your source for expert audio insights, tips, and recommendations. Explore mastering techniques, gear reviews, and industry trends to elevate your sound and inspire your next project. Stereophile Review by John Marks   I’ve had Vivid Audio’s Oval K1 loudspeaker here for several months. Over many years, the only other speaker brands I’ve written about as much as I have Vivid have been Wilson Benesch and Shahinian Acoustics, whose speakers I still revere and can recommend without reservation—to the right listener. But Vivid’s high-tech sorcery has raised the bar. The Vivids I’ve had here are among the best loudspeakers I’ve ever heard, and that’s a consensus that seems headed in the direction of critical mass. Vivid’s designer, Laurence Dickie, is an alumnus of another British speaker manufacturer, Bowers & Wilkins, and was the chief designer of B&W’s flagship model, the Nautilus. Dickie’s designs for Vivid aim to achieve extraordinary performance by minimizing cabinet resonances and diffraction through the use of unique cabinet shapes and high-tech materials and fabrication techniques. He also aims to achieve uncolored, distortion-free sound by making all drivers from the same proprietary alloy, and by keeping driver behavior as pistonic as possible through careful driver and crossover design. (For more details of Vivid’s backstory, see Wes Phillips’s review of Vivid’s range-topping Giya G1 in the July 2010 Stereophile, and my coverage of their entry-level Oval V1.5 in my October 2010 column) I was curious as to what Vivid would offer in the model above the wonderful Oval B1, which John Atkinson extensively reviewed and measured in the October 2011 issue. The B1 costs $15,000/pair, the K1 $25,000/pair. The only apparent differences are that the K1 has two woofers each on its front and rear panels (the B1 has single woofers fore and aft), and its cabinet extends lower to accommodate them. Correspondingly, the K1’s integral pedestal is shorter than the B1’s, its cabinet taller. The two models have identical tweeter and midrange drivers. I expected to report that the K1 is just like the B1, but with more bass. While that’s true as far as it goes, it’s less than the whole story. I was taken aback by how much more I liked the K1’s midrange than the B1’s—and I liked the B1’s midrange a lot. One track I’ve listened to often over the past 25 years when evaluating equipment but don’t believe I’ve mentioned in print—perhaps because it begins well, then suffers from overproduction—is the poignant ballad “Arrow,” from Cheryl Wheeler’s eponymous debut album (LP/CD, North Star W0001), in which she expresses the wish “to give myself as truly as an arrow flies / In windless skies.” Very nice.   A little more than the usual moon-and-June is going on here. “I’d fool myself and gladly, just to feel I was / In love,” the singer admits, as well as “Maybe love is not as gentle as my memory / Maybe time and wishful half-remembered fantasy are the greatest part.” In short, “Arrow” is that rare commodity: an adult song about love. The track begins well, with two well-recorded acoustic guitars delivering both a heartbeat-like rhythmic pulse and a web of counterpoint to Wheeler’s pensively undemonstrative, folkie singing. All of which the Oval K1s just reveled in. However, perhaps out of concern that that arrangement would grow monotonous over the course of three verses, the producer ordered up some synthesizer and drum-machine effects that might have been with-it in 1986, when Cheryl Wheeler was released, but that have not aged well. Even at the time, some persons of discernment and taste were unsmiling. If memory serves, Michael Fremer, writing in The Abso!ute Sound, likened the result to doggie diarrhea. I wouldn’t go that far; I still listen to the track, loving the first half, then wincing a bit when the production loses confidence in the song and the artist. Wheeler must have thought so too; she remixed “Arrow” for her third album. In that arrangement, Mark O’Connor contributes a violin solo. (Mary Chapin Carpenter contributed backup vocals to other tracks on Cheryl Wheeler.) Wheeler’s career as a performer never achieved critical mass; she remains a minority enthusiasm. Perhaps that was because, by the time Wheeler got a record contract, “confessional” singer-songwriters of the James Taylor/Joni Mitchell school were no longer the height of musical fashion; popular taste was moving toward bands whose music had more propulsion and surface sheen, and less angst; from Pet Shop Boys to Duran Duran. However, the quality of Wheeler’s songwriting attracted enough interest that there were some noteworthy covers, the most successful of which was Dan Seals’s cover of “Addicted” (also from Cheryl Wheeler), which reached No.1 on Billboard‘s Country chart. There’s a lovely live performance by Wheeler of “Arrow” on YouTube, introduced by Chet Atkins, with a backing band that includes O’Connor. North Star Records has closed its doors, but Cheryl Wheeler is available on the used market, and her third album, Circles and Arrows, can be found in the iTunes Store; its remix of “Arrow” is available as an MP3 single. Another favorite female-vocal disc that showed off the Oval K1’s midrange magic—and one that I have previously recommended—is Mary Black’s No Frontiers (CD, Gift Horse G2-10002; I haven’t heard the LP). Black is more of a singer than Wheeler, in a broader range of styles. The title song and the eerie “Columbus” are excellent examples of her approach, while her cover of Bacharach and David’s “I’ll Say a Little Prayer” may strike you as charming or as off the mark. Regardless, No Frontiers, released in 1989, has aged well. A belated new discovery for me is Charlie Haden and Pat Metheny’s Beyond the Missouri Sky (Short Stories), from 1997 (CD, Verve 314 537 130). I became aware of this wonderful recording while listening to Pandora.com, which I think of more as an interactive jukebox than an Internet radio station. I asked Pandora to create a “Bill Evans and Jim Hall” station. Because Evans and Hall recorded only two albums together, Pandora’s algorithms set about choosing music of the … Read more

