Mastering and delivery

Who this is for

Mastering at Miekpixel suits solo artists, producers, labels and podcasters who want a consistent finish without maintaining an expensive mastering chain themselves. Singles due online within two weeks, three- to five-track EPs and albums where every transition matters — we work to your timeline within sensible planning.

Only stems from a home studio? Mixing is often the better first step; we prefer a mixed bounce with enough headroom. Unsure, send a short note via contact — we will say honestly whether mastering makes sense now.

What to deliver

Send your mix as uncompressed WAV or AIFF, ideally 24-bit 48 kHz (other sample rates are fine if you state them). One file per song, no master-bus limiter squashing everything. In your upload notes include title, ISRC if you have it, and two reference tracks whose loudness or tone you want to approach.

For EPs and albums: a text file with track order, desired gaps and any fade-outs. Instrumentals or clean edits are mastered at the same per-track rate unless we agree a bundle upfront.

• Mix without clipping on the master bus
• File name: artist — title — mix.wav
• References as streaming links or short WAV clips
• Vinyl plans if you need a cutting reference

Offline vs attended

Offline mastering means we work in the suite, send a first version and handle feedback by email or phone. That suits busy schedules and clients abroad who cannot travel to Amsterdam. 2 revision rounds on the same mix are included; extra rounds after you replace the mix are quoted separately.

Attended mastering (€165 for two hours) is for anyone who wants live decisions on EQ, punch and loudness. You sit in the control room, listen on our monitors and A/B against references. In that window we usually finish one or two tracks; a full EP in one attended block is rarely realistic — plan multiple sessions or combine offline work with a short attended check.

Loudness and platforms

Streaming services normalise playback; mastering louder rarely helps. We set integrated loudness and true peak for your distribution channel while keeping dynamics where the genre needs them. Our guide loudness targets for streaming explains the meters we use and why chasing maximum level is a dead end.

Download-only releases (Bandcamp, your own shop) can keep slightly more headroom. Vinyl reference masters are available on request: an extra file for your cutting engineer, not vinyl manufacturing — that is outside our service.

Formats and naming

Standard delivery:

Files use clear names (artist — title — master) and sit on a secure download link. We keep project assets for 14 months; download and back up locally. Mix delivery formats are covered in bounce or stems for mixing.

Turnaround

A single track is usually mastered within five to seven business days after we receive a complete delivery and quote approval. EPs and busy periods may take longer; we give a concrete date. Rush is sometimes possible at extra cost if the calendar allows — ask via [email protected].

Studio hours: Monday to Friday 10:00–19:00, Saturday 11:00–17:00, closed Sunday. You do not need to be on site for offline mastering; attended sessions are booked within those hours via appointment.

Pricing and payment

All listed rates are consumer prices including 21% VAT. The per-track rate €82 applies to finished songs up to about six minutes; longer pieces are agreed upfront. The EP package €295 covers up to five tracks mastered as one batch. Net rates for business invoicing are available on request (€67.77 excl. VAT per track).

Booking requires a 35% deposit; the balance is due before we release final masters. Approved business accounts may pay within 21 days under our terms and conditions. Free cancellation up to 4 days before a scheduled attended session.

Not included

Mastering does not replace mixing: severe frequency clashes, spatial issues or vocal tuning are not fully fixable at the master stage. Remastering old cassette transfers without restoration is not our default — see mixing if cleanup is needed first.

Distribution to Spotify, copyright registration, artwork, metadata translation and vinyl pressing sit outside Mastering and delivery. We deliver files that meet common aggregator rules; you remain responsible for upload and rights.

Space and contact

Mastering is done by our mix and mastering engineer in the control room at Wibautstraat 224, 1097 DN Amsterdam. The room is set up for critical listening on full-range monitors; attended clients hear the same position we use during the session.

Questions? Call 020 261 4783 or email [email protected]. More services on the overview; general answers in FAQ.

Included

• Technical check of mix and silences
• Mastering matched to your references
• 2 revision rounds on the master
• 16/44.1 and 24/48 WAV export
• Short delivery note with loudness choices
• Secure download link
• 14 months archive at Miekpixel