Mastering is the last step before a track goes public. You supply a stereo mix you trust; we turn it into a release-ready master with consistent loudness, clear transients and safe true peaks for lossy codecs. Work happens offline from your upload, or attended if you want to listen along.
The service targets singles, EPs and albums from artists who already have a mix — from our mixing or elsewhere. Stems alone need a mix first; mastering does not replace live band recording or vocal sessions. Unsure your mix is ready? Send a short demo through contact.
Process
Intake
Upload WAV or AIFF, name the platform (streaming, vinyl prep, video) and share references. We confirm price, timing and revision rules in the terms and conditions.
Analysis
We compare spectrum, phase and loudness to your references and note issues better fixed in the mix versus what mastering can adjust.
Master
EQ, multiband dynamics, stereo width and limiting are applied lightly. Albums share one loudness curve across all songs.
Delivery
Masters in the formats you need, plus one revision round based on specific feedback within the agreed window.
What mastering does and does not do
Mastering polishes a solid mix: it keeps soft and loud passages coherent on different speakers, sets genre-appropriate loudness, and exports files distributors accept. It will not fix a wobbly bass, late vocal or noisy guitar — that belongs in the mix. If we hear a mix problem larger than mastering scope, we say so before continuing.
Albums get aligned track order, gaps and relative loudness. A single gets one master; an EP or album benefits from one session with every song on the timeline together.
The mastering suite in Amsterdam
Misfiredexa has worked from Eerste Helmersstraat 78 in Oud-West since 2021. The mastering corner is a dedicated listening space with nearfields on iso pads, dim light and minimal visual clutter — built for critical listening, not tracking. Attend in person if you like; offline mastering is default and suits tight release schedules.
Getting here: Tram 13 stops at Eerste Helmersstraat; from that stop it is about a 2-minute walk to number 78. From Amsterdam Centraal, tram 13 towards Amsterdam Sloterdijk takes roughly 15 minutes. By bike from Leidseplein it is about 7 minutes via Overtoom and De Clercqstraat.. Studio hours for drop-offs and meetings: Monday–Friday 11:00–20:00, Saturday 10:00–16:00. Closed on Sunday..
Supplying your mix: headroom and formats
Send a stereo mix without a limiter on the master bus, peaks between −6 dBFS and −3 dBFS, no clipping. 24-bit WAV at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz is ideal; keep the project sample rate. Avoid upsampling mp3 — start from the best source you have.
Stems are a mixing job, not mastering input. Export tips live in headroom when sending stems and master delivery formats.
Loudness, streaming and references
Streaming platforms normalise loudness; extremely hot masters lose punch after normalisation. We aim for genre-sensible LUFS with safe true peaks so your track still moves on phone or car speakers. Name two or three reference tracks in a similar style — not to clone them, but to anchor decisions.
Video or sync sometimes needs extra headroom; name the platform at intake. Vinyl prep can be a separate path if you need a cutting lacquer — mention it early.
Revisions and turnaround
The mastering fee includes one revision round: you send time-stamped notes (for example “chorus slightly less sibilant”), we adjust and re-deliver. Extra rounds or major mix changes between masters are quoted separately under the terms and conditions. Where a package lists offline revision limits, the studio cap is 2 rounds.
Typical turnaround is 2 to five business days after complete delivery; rush may be possible if the calendar allows. We answer questions within 2 business days.
Delivery formats
You receive at least a 24-bit WAV for distribution and often an AAC or MP3 preview for phone checks. Albums ship with numbered files and clear filenames; embed ISRCs in your aggregator unless we agree otherwise.
More export detail is in our master format guide. Files go via encrypted link; we store masters for 24 months, then follow the privacy policy.
Rates incl. VAT
All prices on this page include 21% VAT. Business invoices show NL830830893B01; approved B2B clients may pay within 14 days of invoice date.
| Package | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per track | €72 | One song, stereo mix, one revision |
| Album up to 12 tracks | €545 | One album pass, shared loudness |
Net amounts: €59.50 per track, €450.41 per album. Not included: mixing, stem mastering, vinyl DDP, extra revisions beyond the included round, and physical media.
Working with mix and live recording
Many clients mix with us after live band recording or vocal recording; Joris can pick up that mix so tone stays coherent. External mixes are welcome — match export specs.
After mastering you distribute through your own aggregator; we do not offer label services. Rights questions sit in legal notice and disclaimer. Book via contact, 020 261 8473 or [email protected].
Included
- Critical listening on calibrated monitors
- Subtle EQ and dynamics for release
- Loudness tuned for streaming
- Codec-safe true peaks
- One revision round with specific feedback
- WAV master plus listening preview
- 24-month archive
FAQ
When is my mix ready to master?
When balance and timing work on small speakers and headphones, without a limiter squashing everything. In doubt, send an mp3 for a quick check — we will say if mix work is needed.
How many revisions are included?
One revision on the delivered master with time-coded notes. Larger changes or extra rounds are quoted separately under the terms and conditions.
Can I attend the session?
Yes, attended slots are available by appointment during Mon–Fri 11–20, Sat 10–16. Offline mastering is usually easier to schedule if you skip travel to Amsterdam.
Track price versus album price?
€72 covers one song. €545 covers up to twelve tracks in one coherent pass — cheaper per song than twelve separate masters.
Do you master instrumentals or stems?
Mastering expects stereo mixes. Instrumentals or TV mixes master as separate files at the track rate if delivered together.
Other services
Vocal recording
Lead and backing vocals in an iso booth; engineer handles gain, monitoring and takes.
€95 · per hour
Live band recording
Drums, bass, guitars and keys together in the live room; space for reamping and amp cabs.
€125 · per hour (engineer included)
Mixing
From multitrack to stereo mix in the studio or from delivered stems; export in your preferred format.
€185 · per track (offline)
Voice-over recording
Speaker on a directional mic in a quiet booth; suited for ads, e-learning and audiobooks.
€78 · per hour
Recording in Amsterdam?
Talk through your next session
Briefly describe what you want to capture: we reply within 2 working days with a slot proposal and written price, no obligation.