What is mastering ?

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Mastering is the final step of audio production. Mastering provides balance to a stereo mix and optimizes playback across all systems and media formats. Tools like equalization, compression, limiting, and stereo enhancement are used when appropriate.

What are Apple Digital Masters?

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What are Apple Digital Masters? Welcome to the Des Grey Mastering Blog—your source for expert audio insights, tips, and recommendations. Explore mastering techniques, gear reviews, and industry trends to elevate your sound and inspire your next project. Apple Digital Masters is a certification and optimization process developed by Apple for music tracks, ensuring that they meet the highest possible audio quality standards for streaming on platforms like Apple Music, iTunes, and other Apple services. Previously known as Mastered for iTunes, the name change to Apple Digital Masters reflects the broader scope and continued evolution of the program. Why They Work: Apple Digital Masters works because it ensures the highest fidelity when music is streamed or downloaded, which results in a better listening experience for users. Here’s a breakdown of the factors that make it effective: 1. High-Quality Source Material The process ensures that the source material (usually the final master of the track or album) is of the highest quality possible, generally in a high-resolution audio format (such as 24-bit/96kHz or higher). This provides a cleaner, more detailed representation of the audio, which can be crucial for capturing every nuance of a recording. 2. Optimization for Digital Playback Apple Digital Masters is designed specifically with Apple’s playback systems in mind. It takes into account how Apple’s devices (iPhones, Macs, iPads, etc.) and streaming platforms handle audio. This means that the mastering process is optimized for the best performance on Apple devices, ensuring the audio sounds the way it was intended to sound. For instance, the program includes techniques to ensure that the sound stays intact when compressed, a concern for lossy formats like AAC (which is used for streaming on Apple Music). 3. Preserving Audio Quality During Compression One of the main benefits of Apple Digital Masters is its ability to preserve audio quality during the compression process, particularly with AAC files. AAC is the codec used by Apple Music, and it can sometimes cause audio degradation when converting from a high-quality source to a lower-bitrate version for streaming. Apple’s digital mastering process includes ensuring that the track maintains clarity, detail, and dynamic range even after it’s compressed. The aim is to prevent issues like distortion, loss of detail, or excessive volume enhancement that could result from traditional compression methods. 4. Loudness Normalization Loudness normalization is a key part of the process, which ensures that the volume levels across tracks are balanced and consistent without clipping or excessive limiting. This ensures a pleasant listening experience for users, where one track doesn’t suddenly become much louder or quieter than others, avoiding listener fatigue. Tracks that are mastered with too much loudness (over-compressed or “brickwalled” tracks) often sound distorted or harsh on streaming services. Apple Digital Masters helps avoid this issue. 5. Transparency Across Devices Since Apple Digital Masters takes into account how various Apple devices process audio, it ensures that music sounds as good on small portable devices (like iPhones or AirPods) as it does on larger systems (like home audio setups). This is crucial for maintaining consistent quality across the Apple ecosystem. 6. Future-Proofing Apple’s high-quality approach to digital mastering not only helps in the present but is also intended to be future-proof. As technology advances (such as higher-quality streaming services, improved DACs, or higher-resolution devices), Apple Digital Masters ensures that music continues to sound its best as new hardware and software emerge. 7. Certification for Label and Artist Tracks that go through the Apple Digital Masters process are given a certification, meaning that artists and labels can officially state that their music meets the high standards set by Apple for digital quality. This can be a selling point for artists and labels, helping them stand out in a crowded digital marketplace. How Apple Digital Masters Works: Mastering Process: The music is mastered to a very high standard, typically using higher sample rates (up to 96 kHz or higher), ensuring that it retains its full dynamic range and resolution. Pre-Mastering Preparation: This involves analyzing the music and preparing it to handle the conversion to the compressed formats that will be used for streaming. File Submission: Once the mastering is complete, the final version of the track is uploaded to Apple’s system. The Apple Digital Masters team may then check and validate the file, making adjustments to optimize it for streaming and downloading. Key Benefits of Apple Digital Masters: Better Sound Quality for Listeners: The tracks will sound richer, more detailed, and more dynamic on compatible devices, whether streamed via Apple Music or purchased on iTunes. Optimized for Apple Devices: Because the process is specifically designed for Apple’s ecosystem, the audio sounds consistent across various devices and software platforms. Certified Mastering Process: Music that is certified as “Apple Digital Masters” can signal to listeners and industry professionals that it has undergone a high-quality, meticulous process. Why It Matters for Critical Listening: For music professionals, mastering for Apple Digital Masters guarantees that their work sounds as close as possible to the original recording, without unnecessary alterations caused by poor encoding or overly aggressive processing. It also makes the tracks more suitable for modern listeners who value high-quality streaming and digital downloads. In essence, Apple Digital Masters ensures that audio quality is preserved throughout the digital production and distribution chain, optimizing the music for modern, high-fidelity playback.

