FAQ
Questions before you order.
File preparation, turnaround, pricing and delivery. Can’t find your answer? Send me a message.
Preparing files
How should I prepare my track for stereo or vinyl mastering?
Send at least a 24-bit, 44.1 kHz WAV or AIFF file with around −6 dB of headroom, and no limiting or clipping on the master bus.
Do you charge extra for different edits?
No. Two edits of the same mix, for example an extended mix and a radio edit, are mastered at no extra cost as long as the mixes are identical.
Can I choose how loud my master is?
Yes. When you order you can pick a target from −14 to −6 LUFS, and I aim close to it as far as the mix allows. If you leave it empty, I choose a level that suits the genre.
Can I send a reference track?
Yes, references are welcome.
Stems
How should I group my stems?
Stem services come in up to 8, 12, 16 or 24 stems (each extra 4 stems +€25), or unlimited stems. On the limited tiers you can group channels to fit. Keep the kick and the bassline as separate stems; the rest can be grouped, for example percussion, hi-hats, synths and vocals.
What about the unlimited stems service?
With unlimited stems you can send every channel separately.
Which format do stems need to be in?
At least 24-bit, 44.1 kHz WAV or AIFF files. You’re welcome to include a reference mixdown and other reference songs.
DJ mixes
What format should my DJ mix be?
At least a 16-bit, 44.1 kHz WAV or AIFF file. Mixes up to 2 hours are €50, up to 3 hours €70 and up to 4 hours €90.
Ordering & prices
How much does mastering cost?
Stereo mastering is €30 a track for 1–3 tracks, €28 for 4–7, €26 for 8–11 and €24 for 12–15. Stem mastering starts at €50 and DJ mix mastering at €50. See Order & Rates for every option.
Is VAT included?
Prices exclude VAT. VAT is added based on your location. EU businesses with a valid VAT ID and customers outside the EU pay no VAT.
Can I get my master faster?
Yes. Rush delivery in 2 working days is +€15 a track and in 1 working day +€30 a track. Rush is available Monday to Friday.
Can I order several services at once?
Yes. Add each service to your order and pay for everything in one checkout.
Do you have label rates?
Labels distributed or managed by Proton get a special stereo mastering rate. Get in touch for details.
The service I need isn't listed. What now?
Send me a message describing what you need and I’ll reply with a price and turnaround time.
Upload & delivery
How do I upload my files?
Right after you order, the confirmation page has an upload box: drop your files in and they go straight to the studio. WAV, AIFF, FLAC, MP3 or ZIP, up to 20 GB per file.
Your order email also has an Upload your files button, so you can come back to it later. If you have an account, you can upload from the order’s page under Orders too.
Prefer WeTransfer? Use cidincmastering.wetransfer.com and put your order number in the Title field.
How long does it take?
Stereo mastering and DJ mixes take about 7 working days, and stem mastering about 8–10 working days, unless you choose rush delivery.
Which formats do I get back?
Stereo masters come as 24-bit and 16-bit 44.1 kHz WAV plus a 320 kbps MP3. Vinyl masters are 24-bit. You can add a Spotify-ready master or a DDP image for CD duplication when you order.
Need another format, sample rate or bit depth? Write it in the Order Notes field at checkout.
I haven’t received my masters. What now?
When your masters are ready you get an email with a Download your masters button, sent to the address you ordered with. It sometimes lands in the junk or spam folder (or the Promotions tab in Gmail), so please check there first.
If you ordered with an account, the download link is also waiting for you there: log in, open Orders and press Download masters. The email says how long the link works.
Still nothing? Get in touch and I’ll send you a new download link.
Your account
What can I do with an account?
Log in to see past orders and invoices, edit your billing details, upload files and leave a review. Go to your account.