Ideally, mastering starts with a conversation via email, phone, or video conference. When you reach out or send in a mix, we listen to the music and to you. We want to understand what you're going for sonically, what the production process has looked like so far, and what a successful master means for your project. This conversation shapes everything that follows.

The best master starts with creating the best mix. We are always happy to audition mixes and to provide feedback based on what we hear in our listening environment and what your goals are for the record.

Mixes can be delivered via WeTransfer, Dropbox, Google Drive, or our own private Disco link when you book a session. Sessions can be attended in our San Diego suite or handled remotely.

Once we feel that we have a clear idea of where the song needs to go, we schedule a REF delivery date — typically 5–7 working days based on current workload. Your reference masters are not release-ready files. They're created for critical listening: take note of tonal balance, micro and macro dynamics, depth, timing, and overall feel.

REFs are delivered via Disco in a single playlist alongside your original mix so you can A/B with ease. If the V1 represents a significant departure from the original mix, we'll include a V0 (our term for a more transparent master) so you have a clear picture of the range of sonic aesthetics available to you.

We know you want to listen to your master on your car stereo, your headphones, your studio monitors, wherever you listen most. That’s the objective during this stage. So if something isn’t sitting right, let us know and we’ll make it right.

New REF masters will be created based on what you’re hearing to ensure the record translates the way you intend.

Once you've approved final REFs, we move into a rigorous manual Quality Control process. This includes de-clicking, manual de-essing, de-crackling, spectral editing, dithering, and format-specific optimization in Izotope RX 11. Every artifact is addressed by hand.

This process is typically completed within 1 working day of receiving approval of final REFs.

Final production masters are subsequently delivered via Dropbox in the formats your release requires — from hi-res digital distribution and Apple Digital Masters to vinyl, CD-R, and DDP. If you're not sure what you need, we can help you figure that out when you book a session.