Safe&sound Audio Mastering
Barry Gardner presents SafeandSound Mastering, an analogue equipped audio mastering service. I use the finest analogue equipment and up to date software. I am ready to improve, enhance and optimise your music for ideal translation across music systems, streaming services and online distribution websites. I provide professional high fidelity stereo mastering results using high end equipment. 1T £30.00 | 4T EP £112.00 | 10-12 Track Album £230.00
Allow me to exceed your expectations.
Why choose me ?
Firstly, an enduring audio mastering client relationship has value. There are real advantages to working with a listening professional as part of your productions. Here are some of the benefits that come with working with myself :
- 24 years experience and truly mastering grade room and equipment.
- Free mix appraisal if requested.
- Specific advice based on intended purposes.
- Consistency of sound for future releases.
- Maximise your sonic potential.
- Quality control of your music releases.
- Experience, service and high end results at an affordable price.
- 16 years solely mastering. Check out my engineering biog and extensive clients list:
https://www.masteringmastering.co.uk/masteringengineer-html/
Audio mastering rates no tax added (Mix appraisal inclusive when requested):
- Track £30.00
- Tracks £60.00
- Tracks £90.00
- Tracks £112.00
- Full album £230.00 (10-12 Tracks)
Video touring the studio facilities (unscripted):
As the sole engineer I can master your music to .wav files for all major streaming services (suitable for all loss-y compressed formats : MP3/AAC/Ogg Vorbis), Red Book CD-R and provide DDPi files (with MD5 check sum) and provide a convenient client DDP player. In addition 24 bit pre-masters, quality controlled and ready for presentation to vinyl lathe cutting engineers.
Information in short:
Dedicated for 15 years.
All music mastered by Barry Gardner (no assistants or junior engineers) no second tier rates, objective, accurate listening you can trust.
High end analogue and ear selected software (as shown on this website) Manley, PMC IB1S, Summit, Crane Song (Solaris Quantum DAC – arguably the worlds best) Digital tools from DMG Audio, UAD, Weiss, Oeksound, Tone Projects, Acustica, Official Sontec 432D9D, PIA, Nugen, Leapwing, NewFangled, Kazrog, Slate Digital, DDMF, Pulsar audio, Arturia and many others.
Authentic credits and client list. (see sidebar) I use precise, detailed monitoring and room. Dedicated equipment and approach. Not just near fields and as a “bolt on” service to mixing.
Clear, detailed communication and caring customer service.
Full range, large format reference grade monitoring (PMC IB1S) High resolution, super defined and flat to 25Hz – 36kgs each, custom stands – concrete slabs – neoprene isolated.
The details:
Stereo audio mastering is a specialist form of sound engineering which uses very carefully selected tools to adjust music tracks in sympathy to genre. Optimize the technical (translation) results, musicality, intended purposes and client goals. It requires a unique way of listening and responding to music which is often considered as mysterious by many. It is true that audio mastering is a blend of both artistic and technical skill. However, it is often thought to be esoteric and shrouded in mystery and secrecy.
My own explanation is that it is a synergy between listening and reaction for enhancement and correction. Objectivity of fresh and well trained ears is often under estimated. Along with an accurate, familiar and high resolution monitoring system and room. (DAC/amplification/loudspeakers/acoustics) This produces results that are greater than merely the sum of parts.
Here are my highly useful mastering quick facts :
1) I am very comfortable with all music genres
2) Very loud, good sounding masters or perfect for streaming catered for
3) Turnaround between 1-7 working days depending on busyness and track count
4) I use high end analogue and up to date software tools
5) DDP for CD and 24 bit Vinyl pre-masters possible at extra small fees
6) Free mix check before starting mastering work, if requested
7) Secondary master inc. free, Inst / P.A. / streaming if req. (for albums +£50.00)
8) Dedicated, specialist in mastering, not a secondary service to mixing
9) No VAT to add, I pay the Paypal fees if paid on pricing and payment page
10) Top quality single tier service, no secondary, lower rates or trainee engineers
11) Send 24 bit non clipped, non limited final mixes, please check for clicks in headphones and leave some silent space before and after audio.
12) Serious mastering monitoring, fit for the task PMC with 10 inch drivers
Have a read of my frequently asked questions page with lots of information :
https://www.masteringmastering.co.uk/masteringfaq-html/
The tools and skillset :
Once you have a foundation of unrelenting quality built into the systems of audio mastering a knowledgeable engineer can respond to what is revealed in a music mix. Through exceptional monitoring. The engineer can apply the primary functions of the equipment such as equalisation or dynamic adjustments. To enhance and correct perceived inadequacies.
In order to be able to do this reliably, consistently and with confidence the monitoring systems must be the best available. No compromise digital to analogue conversion, power amplification and loudspeakers. Housed in a customised and specially treated room. Ideally, as it has been in this room for 12 years the set up should not be changed so the engineer can have an absolute reference listening to thousands of music releases.
Enhancement
In addition, high end analogue equipment has secondary characters that are over and above the designed purposes of mere equalisation and compression. These secondary characteristics relate to the euphony, excitation from valve circuits, stereo mastering width enhancement, generation of harmonics, warmth, depth and density of the sound.
At SafeandSound Mastering the equipment is carefully chosen to impart these desirable characters which are not currently possible to emulate digitally with 100pct success. It is this chain of processing which adds improved sonic presentation over and above digital tools alone.
Audio Mastering – over and above sonic presentation:
As well as the sonic detailing aspects, levelling, spacing, fades and sub code data entry. Levelling of tracks is very important, therefore it could be the tracks need to remain at the same perceived volumes or need to be nuanced depending on a tracks musical density, arrangement or instrumental composition. (i.e. full band vs acoustic)
Musically sympathetic spacing on a multi-track release such as an EP or Album is very important. For example the correct spacing allows pause for reflection or the ability to enhance the musical communication that a multi song release intends. Again, fades can also have a bearing on musical effect and intent.
Sub code information can be embedded within release medium during mastering. For example this includes ISRC codes, track names, artist names. Broadcast .wav files and MP3 files can have ISRC codes inserted in specific fields to ensure that the track has a unique identifying code.
Client goals and all important quality control:
Whilst tonal translation to reproduction systems remains a consistent goal a clients project goals may differ. This can be dependent on musical genre, demo purposes, commissioning rounds, library music, release for sale, use in video or film. Or if the music is destined for release and must sit with high perceived volume releases. Therefore I can take client input into account. On the other hand, I can work on my own steam.
Above all this is a bespoke service. Therefore I understand the need for clear communications and each project that passes through the studio will be treated as a unique entity. For example, in many instances 1 master will suit multiple purposes and in some instances multiple versions may best suit different goals.
Send your 24 bit files (zipped) using :
https://www.swisstransfer.com/
Quality control during stereo mastering is vital and includes meticulous checking of the audio for defects before it is released. Every track that is delivered is listened to by myself using Beyerdynamic headphones and a high end headphone amplifier. Allow me to exceed your expectations and take your music to its ultimate sonic potential.