Stem Mastering

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What is Stem Mastering ? Welcome to the Des Grey Mastering Blog—your source for expert audio insights, tips, and recommendations. Explore mastering techniques, gear reviews, and industry trends to elevate your sound and inspire your next project. Stem mastering is a type of audio mastering that involves working with the individual “stems” (groups of audio tracks) from a music production, rather than just the stereo mixdown. In traditional mastering, the engineer works with the final two-track mix (the stereo file), but stem mastering gives them more control over specific elements of the mix. What Is Stem Mastering? A stem is typically a group of related audio tracks that represent different parts of the production. For example: Vocals stem: All vocal tracks (lead, harmonies, background vocals) combined into one file. Drums stem: All percussion and drum elements grouped together (kick, snare, cymbals, etc.). Bass stem: The bass elements (bass guitar, synth bass). Music stem: All other instrumental tracks (keys, guitars, synths, etc.). Stem mastering involves receiving and working with these grouped stems rather than just a final stereo mix. The mastering engineer can then adjust the balance, EQ, compression, or other effects on specific groups (e.g., tightening the drums, enhancing vocals, controlling the bass) to improve the overall sound before finalizing it for distribution. How Stem Mastering Works: Submission of Stems: The artist or producer provides the mastering engineer with several stems, usually between 3 to 8, each representing a key section of the mix. Detailed Adjustments: The mastering engineer can adjust specific elements of the mix (e.g., boost vocals if they’re too quiet, reduce bass if it’s overwhelming, or smooth out a harsh snare). Final Mix and Master: Once the engineer has made the adjustments to the stems, they create a final stereo mix, applying typical mastering processing (EQ, compression, limiting, etc.) to ensure it sounds great across all systems and formats. Why Choose Stem Mastering Over Standard Mastering? Stem mastering offers several advantages over traditional, stereo-only mastering, especially when a track needs fine-tuning that can’t be achieved with a final two-track mix alone. Here are scenarios where stem mastering might be the preferred choice: 1. Balance and Clarity Issues When the mix isn’t balanced: If there are elements of the mix that seem too loud or too quiet (like vocals getting lost in the mix, or a booming bass that overpowers everything), stem mastering allows the engineer to adjust specific groups individually. When you need specific adjustments: If you want the bass to be tighter or the vocals to be more prominent, stem mastering allows for more precise control without affecting the other elements of the track. 2. Fixing Problems in the Mix Misplaced Frequencies: If there are certain frequency ranges that cause issues in the mix (e.g., too much low end or harsh high frequencies), the engineer can adjust those specific elements by working on the relevant stem. Sonic imperfections: If certain parts of the track (such as the snare drum or vocals) have undesirable tonal characteristics, stem mastering can help fix these problems by adjusting them individually without reworking the entire mix. 3. Greater Control for Finalizing the Track More tonal control: Stem mastering allows you to have more flexibility in shaping the final sound of the track. For example, an engineer might choose to apply different types of EQ to the vocals and drums, or compress the rhythm section differently than the melodic elements. Fine-tuning dynamics: With stems, the engineer can address the dynamics of specific parts of the track, improving clarity and punch in certain sections without over-processing other areas. 4. Creative Decisions Enhancing specific parts of the song: Stem mastering can be used to bring out certain musical elements in a creative way, such as making the lead vocals more forward, giving the drums more punch, or enhancing the presence of certain instruments (strings, piano, etc.). Creating versions: If you need different versions for different uses (radio edit, instrumental, etc.), stem mastering allows for easier and more seamless creation of these versions without needing to go back to the mix. 5. Dealing with Complex Mixes Large, complex productions: For mixes that are dense or have many layers (e.g., orchestral elements, large vocal arrangements, or layered synths), stem mastering gives the mastering engineer the ability to isolate problem areas and make adjustments in ways that would be impossible with a two-track mix. Multigenre or hybrid productions: In productions that blend genres (e.g., electronic and acoustic elements), stem mastering allows you to handle different parts of the production that may need distinct treatment. 6. Fixing Minor Mix Issues Post-Production Last-minute fixes: Sometimes, even after the mix is finished, there may be small issues that need addressing before finalizing the master, such as a harsh cymbal crash or a muddy bass. Stem mastering allows the mastering engineer to make those adjustments without requiring a full remix. When Should You Choose Stem Mastering? You might consider stem mastering when: The mix needs improvement: If the mix doesn’t sound quite right and adjustments to specific elements are necessary to get it to translate well across systems. You want creative control: If you want more flexibility in how your track will sound in the final master, stem mastering offers greater room for making creative decisions. You have complex or dense mixes: For tracks with a lot of layers, intricate details, or hybrid genres, stem mastering provides more control over the different sonic elements. You need to adjust dynamics or EQ selectively: When certain parts of the track need special treatment (e.g., boosting the vocals, tightening the bass, taming the high end), stem mastering allows for these adjustments without compromising the overall mix. Working with large productions or orchestral tracks: Stem mastering is ideal for large or complex productions that would benefit from individual stem treatment, like film scores, orchestral arrangements, or large electronic music productions. When Should You Stick with Standard Mastering? Standard mastering is usually sufficient if: Your mix is already balanced: If your stereo mix sounds good and … Read more

