ya-mastering

FAQ

Techno mixing & mastering. Everything you need to know before ordering.

📁 FILES & PREPARATION

How do I send my files?

At checkout, paste a download link to your files in the "Notes or Instructions" section. Any file-sharing platform works (WeTransfer, SwissTransfer, Google Drive, Dropbox…). You can also add any relevant preferences there.

What format should my premaster be? (Stereo mastering)

  • WAV 24-bit, 44.1 kHz
  • Approximately -6 dB of headroom
  • No processing on the master bus (limiter, maximizer, clipper, compression, stereo enhancers, etc.)
  • A clean and coherent internal balance between all elements

How should I prepare my stems for stem mastering?

  • Grouped stems: one WAV file per group, clearly named and sorted by category
  • Up to 5 or up to 8 stems depending on the option selected
  • If ungrouped stems are provided, they will be grouped to match the selected tier
  • Same requirements as stereo mastering (24-bit / 44.1 kHz, headroom, no master bus processing)

How should I prepare my stems for mixing?

  • Clearly named, well-organised individual stems only (no group stems)
  • Consolidated groups (e.g. all hats in one stem) are welcome, but unrelated elements must not be merged to reduce the stem count
  • The arrangement must be final: no structural or arrangement changes are made once mixing has started, and stems are not edited, cut or moved
  • Each stem must already include its intended sound design, stereo placement, automation and gain staging
  • No clipping, individually or summed (no red peaks on any stem or on the master channel)
  • Master channel free of any processing
  • No restoration: stems must be clean (no clicks, pops, crackles or unwanted distortion)
  • AI-generated or AI-extracted stems are not accepted

Tip: load your stems into a new empty project before sending to check that everything sounds exactly as intended.

What are the requirements for vinyl mastering?

  • WAV 24-bit, 44.1 kHz
  • Approximately -3 dB of headroom, with no clipping or inter-sample peaks
  • No processing on the master bus (no limiter, maximizer, clipper, compression, EQ, stereo enhancement or similar)
  • Masking issues corrected at the mixing stage
  • Stable, controlled low end and good phase coherence (essential for cutting)

🔊 SERVICES

Digital or Hybrid Analog mastering: what's the difference?

  • Digital Stereo Mastering: a modern digital chain combined with analog emulations, for reliable club translation and consistent loudness across platforms.
  • Hybrid Analog Mastering: processed through a hybrid chain built around API 500-series modules, adding subtle analog character to the tonal balance.

SoundCloud/Club or SoundCloud/Club + Spotify?

  • SoundCloud/Club: one master optimised for loudness, club systems and SoundCloud.
  • SoundCloud/Club + Spotify: two masters, a loudness-optimised version for SoundCloud and club use, and a streaming master compliant with Spotify's loudness normalisation.

If you submit two versions of the same track without the "Additional Version" add-on, the longest version is mastered for SoundCloud/Club and the shortest for Spotify.

What does Vinyl Mastering include?

Each order includes a Quick Mix Check (written document) before mastering, detailing the mix adjustments recommended for vinyl mastering and cutting. Mastering uses a hybrid workflow combining API 500-series analog processing and digital tools.

What is the "Additional Version" add-on?

An alternative version of the same track, processed with exactly the same settings as the original: extended mix, DJ intro/outro, radio or short edit, VIP edit, slowed or high-BPM version.

  • It must be added to a mix or mastering service (not available on its own)
  • The additional version must keep exactly the same internal balance as the original
  • Any difference in tonal or internal balance is treated as a new mastering order; for mixing, extra gain matching or adjustments may incur an additional fee

What is Mix Assistance (Quick Mix Check)?

A short, direct written review of your track (English or French) confirming whether it's ready for mastering, highlighting what works and what may need improvement. It does not include corrective steps, method, or creative advice. Delivered within 5 business days.

What is the Real Time Session?

