Online Mastering Service for Your Finished Mix
Mastering is the last step before release: it takes a finished mix and prepares the final master. Static City Studios masters songs for independent artists by quote. Send the finished mix and your release plans, and we reply with the price and timing.
- Price:
- Starting at $150
- Where:
- Online, from Apollo Beach, FL
01What it is
Compare mixing services
Your vocals and one stereo beat (the instrumental as a single WAV or MP3)
Vocal MixingBookingThe beat's stems and your vocals, and you want the whole song rebalanced
A finished stereo mix that needs to be prepared for release
MasteringThis pageBookingA song that needs both steps: mixed first, then mastered
Mix & MasterBooking
What online mastering does
Mastering takes one finished stereo mix and prepares it for release: final EQ, dynamics and loudness, so the song translates on phones, earbuds and car speakers, and sits well next to other records on streaming services.
It is a finishing step, not a repair. If the vocal is buried or the 808 is out of control, that is a mix problem, and Mix & Master or Mixing is the better route. A person listens to your song and your reference.
02Sound and scope
What mastering includes
- Mastering of a finished stereo mix
- A quote before any work starts
Not included
- Mixing (see Mix & Master)
03How to start
What to send for a mastering quote
- The finished mix as one stereo WAV, at the sample rate you mixed at
- Some headroom: peaks below 0, with no limiter on your master bus
- A reference track, and where the song is going (streaming, video, both)
- Your release date or deadline
How mastering works
- Step 1 of 5
Send the session
Send your vocal tracks, the beat, a reference track and your deadline.
- Step 2 of 5
File check
We check that the files are usable and confirm the scope.
- Step 3 of 5
Lock your date
You get a 50% deposit invoice and a confirmed start date.
- Step 4 of 5
The mix lands
Your mix arrives within 3 business days of the start date.
- Step 5 of 5
Final files
One consolidated revision, then the balance, then the final WAV and MP3.
Mastering FAQ
What does mastering do to a song?
It prepares one finished stereo mix for release: final EQ, dynamics and loudness, so the song translates on any speaker and sits well next to other records.
Do I need mastering if I get a vocal mix?
A vocal mix finishes your vocals over the beat. Mastering is a separate final step for release. Ask about Mix & Master if you need both.
What file do I send for mastering?
The finished mix as one stereo WAV, at the sample rate you mixed at, with some headroom and no limiter on your master bus.
How loud will my master be?
Loudness is set for the song and where it is going, and your quote confirms it. Streaming services turn loud masters down, so louder is not automatically better.
Can mastering fix a bad mix?
No. Mastering finishes a mix that already works. If the balance is off, the mix needs fixing first.
Is a person mastering my song, or software?
A person. Your mix and your reference are listened to before anything is changed.
How much does mastering cost?
It is quoted per song. Send the mix and your deadline.
How do I pay?
A 50% deposit is invoiced to start the job. The balance is due before the full-quality files are sent. If you cancel after paying the deposit, it is not refunded.
Where are you based?
Static City Studios is based in Apollo Beach, Florida. Mixing is done remotely, so artists anywhere can work with Static City Studios.
Book mastering
Mastering is preselected.
Ready when your vocals are.
Book a vocal mix trial slot, or ask about anything else on the site.