Mastering
Final polish on your stereo mix for download and streaming: translation, loudness and last detail, with critical listening in our dedicated chain.
Mastering is not a second mix — it is the last quality pass before release. Soredialhub on Haarlemmerweg in Amsterdam masters stereo mixes you upload or that leave our mixing room. Engineer Noah Bakker listens on midfield monitors with LUFS and true-peak metering as outlined in our loudness guide.
Deliver a mix without limiter crush or harsh clipping; we adjust tone subtly, set gaps and order for EPs and albums, and export formats distributors accept. Request a quote via contact or email; business billing on Soredialhub B.V. is available.
Process
Upload
Stereo WAV or AIFF, 24 bit, 3–6 dB headroom below 0 dBFS. State platform (Spotify, vinyl prep, video) and a reference track if useful.
Analysis
We measure loudness, spectrum and phase. Mix issues are discussed before processing — sometimes returning to mix beats mastering over problems.
Master
EQ, dynamics, stereo width and limiting while keeping punch. Targets follow your release, not a generic maximizer preset.
Delivery
Master WAV, optional mp3 preview, DDP for albums when agreed. Up to 2 revision rounds on loudness or balance within scope.
Online delivery, studio ears
The service is remote-friendly: work happens in our control room while you upload from anywhere. Results return by download. If you want to hear the final pass in person, book a slot within Mon–Fri 10–19, Sat 11–17 at Haarlemmerweg 71.
That suits artists across the Netherlands and abroad, and local bands mastering right after mix. Same engineers and 24-month archive policy either way.
Who it is for
Mastering targets independents, small labels, musical podcast intros going to release, and producers who mix themselves but want fresh ears for the last few percent. Internal demos may not need mastering — we will say if your mix is already fit for purpose.
EPs and albums benefit from consistent loudness and correct spacing. Album rate €520 covers up to twelve songs in one sequencing project.
Mix quality and expectations
Weak mixes cap what mastering can do. Harsh highs, unstable bass or heavy de-essing artifacts limit the chain. We give brief feedback when mixing again is smarter than mastering on top.
In-house mixes hand off faster because we know the project. External mixes are welcome when the file is healthy. Read loudness for streaming for integrated LUFS and true peak targets before upload.
What mastering does and does not do
Yes: final EQ, multiband or M/S work where needed, platform limiting, sequencing, ID3/metadata on request, vinyl-prep discussion (no cutting here). No: vocal tuning, drum replacement, new mix decisions or fixing bad edits — those sit outside mastering and under terms as extra work.
Revisions: 2 rounds for e.g. slightly calmer overall or more vocal presence. A full aesthetic pivot counts as a new order.
Rates incl. VAT
Listed amounts include 21% VAT for consumers. B2B: 14-day payment term after approved details.
| Package | Price incl. VAT | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Stereo song | €75 | One finished master |
| EP (≤5 songs) | €290 | Matched levels + gaps |
| Album (≤12 songs) | €520 | Full sequence |
Net: track €61.98, EP €239.67, album €429.75. Deposit 40% on larger projects per quote. Cancellation: terms and conditions; free move up to 7 days before planned start where applicable.
Files and metadata
Supply: interleaved stereo WAV 24 bit, prefer 48 kHz; 44.1 kHz when CD legacy matters. No mp3 source. Delivery: 24 bit WAV master, sometimes 16 bit legacy; 320 kbps mp3 preview on request.
Send ISRC, title and track number as text; we do not assign rights — you remain responsible for splits and distributor upload. Data handling: privacy policy.
Turnaround
Single song: typically 1–3 business days after complete upload and payment. EPs and albums run in batch with a date in the quote. Rush may carry a surcharge when the calendar allows — ask via phone.
Intake replies within 2 business days. From Amsterdam Centraal it is about a 12-minute walk via Haarlemmerdijk and Haarlemmerweg. Bus 22 (stop Haarlemmerweg) is a few minutes away on foot. On-street bike parking and charging points; no private parking. Monday to Friday 10:00–19:00, Saturday 11:00–17:00. Closed Sunday. Sessions outside these hours by arrangement.
After mastering
Upload to your distributor, Bandcamp or site. Keep archives and stems locally; we retain masters 24 months. New singles restart the chain with mix when needed.
Broader questions about sessions, facilities (3 rooms, since 2019) or podcast & voice-over: services overview and FAQ.
Included
- Critical listening on calibrated chain
- Loudness and true-peak metering
- Stereo master WAV 24 bit
- Up to 2 revision rounds in scope
- Short technical note when mix issues appear
- Archive 24 months
- Invoice incl. 21% VAT from Soredialhub B.V.
Frequently asked questions
Should my mix already sound loud?
No — leave 3–6 dB headroom. A mix already crushed to -8 LUFS leaves mastering little room. See our loudness guide for upload checks.
Do you master stems instead of stereo mix?
Default is stereo in, stereo out. Stem mastering is a separate workflow; mention it at intake if that is what you need.
Do I get a vinyl master?
We can prepare a vinyl-friendly version (HF/bass balance) as an add-on. We do not cut lacquers in-house; we deliver files for your plant.
How much louder will my track get?
We aim for platform targets (often around -14 LUFS integrated on many streamers), not maximum loudness for its own sake. References help us hear your intent.
Can mastering fix a bad mix?
Sometimes a little; often not. If we suggest mixing again, it is to protect your release, not to refuse work.
Other services
Vocal recording
Singing, rap and spoken word in a treated booth with engineer support.
€95 · per hour incl. engineer
Band recording
Live room for drums and amps, separate booth and multiple mics.
€125 · per hour incl. engineer
Mixing
Balance, space and dynamics from your multitrack; revision rounds as agreed.
€185 · per song (up to 48 tracks)
Podcast & voice-over
Two speakers, headphone monitoring and basic editing in one session.
€85 · per hour incl. engineer
Recording in Amsterdam?
Plan your next session
Tell us what you want to capture: within 2 working days you receive a slot proposal and a written quote, with no obligation.