Mastering

How this differs from mixing

Mixing balances stems; mastering treats the stereo bus as a whole. If you need vocals louder and drums softer, that belongs in mixing — we send you back to your mixer or offer a mix add-on.

Mastering can mask small issues but will not fix out-of-phase bass or a click running through the entire track. We listen critically first; when in doubt we call 020 737 2841 before billing.

Loudness and platforms

We measure integrated loudness and true peak against common streaming guidance. Spotify, Apple Music, and others normalize on their side; we aim for a level that avoids a flat master yet does not sound quiet after upload.

Podcast or spoken-word masters use different targets than dance or metal. State the goal at intake. For music albums we keep perceived loudness consistent between tracks without squeezing every song identically.

• True peak below common ceiling to avoid post-codec clipping
• Short note with measured LUFS per track
• Optional vinyl-friendly master on request (less extreme bass)

Albums and sequence

Album pricing covers up to ten songs delivered in one batch with desired order. Lotte sets gaps and crossfades per your brief — not automatic gapless unless you ask for it.

Net for business clients: €59.50 per track, €466.94 per album. More than ten tracks: extra songs at single rate after discussion.

What to deliver

Stereo 24-bit WAV, preferably 48 kHz or your project native rate. No mp3 source. Leave at least 1 dBFS headroom; heavy limiting in the mix makes mastering harder. Send a text file with track list, ISRC codes if you have them, and credits for metadata — we do not register ISRC for you, but we can align file names.

Material from our own mix pipeline goes straight from Lotte to Lotte; external mixes upload via the link sent after contact. See how to send stems if you reconsider mix changes afterward.

Turnaround

Standalone singles: usually within 10 calendar days after an approved mix. Full albums may take slightly longer because sequencing takes listening time. Rush is sometimes possible for a surcharge when the calendar allows.

We archive masters for 9 months. Keep your own copies; after retention we delete files per privacy policy.

Who this fits

Independent artists who mix themselves or use our mix service. Labels wanting one contact in Amsterdam for final QC. Podcasters who need one compact file after a mixed intro — when dynamics suit spoken word.

No mastering of incomplete mixes, no cassette restoration without a separate quote, no stem separation. Minimum client age 16, or with parental consent per terms and conditions.

Combined with recording

Many clients record in our vocal booth or live room, mix with Lotte, and finish with mastering in one chain. That reduces export mistakes between vendors. Podcast-only clients who want conversation loudness normalized should ask explicitly for spoken-word mastering.

Rights on recorded material stay with you; for music in podcasts see music rights for podcasts.

Not included

No mix corrections beyond light EQ in master context, no artwork, no DSP distribution, no on-site vinyl cutting. DDP for CD plants is optional and not in the default album fee.

Revisions beyond the one included mastering round bill hourly or per track. Cancellation follows terms and conditions: free move up to 4 days before a booked delivery slot where applicable. Overview: services and FAQ.

Included

• Mastering by Lotte Vermeer
• Loudness and true-peak check
• EQ and dynamics on stereo bus
• One revision round on bundled feedback
• WAV master for distribution
• Short measurement note per track
• Archive 9 months