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Mordancyedge

Mastering

From stereo mix to release-ready files: we fine-tune balance, dynamics and loudness for streaming, download or vinyl — with clear targets and a bounded number of revision rounds.

Mastering engineer between monitors and rack gear.

Mastering is the last technical step before release. Where mixing makes a song coherent internally, mastering looks at the whole: finishing EQ, multiband dynamics where needed, stereo width, sequence and exports for your distributor or pressing plant.

At Mordancyedge in Amsterdam Sanne Meijer masters on a dedicated listening chain after mix. You can combine mix and master or submit masters only if your mix was done elsewhere. Read streaming loudness targets for platform expectations and services for the full offer.

Prices on this page are indicative incl. 21% VAT; the quote after contact is binding. 2 revision rounds are included; extra rounds at €35. We store files 24 months per terms and conditions.

Process

  1. 01

    Intake

    You send stereo mix(es) as WAV, desired formats (streaming, CD, vinyl) and references. We check headroom, clipping and silence at start and end.

  2. 02

    Analysis

    Spectral balance, phase, loudness and comparison with your references — without replacing your mix with a preset.

  3. 03

    Master pass

    EQ, dynamics, limiting and dither where needed. Albums get sequence and gaps from your track list.

  4. 04

    Delivery

    Masters per format plus a short note on targets used. Revision within 2 rounds on written points.

Audience and use cases

Artists shipping a single to Spotify, labels wanting EP consistency, producers who keep the last step at Mordancyedge after mixing, and bands aiming at vinyl: mastering suits anyone with a mix who wants a professional final check. It does not fix a weak mix — if the foundation is missing we say so before work starts.

Podcast or spoken word usually follows podcast recording and other loudness norms; music mastering on this page targets commercial releases.

What to supply

Send a stereo mix without a bus limiter crushing dynamics, ideally with 3 to 6 dB headroom. 24-bit WAV at your project sample rate; we convert for export where needed. State track order, ISRC wishes and fade-outs explicitly.

For vinyl: note sides A/B, song lengths and whether you cut lacquer elsewhere — we can prepare masters to pressing specs you provide. Without plant specs we deliver generic vinyl-friendly masters without promise for every press.

Loudness and streaming

Platforms normalise playback; extremely loud masters rarely help. We align with common integrated loudness targets for streaming, explained in our loudness guide. True peak stays within safe margins to avoid clipping after encoding.

If you want a louder master within reasonable limits, say so at intake — we explain trade-offs without promising chart placement or stream counts.

Albums and sequence

The album package up to twelve tracks (€335) covers consistent sound between songs, gaps, crossfades where wanted and one approved sequence. Singles are mastered per track; bundle discounts for larger projects appear in the quote.

DeliveryContent
StreamingWAV or FLAC per distributor
DownloadHigher sample rate optional on request
Vinyl prepSide splits and level check for pressing

Revisions and extra rounds

2 revision rounds are included: e.g. a little more air, less bass, different gap between tracks 2 and 3. Be specific; A/B at home on your usual speakers and headphones.

After that: €35 per extra round as in terms and conditions. Fundamental mix changes mean returning to mixing, not a mastering workaround.

Rates

Indicative mastering prices incl. 21% VAT:

  • Single track: €78
  • Album up to 12 tracks: €335
  • Extra revision round: €35

B2B net reference per track: €64.46. Deposit 30% on remote jobs above a threshold in the quote; small singles may be invoiced in full upfront.

Turnaround and archive

One track is usually mastered within a few business days after a usable mix. Albums are scheduled as a block. Rush on request via contact or [email protected].

We keep masters and source mixes 24 months; you can request re-download within that window. After that we delete unless you extend storage. Always keep your own backups.

Limits of the service

Mastering excludes remix, vocal tuning, noise restoration of bad recordings, copyright or sample advice, and platform upload. Vocal recording and demo recording are earlier chain steps.

Legal: terms and conditions, privacy policy, disclaimer. Studio access: Wibautstraat 137 sits between metro Wibautstraat (M51, M53, M54) and Amsterdam Amstel. From metro Wibautstraat it is about a 4-minute walk. Tram 1 stops at Wibautstraat; bus 755 serves the Amstel station side. Street-level entrance with a step-free lobby..

Included

  • Technical check of supplied mix
  • Mastering pass on dedicated monitoring
  • Export for agreed release formats
  • 2 revision rounds from written feedback
  • Short delivery note with loudness indication
  • 24-month archive

FAQ

Must the mix come from you?

No. External mixes are welcome when technically healthy. If unsure we can run a short check before you pay.

Do you supply MP3 for distributors?

Many distributors convert from WAV. If your platform requires MP3 we note it in the quote and deliver the right format.

How is this different from automated mastering?

We listen per song, compare with your references and album context. No blind batch preset; still an efficient workflow for EPs.

Can I attend mastering?

By appointment in Amsterdam, within Mon–Fri 10–19, Sat 11–17. Remote is standard and often faster for revisions.

What happens after mastering?

You upload to your distributor or send to pressing. Need a new mix? Back to mixing. Loudness questions: loudness guide.

Other services

Recording in Amsterdam?

Talk through your next session

A short brief is enough: within 2 working days you get a proposed slot and a written quote, with no obligation.

Request a quote 020 244 9183