What is mastering?

Mastering, is the process of preparing the final mix for various methods of distribution such as pressing, duplication or replication. 

Mastering involves critical listening in an acoustically balanced room specifically designed for music playback. If needed mastering engineers apply equalization and dynamic range compression in order to optimize sound translation on all playback systems. Different file formats are created for their specific platform. 

What is stem mastering?

Stem mastering is the processing of groups of instruments as apposed to just a stereo file(stereo mastering).  Stems are usually stereo pairs of the instrumental and the vocals. Stems can also be grouped as drums, bass elements, lead vocals, backup vocals, etc. This allows for the possibility to allow for more control over the final master. 

What file format should the mix be delivered as?

The final mix should be delivered as a WAV format with the highest bit depth, and sample rate possible especially if mixing on an analog console.

If the mix is done within a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) like Pro Tools or Logic Pro, also referred to as "In the box", it is preferred to deliver the same bit depth, and sample rate as the session was recorded at. 

What audio format do you export the master in?

Midilord Mastering has provided you with a wide variety of file formats to deliver your music to the label/distributor or aggregator, each of which may require a different file format. 

Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal and Other Online Stores & Streaming Services

Apple Digital Master

Bandcamp & SoundCloud

Compact Disc

Vinyl

Cassette

Download Cards

YouTube

Instagram/Facebook

Music Licensing(Sync)

What is Apple Digital Master, and what does it mean to be an Apple Digital Master Provider?

Apple has designed a protocol that delivers the highest standards for audio quality, referred to as an Apple Digital Master. 

Being a "Apple Digital Master Provider"means Midilord Mastering is on Apple Music's list of qualified providers that follows the workflow and protocols set by Apple Music that facilitates the delivery of said highest standards for audio quality. 

What is Dolby ATMOS

Dolby Atmos for music is an immersive audio technology that expands the traditional stereo or surround sound experience into a three-dimensional soundscape. Originally developed for cinema, Dolby Atmos has been adapted for music to give listeners a more spatial and lifelike experience.

 Key Features of Dolby Atmos for Music:

1. Object-Based Audio:

   • Unlike traditional stereo (2 channels) or surround sound (5.1 or 7.1 channels), Dolby Atmos treats sounds as individual “objects” that can be placed and moved anywhere in a 3D space — including above and below the listener.

2. Height Dimension:

   • Atmos adds a vertical axis to sound, allowing instruments, vocals, and effects to be positioned above or below the listener, creating a dome-like sound field.

3. More Immersive Listening:

   • You can hear a guitar strumming behind you, a vocal floating above, or drums surrounding you — as if you're inside the music rather than just listening to it.

4. Flexible Playback:

   • Dolby Atmos music can be experienced on a variety of devices:

     • Headphones (via spatial audio processing)

     • Soundbars and home theater systems

     • Smartphones and tablets

     • Streaming platforms like Apple Music, Amazon Music HD, and TIDAL

5. Creative Freedom for Artists:

   • Musicians and producers can craft more dynamic and expressive mixes, emphasizing certain elements or creating movement that wasn’t possible in stereo.

 How It Feels:

Imagine listening to a live concert where you can pinpoint the location of each instrument — the vocals are in front, the strings swirl around you, and the reverb echoes from above. That’s the Atmos effect.

Would you like a comparison between Dolby Atmos and stereo or a list of popular albums mixed in Atmos?

What your turnaround time?

Turnaround time can happen within 24 hours, this depends on how busy we are. Please call or email for turnaround times for albums