Mastering for streaming
The last stage in the chain: we set loudness, tone and clarity so your song does not suddenly sound smaller than the rest of your playlist on Spotify, in the car or on earbuds.
Mastering is not a second mix. It is finishing on a mix that already balances and moves correctly. In our Amsterdam suite we listen in context with references, correct subtle tonal shifts and steer final level toward what digital platforms expect — without crushing every transient.
You supply a stereo mixdown (or stems for stem mastering). Rates: €68 per song, €255 for an EP up to five tracks, or €95 when you mix yourself but want the final chain handled here. Amounts include 21% VAT. No mix yet? Start with mixing and balance or read mixing budget guide for bundles.
How it works
- 01
Delivery
Send a mixdown with headroom (peaks well below 0 dBFS), plus ISRC if you have it and desired output formats. State whether you need loudness targets for streaming, CD or both.
- 02
Analysis
We measure spectrum, dynamics and phase, compare to your references and note where the mix sits in the chain. For stem mastering we group drums, music and vocals before treating the bus.
- 03
Master pass
EQ, compression and limiting are applied sparingly. You receive a preview master to check at home; up to 2 adjustment rounds are included.
- 04
Export
After approval we deliver platform files (including high-res WAV), optionally a less limited production master and a short note on measured loudness. Files stay available for 12 months.
When mastering makes sense
Any release heading to Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music or download stores benefits from a master that respects loudness normalisation: too quiet sounds underpowered after the service turns it up; too hot loses detail. Labels also want consistent level across EP tracks for vinyl prep or sync pitches.
Mastering does not fix mix problems. If bass still masks vocals, return to mixing or supply stems for a deeper pass. We say in intake when a mix is not technically ready — that saves double billing.
Stem master vs stereo master
A classic stereo master starts from one mix file. Stem mastering (€95) uses grouped stems — e.g. drums+bus, instruments, vocals — so we can nudge balance in the final stage before the output bus. That suits self-mixers without a mastering setup at home.
Stem mastering is not a full mix service: grouping and rough balance stay yours. Export guidance is in stems and file formats. Unsure which path fits? Email [email protected] with a short project note.
Loudness and platforms
Streaming services normalise to their own targets (often around −14 LUFS integrated for music, with service-specific nuances). We master so your track does not turn dull or harsh after normalisation. For club or DJ versions we can deliver an alternate master with a bit more headroom if requested upfront.
We do not guarantee one number on every platform — algorithms change — but we measure and document our targets so re-releases stay traceable. More on budgets and bundles: mixing budget guide.
Pricing and EP bundles
| Option | Price | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Per track | €68 | Single or one album song |
| EP up to 5 tracks | €255 | Consistent loudness across songs |
| Stem master (1 track) | €95 | Your mix, our final chain |
Mastering after mixing in-house simplifies handover: the engineer already knows the material. External mixes are welcome when technically sound. Business: 14-day terms possible; consumers often pay a 30% deposit on confirmation. Full terms: terms and conditions.
What to send and what we do not do
Supply 24-bit WAV or AIFF at your project sample rate (48 kHz is common). Avoid MP3 as source unless it is all you have — we discuss limits upfront. List artist, title and track order for EPs. Need DDP for CD? Ask in intake; not every release needs it.
Not included: heavy restoration of damaged recordings, rebuilding stems from a lost session, or mastering spoken podcast material (podcast recording with light edit fits speech better). Music and speech mastering use different criteria.
Revisions and QC
2 revision rounds focus on loudness, clarity and platform-specific requests — not remixing individual instruments. Feedback that compares to a reference (“a touch more presence like track X at 1:20”) works best.
We check on several monitors and headphones at Grote Bickersstraat 74, Amsterdam. Your room still leads final approval: you sign off before we release definitive files. Usage questions sit in disclaimer and terms and conditions.
Turnaround and archive
A single track often masters within three to five business days after complete delivery; EPs and stem masters may take longer. Rush is sometimes available at extra cost. Intake replies within 2 business days via contact or 020-737 4821.
Final masters and working files are kept 12 months, then removed per privacy policy. Request a re-download within that window if you lose a drive.
From tracking to release under one roof
Soapwoodcoreco spans 3 rooms: vocals in the booth, bands in the live room, mix in the control room and mastering on a dedicated chain. Since 2018, artists from the Amsterdam area have worked here on demos and releases. About us introduces the team; guides collect practical articles.
A typical chain: vocal recording or band recording, mixing, mastering, then upload to your distributor. You do not coordinate three addresses. Hours: Closed Monday. Tuesday through Friday 10:00–22:00, Saturday 11:00–18:00. Sunday by appointment only.. Getting here: Take tram 22 to Haarlemmerplein, then walk about 6 minutes via Haarlemmerdijk. Bus stop Buiten Oranjesluis (lines 18, 21 and 22) is within walking distance..
Included
- Mastering pass on calibrated monitoring
- 2 revision rounds on loudness and tone
- 24-bit stereo WAV for digital distribution
- Short loudness note on delivery
- Optional alternate master when agreed upfront
- Secure download and 12 months archive
- Intake reply within 2 business days
FAQ
How loud should my mix be before mastering?
Keep peaks several dB below 0 dBFS and avoid heavy limiting on the mix bus. Headroom gives us more control in the master stage.
Can you master albums longer than five songs?
Yes. Beyond five tracks we bill per song or quote the project. Email the track list and target date via contact.
Do I get MP3s for upload?
We primarily deliver high-res WAV for mastering quality. Encoding to MP3 or AAC for specific portals is possible on request — mention it in intake.
How is this different from online mastering?
Automatic tools apply fixed curves. Here an engineer listens for your genre, references and mix issues no algorithm catches — see also FAQ on how we work.
Can mix and mastering sit on one invoice?
Yes, €185 plus €68 per song is common. EP bundles pair €740 and €255; details in mixing budget guide.
Other services
- 01
Vocal recording
Isolated booth and engineer for singles, hooks and demos.
€95 · per hour
- 02
Band recording
Live room for drums, bass and amps with a separate booth.
€125 · per hour (studio + engineer)
- 03
Mixing
Balance, dynamics and space for release or streaming.
€185 · per track
- 04
Podcast recording
Table setup for two to four voices, monitoring included.
€78 · per hour
Recording in Amsterdam?
Let's plan your session
Tell us what you need: within 2 working days we reply with a slot and a written quote, no obligation.