Here, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about the mastering process and services we offer. Whether you’re new to mastering or have worked with us before, this section is designed to provide clarity and guide you through every step of your audio mastering journey. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out directly – we’re here to assist you!

Stereo Mastering Rates 

R850 per track for 1 track.
R750 per track for 2-4 tracks.
R700 per track for 5-10 tracks.
R600 per track for 11+ tracks

Immersive Mastering Rates

R950 per track for 1 track.
R850 per track for 2-4 tracks.
R800 per track for 5-10 tracks.
R700 per track for 11+ tracks

Our rate includes all edits, a few stems if needed, unlimited revisions and Apple Digital Masters so their are never any “extra charges”

Extra Services:

  • Immersive Mixing – Starting at R1500 – R2500 per track.
  • Mastering from unlimited separates or stems – R1500 per track. 
  • Stereo Mixing – R2500 per track.

Bulk Discounts:

Reduced rates available for Labels and Mixing Engineers. Please contact us here

  • Stereo Mastering
  • Stem Mastering
  • Apple Digital Masters
  • Atmos Mastering
  • Atmos Mixing

It averages from 2 to 3 days for a single to 10 to 14 days for an album depending on studio workflow. If you have something urgent please WhatsApp and we can arrange a faster turnaround or contact our studio manager at studio@desgreymastering.co.za

  • Resolution 32 Bit floating point (24 Bit TDIF or triangular dithered minimum)
  • Sample rate Native sample rate you have been recording and mixing in.
  • Headroom Just make the mix sound great :). Thoughtful master bus processing is always welcome.
  • Plug-ins Please export the mix with all important sound processors.
  • Fades Do not fade out the file yourself 
  • Vinyl Please send me the catalog number and pressing plant contact details.
  • Stems Please export each stem with all processing including anything on the master bus that was mixed through. Files should all be the same length and labeled appropriately.  
  • Please avoid sending mix files that have been “pre-mastered,” overly processed, or excessively loud due to digital enhancements. We understand that certain plug-ins applied to the master fader/bus may be crucial for the overall sound, but if you’re solely  increasing loudness, it’s best to remove these effects before submitting the final mix files for mastering.

As standard, we deliver multiple formats to ensure you have a proper archival of your project.

  • Mp3 – @320kpbs
  • 44-16 Folder – 44.1kHz, 16-bit tracks for CD reference 
  • 44-24 Folder – 44.1kHz, 24-bit for Digital Download sites where digital upload at 96kHz aren’t accepted 
  • 48-24 Folder – 48kHz, 24bit. If you are using the songs with video or YouTube, use these
  • 96-24  Folder – 24-bit Hi-Res Mastered files for all streaming sites where possible.
  • ADM – Apple Digital Masters 

We keep a copy of the final approved files in multiple formats indefinitely so if you happen to need access to your master folder again please give us a shout.

Absolutely!  The rough master or a reference from an artist that your love is the perfect way for us to get on the same page with regard to your vision for your music. 

Mixup.audio is a music collaboration tool for artists and producers. It allows users to share, manage, and comment on music. 

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