Know what to send, what to expect and where we can help.
Can mastering fix a track that isn’t ready?
We can’t polish a turd—but we can help you work out what it needs. Mastering can refine a strong mix; it can’t reliably rescue a weak arrangement, distorted recording or fundamental balance problem.
If your track needs more work, we’ll discuss a tailored approach. That might mean mix changes, further production or rebuilding parts before mastering. Any additional work is quoted separately and agreed with you first.
Why does analogue mastering take time?
This is a physical process. Hardware setup, real-time playback, capture, revisions and quality checks all take time. A 10-track analogue mastering package can involve 40+ hours of work, depending on the material and scope.
That is studio working time, not a promise of delivery within 40 hours. We agree your delivery window before you book, taking the queue, track readiness and feedback rounds into account. Tell us your release deadline at the start.
Should I book mastering, stem mastering or a mix?
Stereo mastering suits a mix whose arrangement and balances already feel right. Stem mastering gives us more control over grouped drums, bass, music and vocals. A full mix is the better starting point when individual sounds, vocals or the overall balance still need attention.
Not sure? Send a private listening link and describe what’s bothering you. We’ll recommend the appropriate scope before you commit.
What files should I send?
For stereo mastering, send a lossless WAV or AIFF at your session’s native sample rate, ideally 24-bit or 32-bit float. Avoid clipping, leave some peak headroom and don’t convert an MP3 to WAV or upsample just for delivery.
Include your references and the version you’ve been listening to. If a limiter is only there for loudness, include an export without it as well. Keep processing that is essential to your sound and tell us what it does. We’ll confirm stem or multitrack preparation when the scope is agreed.
Will you keep the character of my track?
That’s the starting point. Tell us what you love about the mix, what you want to change and which references matter. DYLN brings analogue hardware and live sound experience; Vareso brings production, DAW mixing and a label-facing perspective. We use those skills to serve your direction.
Can you analogue-master AI-generated music?
Yes. We can put AI-generated music through our analogue mastering process, but it needs individual consideration. Send us the best-quality export you have and tell us which parts were generated, edited or recorded.
Some sources contain audible artefacts, unusual transients, smeared detail or processing that is already baked into the file. Analogue processing may refine the tone and dynamics, but it can also reveal or emphasise those problems. It cannot reliably restore information that isn’t there, and some tracks may not respond well to mastering alone.
We’ll review the source and discuss a suitable approach. That could mean corrective work, a different balance of digital and analogue processing, or further production before mastering. Any additional work is quoted and agreed first. Please make sure you have the rights needed to submit and release the material.
Does analogue automatically sound better?
No single piece of gear guarantees a better record. Analogue processing offers useful tonal and dynamic choices; digital tools offer precision and flexibility. The result depends on the source, the decisions and the engineering. Our hybrid approach uses both where they help.
The demos are short examples of complete workflows, not proof that a sound can only be made with analogue equipment. Use the level-matched A/B controls to compare without louder playback deciding for you.
What does the US$149 first-master offer include?
One stereo hybrid master for a first-time customer, including quality checks, WAV and MP3 delivery, and two revision rounds. The standard stereo mastering price is US$199. The introductory offer applies once per new customer and cannot be combined with bundle discounts.
Mixing, stem mastering, additional production and rebuilding a track are separate services. Your quote confirms the scope and any applicable taxes before you book.
How do revisions work?
Our listed mastering and mix packages include two revision rounds. Send one consolidated set of notes per round, ideally with timestamps, so we can respond to the whole picture.
A replacement mix, changed arrangement or new production direction may require additional work. We’ll discuss that with you and agree any extra cost before proceeding.
Will my master work for streaming and DJs?
Tell us where the track is going: streaming services, a label submission, DJ playback or another format. We’ll confirm the required versions and file specifications in your quote. There isn’t one loudness target that suits every track or destination.
A master prepares your audio for delivery; it doesn’t include distribution or guarantee label acceptance, playlist placement or streams.
How do the 5-track and 10-track packages work?
Book five tracks together for 10% off the standard per-track rate, or ten for 20% off. Bundles are purchased as one order, with scope and scheduling agreed before work begins. They don’t stack with the first-master offer.
Working across a release also lets us consider consistency between tracks. It doesn’t make the analogue process instant: a 10-track package can require 40+ hours of studio work.
Do I need to be in Sydney?
No. We work remotely with artists worldwide. Start with a private track link, references and your deadline. We’ll agree the brief, file handover and feedback process with you before the work starts.
Still unsure where your track fits? Send us a private listening link and tell us what you’re chasing.
