On average, an album may take anywhere from one to two days to master. Generally one day for a standard album, or two days if it’s a particularly long album, containing radio & vinyl versions, complex edits or restoration issues. All projects are discussed thoroughly with a mastering engineer prior to the session.

At the completion of a mastering session, artists are provided with a copy of the mastered audio. These masters can then be listened to in familiar surroundings and equipment. It is essential that the mastered audio is carefully appraised as this is the opportunity to address any problems. If any changes are required, a revision session will be arranged quickly so as production schedules can be adhered to.

It is essential to advise the mastering engineer if the recording is destined for vinyl production before session commencement, as this requires different treatment to a digital production master.

Most mastering sessions are booked several weeks in advance, so last minute requests are occasionally impossible to accommodate. If you require a master attended to immediately, please note that a ‘priority’ charge will be added to the session cost.

Please call our staff for studio rates, as we need to discuss your project’s particulars before establishing a session cost.

Ensure that someone has a thorough, uninterrupted listen to all mixes prior to mastering. This certifies that all correct versions are present without glitches, errors or drop-outs. To ensure your mastering session runs smoothly, be sure to provide your mastering engineer with accurate and detailed track listings on all materials provided. Wherever possible, bring all back up copies and duplicates of mixes as this will alleviate any dilemmas should errors or playback problems arise.

Terms & Conditions

Manufacturing
1) Please note that it is your responsibility to approve any
masters sent to the replication plant. Crystal Mastering P/L
will not be financially responsible for any errors or faults that
arise at the manufacturing stage.
Song order, metadata and audio quality are all crucial
aspects that clients need to sign off on before manufacturing,
so we strongly encourage clients to listen to their masters
from start to finish. DDP masters can be checked using our
free DDP player available on our website.

If you receive vinyl masters from Crystal Mastering, these audio files can be auditioned through most common media players. We also encourage clients to attain ‘test pressings’ from the vinyl plant and check these before committing to larger runs.

Payment
2) Clients should be aware that no mastered material will be issued unless sessions are paid for in full, or, unless prior credit arrangement has been made.

Re-Mixes
3) Please note that addtional charges will apply when supplying new mixes after mastering is completed. As an analogue studio, it takes considerable time to re-call sessions and re-master new mixes. We appreciate your understanding.

Cancellation
4) A cancellation fee will be charged unless a notification period of 4 working days is given to Crystal Mastering. Cancellation fees will be 50% of original booking time.

Storage
5) Once your master is completed, any digital data created as part of your session will be stored for a period of 3 months.

Occupational Health & Safety
6) Please note that we work in sealed studios, in
close proximity with our clients. For this reason we ask
clients to kindly refrain from attending sessions should
they be ill or feeling at all unwell. Clients will be asked
to leave the studio if they are exhibiting signs of
cold, flu etc.
We really appreciate your understanding on this matter.

 

Privacy Policy:
At Crystal Mastering we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect and use your email address when you submit it through our quote form.

Information Collection and Use: When you voluntarily submit your email address through our lead form, we collect this information solely for the purpose of contacting you regarding the products, services, or information you have expressed an interest in. We do not share, sell, or rent your email address to third parties.

Data Security: We implement appropriate security measures to protect your email address from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

Opt-Out: You have the right to opt-out of receiving communications from us at any time. Every email we send will include an unsubscribe link, which you can use to opt-out of further communications.

Changes to the Privacy Policy: We reserve the right to update and make changes to this Privacy Policy. Any modifications will be effective immediately upon posting the updated Privacy Policy on our website.

By submitting your email address through our lead form, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

Last updated: 2/11/2023

Crystal Mastering