A 2-hour live session (French only) breaking down a finished track: low end, dynamics, spectral balance, mono stability, glue, mid-side, transients and element hierarchy. Please contact me with a download link to your track before ordering so I can confirm it's suitable.

⏱️ DELIVERY

How long does it take?

5 business days, starting from the next business day after your order (or from the date your files are validated if the original submission had issues). During peak periods, you'll receive an email with your estimated delivery date.

I ordered several mixes, will I receive them all at once?

No. Each track is delivered separately as soon as it's done, with up to 5 business days per track.

Can I get my order faster?

Yes, with the Express Delivery (24h) add-on:

  • Stereo Mastering +15 € / Stem Mastering +25 € / Mix Only +30 € / Mix & Mastering +35 € per track
  • Not available for vinyl mastering
  • Available Monday to Thursday only. Orders placed on Friday or over the weekend are prioritised for Monday
  • Delivered the next business day before 19:00 (CET), once files are correctly submitted and validated
  • If you only want express delivery for some tracks, specify which ones in the checkout notes
  • If the workload makes the 24h deadline impossible, the option is refunded and the standard delivery time applies

How long are my files available?

Download links remain available for 30 days after delivery. Please download and archive your files within this period, as project storage is temporary.

🔁 REVISIONS

How many revisions are included?

  • Stereo Mastering (Digital / Hybrid): 1 revision
  • Stem Mastering: 2 revisions
  • Mixing / Mix & Mastering: 2 revisions
  • Vinyl Mastering: 2 revisions per track

Included revisions are available for 14 calendar days from delivery.

What counts as a revision?

  • Any change to the mix or mastering chain (levels, compression, dynamics, tone, stereo image, loudness…)
  • For mastering: a new premaster with minor balance changes. A significantly rebalanced mix is treated as a new order
  • For mixing: minor adjustments, or occasionally replacing a similar stem. Major structural changes, large stem updates or testing alternative stems are billed as a new service. New stems added after mixing has started: 10 € per stem

Technical corrections (export issues, obvious technical faults, delivery mistakes) are always free and never count as a revision.

I need more revisions, what can I do?

Order the "Extra Revision" (10 €). Mention your previous order or track title in the checkout notes and describe what you'd like to change (or send an updated premaster). Delivered within 5 business days, or 24h with Express Delivery.

Maximum per order: 3 revisions for mastering, 4 for stem mastering and mix & mastering, 4 per track for vinyl mastering. Once reached, the order is closed.

💰 BULK ORDERS & PAYMENT

Do you offer bulk pricing?

Custom quotes are available for large orders: more than 9 digital stereo masters, 3+ hybrid analog or stem masters, or more than 3 mix & mastering projects. Please use the contact form before ordering.

Can I pay in instalments?

Instalment payment may be offered at checkout through Klarna, depending on your country and order amount.

📩 SUPPORT

When can I reach you?

Monday to Friday, 09:00–19:00 (CET), via the contact form or [email protected].

Do you give mix feedback with mastering?

No. Mix feedback and troubleshooting are only available through Mix Assistance. If an issue comes from the mix, I'll tell you it's mix-related, without further mix-repair guidance within the mastering service.

✔ TERMS & CONDITIONS

  • The client is responsible for delivering files that meet the requirements listed above. If they don't, any unwanted result after mixing or mastering is the client's responsibility, as the source material is compromised.
  • Incorrect or unfinished stems discovered after work has started are the client's responsibility; any correction is treated as a revision.
  • Mastering services do not include mix correction, mix rebuilding, sound design changes or mix coaching.
  • Vinyl: limitations, distortion or tonal compromises resulting from an uncorrected premaster are inherent to the cutting process and are not grounds for revision.
  • Any request for an additional version requires the "Additional Version" add-on.
  • I reserve the right to refuse or cancel any order if the files do not meet the minimum technical requirements.
  • By placing an order, you confirm that you have read and accepted these terms, including delivery times, revision policy and technical requirements.