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Our Services
STEREO MASTERING
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STEREO MASTERING 〰️
MASTERING IS THE KEY LINK
Mastering is the key link in the supply chain of your music. It is the final opportunity to make sure your song will be presented in its most optimal light, shining loud and proud across all sound systems and streaming platforms.
THE ART OF INDIVIDUALITY
Every song is different and requires a unique approach when it comes to mastering. Audio mastering is an incredibly simple procedure but the vast sonic contrasts between individual songs can make it a difficult process to get right.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, BILLIONS OF STREAMS
15 years of mastering experience and over 85 billion streams across all platforms, DKS sits in the top 0.1% of global mastering engineers for a reason. He has access to a vast arsenal of analog and digital tools and more dangerously, he knows how to use them.
Unsure if your mix is ready for mastering? We can help!
BEFORE / AFTER MASTERING SAMPLES
Audio is level matched for fair comparison,
Rendered to 320 mp3
TURN IT UP!
EXAMPLE 1
Before:
After:
EXAMPLE 2
Before:
After:
Stem Mastering
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Stem Mastering 〰️
PRECISION IN SOUND
Stem mastering provides a powerful process to dissect and fine-tune individual elements in a song without disrupting the overall harmony and balance of the mix.
While not every element may require adjustment, stem mastering offers the flexibility to make precise enhancements to specific sounds only, which can vastly improve the sound of your song, sometimes far beyond what is possible from stereo mastering.
STEM GROUPING SIMPLIFIED
When choosing which multitracks to group into stems, think in terms of your sub-mix groups. For example, a rock track might contain 4 stems, DRUMS, BASS, GUITARS, VOCALS. A vocal dance track might have a few more: KICK (or KICK & SNARE), HI - HATS & CYMBALS, PERCUSSION, BASS (including sub), MELODIC MUSICAL PARTS (leads), HARMONIC MUSICAL PARTS (chords) plus VOCALS & FX.
THE JOURNEY OF SOUND ENHANCEMENT
There is no exact template because every song is uniquely different to the next, but organising your music into similar groupings of stems as in the above examples can yield powerful results.
If your music needs further in-depth scrutiny of individual elements, then a full mix down and master might be more appropriate,
PERFECTIONIST’S PLAYGROUND
Stem-Mastering is mostly reserved for those morbidly obsessed with perfection.
BEFORE / AFTER STEM MASTERING SAMPLES
Audio level matched for fair comparison
Rendered to 320 mp3
TURN IT UP!
EXAMPLE 1
Before:
After:
EXAMPLE 2
Before:
After:
Mixing & Mastering
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Mixing & Mastering ~
THE FINAL ARTISTRY
It could be argued that the mixing stage should really be called the mastering stage. Once a mix is finished it should perfectly capture the soul and spirit of the song in such a way that the listener doesn’t have to think about listening to the music, they can simply enjoy it, meaning, every necessary sound is heard clearly and perfectly executes the job it is supposed to be doing.
A BRIEF HISTORY
Historically, the mastering stage was nothing more than a transfer process in order to create a physical master that could be used for manufacturing vinyl, tape or CD. Due to limitations with the physical formats, sometimes varying additional processes were needed so transfer of the audio to the master was not degraded or impaired in any way. Over the past 50 or 60 years, this process has evolved into its own stage of the process, the mastering stage.
MAGIC IN MIXING
Despite mastering being such a critical part of the process now, the magic of the overall sound comes from the mixing, not the mastering. A song’s optimum potential for loudness also comes from the mixing, not the mastering.
FREE YOURSELF
As an artist, the emotional attachment to one’s own music can become a barrier for balancing a mix objectively well. Retaining its original vibe can quickly fall apart, usually when compression is added to add loudness, but not always!
Delegating this part of the process to a professional that understands the process like second nature, inevitably leaves you free to start new productions, focusing on the creative and fun aspects of song writing without getting weighed down by the mathematics and science of mixing.
BEFORE / AFTER MIXING SAMPLES
Audio level matched for fair comparison
Rendered to 320 mp3
TURN IT UP!
EXAMPLE 1
Pre-Mixing:
Pre-Mastering:
Master:
EXAMPLE 2
Pre-Mixing:
Pre-Mastering:
Master:
Additional Services
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Vinyl Mastering
WHEN VINYL BECKONS
A well balanced mix shouldn’t need any amendments for cutting to vinyl. If anything, the cutting engineer can make the necessary changes through their console.Things start getting squirrely when you have heavily compressed audio for longer than 12 to 15 minutes per side.
ELEVATING ELECTRONICA VINYL
For some LPs, particularly dance and electronic albums, having a batch of masters made specifically with the limitations of vinyl in mind, can completely transform the listening experience with the record.THE CHALLENGE OF ENERGY CAPTURE
Capturing the same energy of heavily compressed audio at much lower levels for vinyl can be a complex process, but is one that DKS specialises in. Simply turning digital masters down will sound flat and lifeless on a record. Instead, dynamics can be manipulated to recreate the illusion of loudness that the compression in the digital version created.VINYL’S RESONANT APPEAL
When level matched, often the vinyl masters will stand out as sounding much nicer than the digital ones, but who’s level matching anything these days? If it’s too loud, you’re too old! So whilst vinyl masters will make a record sound incredible, they will not stand up competitively against most contemporary music, even with the streaming platforms’ normalisation settings engaged.If you’re unsure whether your project needs to be mastered for vinyl or not, contact us with more info and we’ll be happy to discuss it with you.
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Compilation Mastering
ELEVATING THE HARMONIOUS COLLECTION
There's a unique art to crafting a seamless listening experience from diverse sources.BRINGING TOGETHER DIVERSE SOUNDS
Compilation mastering is about turning a medley of tracks into a unified journey, ensuring each note and beat resonates with consistency and brilliance.THE CRAFT OF COMPILING
Compilations often span genres, eras, and recording environments. DKS has specialized in the intricate process of unifying these audio treasures for many years. His expertise goes beyond a simple level adjustment; it's about preserving the essence of each track while weaving together a cohesive tapestry.THE CRAFT OF RESTORING
Some tracks may need nothing, others need more than a subtle touch. DKS delicately revives the nuances and dynamics of each track, revitalizing them to their full potential. It's the magic that transforms an ordinary collection into a listening journey.A TRACK RECORD OF EXCELLENCE
Our compilation mastering is the unsung hero that makes your mixed bag of tracks shine together as a brilliant whole. With a track record that includes chart-topping compilations, we've earned our stripes in this meticulous craft.Let us transform your audio anthology into an auditory masterpiece. Contact us to discuss how we can bring your compilation to life and create a listening experience that transcends individual tracks.
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Audio Restoration & Re-mastering
THE ART OF ENCHANTMENT
Each audio restoration project is a unique canvas. Our state-of-the-art restoration software and expert touch breathe new life into old or damaged recordings, transforming imperfections into captivating sound.PRESERVE & ELEVATE
We preserve the heart of your audio's history while enhancing its sonic quality. The delicate balance between restoration and re-mastering ensures your audio maintains its original character while sounding better than ever.ENDLESS POTENTIAL
Audio restoration opens doors to endless possibilities. Whether it's a treasured family recording or a musical gem, let us guide you to rediscover the timeless essence of your audio.REDISCOVER YOUR SOUND
For audio recordings in need of restoration or re-mastering, it's time to rediscover their charm. Contact us to discuss how we can bring new life to your cherished recordings, preserving their legacy and ensuring they stand the test of time.
"Your work on [Drone Logic] was flawless. Thank you Dan 🙏"
— Erol Alkan
