wHAT IS STEM MASTERING?
Stem mastering is a mastering technique in which the engineer works on multiple (2–8) stereo stem tracks that include the separated main elements of the song instead of a single stereo track.
What's the benefit of stem mastering?
Stem mastering allows the engineer to process the main elements of the mix separately or in groups. However, it is not mixing, although the volume and EQ of separate parts might be fine-tuned when necessary. The biggest advantage of stem mastering comes into play when working on loud and high-energy music since loudness can be achieved more naturally by driving only certain elements through stronger processing. This often gives the whole song an elevated level of focus and energy without the sacrifices that come into play when pushing for loudness in regular mastering.
HOW DO I PREPARE THE FILES?
For mastering, you should deliver the files in either WAV- or AIFF-formats. The files should be 16–24 bit (although 32 bit is fine when needed), and the sampling rate between 44.1–96kHz.
When delivering files for both mixing and mastering, you can deliver the whole project file in the following DAWs:
-Avid Pro Tools,
-Apple Logic Pro,
-Cockos Reaper,
-Ableton Live.
All audio sources (e.g. VSTs, artificial vocal harmonies) need to be consolidated into audio before sending the files our way. When sending a project file, please don't print any fx on the tracks, as we will decide ourselves whether or not to use them. You should also include a copy of the rough mix. If you use some other program, please send all the tracks as 44.1–96kHz/24-bit audio files. We recommend sending two copies of the tracks, one with your effects printed and one completely raw. Raw vocal tracks are always needed for mixing.
When delivering files for both mixing and mastering, you can deliver the whole project file in the following DAWs:
-Avid Pro Tools,
-Apple Logic Pro,
-Cockos Reaper,
-Ableton Live.
All audio sources (e.g. VSTs, artificial vocal harmonies) need to be consolidated into audio before sending the files our way. When sending a project file, please don't print any fx on the tracks, as we will decide ourselves whether or not to use them. You should also include a copy of the rough mix. If you use some other program, please send all the tracks as 44.1–96kHz/24-bit audio files. We recommend sending two copies of the tracks, one with your effects printed and one completely raw. Raw vocal tracks are always needed for mixing.
WHEN DO I PAY?
When you are happy with the result, we will send you the final files along with a bill.
WHAT ARE ISRC and UPC/EAN CODES?
ISRC- and UPC-/EAN-codes are digital identifiers for a song. These are needed when making CDs, sharing royalties and releasing music. Since nowadays streaming services are the primary way for people to listen to music, not many CDs are made anymore. That's why labels/distributors usually handle attaching these identifiers during the publishing process. However, if you need us to deliver files to you in the masterCD-format for creating a physical CD, please provide us with the album art, ISRC- and UPC-/EAN-codes, and the credits for your release.
CAN I ATTEND SESSIONS?
We're not currently offering the option to attend the live mixing or mastering sessions. The reason is that in order for the engineer to work as efficiently and fast as possible, they should execute the mix/master alone and, if necessary, make adjustments later. Furthermore, the best way for the customer to listen to the finished mixing/mastering work objectively is through an audio system that is familiar to them.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED?
Delivering a file back that was sent for mastering usually takes 1–3 days, depending on the amount of other consecutive orders. For mixing and mastering, this usually takes 3–5 days, also depending on the amount of other consecutive orders. When receiving your order, we will give you a timeframe in which it will be completed. If you have any requests regarding scheduling, please let us know.
WhAT IS THE PURPOSE OF a vinyl edit?
There are some limitations regarding the material that can be cut for vinyl. Excessive sibilance, low-end on the sides, a lot of limiting, and clipping are phenomena that aren't that uncommon in modern mixes and masters, but consumer-grade vinyl players are unable to playback this type of material. If these things are not adequately taken care of, the needle will potentially jump and skip all over the place. When we create a vinyl edit, we take care of all of those issues. It is a separate process and definitively needed when creating a vinyl version of a record.
ARE REVISIONS FREE?
We provide 3 revisions free of charge. After that, they're 50€ each.
SOMETHING ELSE
Please send any further questions to leevi@vibrantmastering.com, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.