Mastering
The last listening pass on your approved mix: Jeroen Visser and the Sipopojexadvisory team set loudness, tonal balance and sequencing for release in Amsterdam-Oost.
Mastering is not a second mix; it is adjustment on monitors you rarely have at home, respecting choices the mixer already made. We work per track or as EP/album so gaps, order and overall level match before files go to platforms.
Deliver a stereo mix with headroom (peaks well below 0 dBFS, no flat limiting unless that is your intent). From our mixing chain we already know the session; external mixes are welcome under the same technical rules.
How it works
QC
Upload or hand off WAV; we measure loudness, phase and clicks. Issues better fixed in mix go back before mastering begins. If the format is unclear we send a short checklist so you do not export twice.
Master pass
EQ, multiband, stereo image and limiting with controlled targets for streaming. Checks on multiple monitors and headphones.
Sequence
For EP and album: running order, gaps and relative loudness between songs. Metadata is your aggregator’s job; we deliver audio.
Delivery
WAV and optional high-quality mp3 for previews. Up to 2 revision rounds on mastering notes; further work per track or hour under terms and conditions.
What mastering does here
Earbuds, car systems and laptops reshape the same song. Mastering aims tonal balance and loudness so the mix stays recognisable everywhere without harsh clipping. For streaming we use common integrated loudness targets; for download we can keep slightly more dynamics if you ask.
We do not master unfinished mixes: buried vocals or fighting bass go back to mixing. That honesty saves iterations and cost. We may share a short A/B before the final limiter so you hear what the last stage does — no release-day surprise.
Who it is for
Independent artists dropping a single, labels wanting a uniform EP, creators with short podcast cues, and bands seeking one final step after vocal recording and mix. Album packages cover up to twelve tracks; longer lists are quoted via contact.
Minimum contracting age 16; younger releases need parent or guardian agreement under terms and conditions.
Delivery specs
Stereo WAV, 24-bit, your project sample rate (44.1 or 48 kHz). Do not add dither before delivery. List title per track, ISRC if known, and desired fades. Vinyl-bound projects may need extra headroom — discuss digital-first defaults.
Files via secure link or SSD by appointment at Ruyschstraat 14. We archive masters 12 months; you keep the release copy locally.
EP and album packages
EP up to six tracks: €335 incl. VAT with matched loudness and gap timing. Album up to twelve tracks: €595. Single track: €78. Alternate masters (instrumental, clean) cost extra each.
| Package | Incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Per track | €78 |
| EP ≤ 6 tracks | €335 |
| Album ≤ 12 tracks | €595 |
Turnaround and revisions
One track usually takes three to five business days after an approved mix. EPs and albums are blocked so sequencing happens in one pass. Use 2 rounds with clear notes — louder, softer, warmer, brighter — not conflicting references each email.
Rush may be possible at a surcharge when the calendar allows; ask on 020 244 1893. Cancellation before work starts follows terms and conditions and the 5-day rule where it applies to bundled bookings.
What mastering will not fix
- No vocal tuning, drum editing or arrangement changes.
- No promise of playlist placement or chart performance.
- No upload to Spotify or Apple — you use your distributor.
- No rescue of a heavily squashed mix bus unless that was the artistic choice.
For mix issues return to mixing or re-record via vocal recording when the source fails.
Rights and handover
After payment you receive master files for release; we keep work files for archive, not ownership of your composition. Credits and splits stay between artists; we invoice whoever signs the contract. More detail: session files and rights, legal notice.
Sipopojexadvisory since 2019 · Monday–Friday 10:00–19:00, Saturday 11:00–17:00, Sunday closed. · general studio questions in FAQ. If you bundle mastering with an earlier mix quote, mention the project name so files stay linked in our archive.
Book mastering
Send track list, target release date and single, EP or album scope via contact. Deposit 30% on packages; balance per invoice. B2B: 14-day terms when agreed.
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Included
- Mastering engineer (Jeroen Visser or colleague)
- Technical QC before processing
- EQ, dynamics and limiting for digital release
- Sequencing and gaps on EP/album packages
- WAV master and optional mp3 preview
- 2 revision rounds on mastering notes
- Archive for 12 months
FAQ
How loud should my mix be before mastering?
Leave a few dB headroom on the mix bus; avoid brickwall limiting glued to -0.1 dBFS unless intentional. Unsure? Write via email.
Do you master from stems?
Default is stereo mix. Stem mastering is exceptional and needs aligned stems; scope and price upfront.
Which formats do I get?
Release-ready WAV; mp3 for internal checks can be included. DDP for CD plants on request at extra cost.
Mastering the same week as mix?
Sometimes when mix is signed off and the schedule has space. A night between mix approval and master start usually helps.
Mix changes after mastering?
That is a new mixing revision then mastering again at track rate. Sign off the mix first to avoid double work.
Other services
Vocal recording
Vocal booth with engineer for singing, voice-over and demo takes.
€98 · per hour
Read more
Podcast recording
Table setup for two to four voices, including basic editing.
€88 · per hour
Read more
Rehearsal room
Sound-treated live room with backline and monitor mix for bands.
€58 · per hour
Read more
Recording in Amsterdam?
Plan your next session
Tell us what you want to capture: we reply within 2 working days with a slot proposal and a written quote.