Mastering and delivery
After the mix we set level, dynamics and album sequence for your release — with files distributors, pressing plants and broadcasters can use without guesswork.
Mastering at Cijativojaconsulting is the last technical step before your music goes online or to vinyl. We work from a dedicated mastering suite at Overtoom 141 in Amsterdam, separate from recording days, so each song gets time on more than one monitor chain.
You do not have to attend: most projects run on upload and agreed feedback moments. Want to hear the first pass in the room? Book within Mon–Fri 10–19, Sat 11–17 (by appointment). For WAV, loudness and vinyl specifics, see our mastering formats guide.
We master singles, EPs and albums for artists who mixed with us and for external mixes ready to export. No hype — clear deliverables, 2 revision rounds as in our terms and conditions, and prices including 21% VAT.
Process
Intake
You send final mixes, platform targets and any pressing or broadcast specs. Within 2 business days we confirm scope, fee and schedule via contact.
Analysis
We check headroom, tonal balance and sequence. On albums we match tracks; for stem masters we render a separate final for each medium.
Master pass
The pass happens in our suite on calibrated monitoring. You get listening samples or notes before we render definitive files.
Delivery
Download or collection by appointment. Filenames, sample rate and bit depth are documented. Internal archive 12 months; you keep long-term backups yourself.
Who this mastering is for
Independent artists releasing a single or album, labels looking for a mastering partner in Amsterdam, and producers who want a neutral final pass after mixing without reopening the mix — that is our core.
Corporate releases with broadcast requirements or multiple formats (streaming plus vinyl) are common too. Spoken-word loudness is gentler; for interview series, podcast recording usually fits better than album mastering.
Minimum age 16 for direct bookings; younger projects only with a guardian or curator and clear rights on the source mix.
What you submit
Send stereo mixes as WAV or AIFF, without a mix-bus limiter unless we agree otherwise. Note tempo, title and any ISRC your distributor will add later. For albums: track order, crossfades and which songs must stay instrumental.
References show intent — not to clone, but to align expectations. If your mix is already heavily compressed, we discuss honestly what mastering can still adjust.
- Stereo mix per song, 24-bit preferred
- Short note: Spotify, vinyl, video, broadcast or mix
- Pressing or platform specs as PDF if you have them
- One contact for fast revision questions
Rates and what is included
All listed amounts are consumer prices including 21% VAT. Business invoicing with 14-day terms is available; net amounts appear on the services page as €80.99 per track.
| Option | Price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Per track | €98 |
| Album up to twelve tracks | €395 |
| Stem master per deliverable | €145 |
A 30% deposit secures the slot; balance before final delivery unless agreed otherwise. Cancellation more than 7 days ahead is free under our terms.
Work in the suite
Lars de Boer (mix and mastering) or a scheduled colleague runs the pass in a dim, stable room — not a rushed tweak between vocal sessions. We listen on studio monitors and a second reference set when it matters.
For streaming we aim for balanced loudness without crushing the mix; for vinyl we discuss side length and bass mono before the final render. Broadcast masters follow your EBU or true-peak limits.
Attending in person is optional; it helps if you release often and want to train your feedback.
Delivery formats and notes
We deliver PCM WAV, usually 24-bit, with sample rate matched to your route (44.1 kHz for much streaming, 48 kHz with video). MP3 only as an extra preview, not as an archive.
Filenames and short technical notes come with the package. Stem masters — separate finals per medium — are billed at €145 each. Deep detail is in mastering file formats explained.
Large packages via secure download or SSD at pickup on Overtoom 141. Email is unreliable for full albums; we point you to a suitable channel.
Revisions and turnaround
Each job includes 2 revision rounds on the same mix version. Bundle feedback in one message with timestamps or track names; scattered notes over weeks delay albums.
Turnaround depends on load and album size: a single often within a few business days after intake, a full album longer. We give an estimate at confirmation, not a guaranteed calendar date.
Extra revisions or a new mix upload after approval are quoted separately.
Not included in the rate
Mixing, editing, tuning or recomping vocals is outside mastering — see mixing or vocal recording. DDP for CD, extra vinyl sides beyond scope, or unbooked 24-hour rush are billed apart.
Spotify distribution, rights registration and artwork are your workflow; we deliver audio. Reference lacquer checks happen at the plant, not in our suite.
Long-term storage of your masters stays your responsibility after delivery; our internal archive is 12 months.
Privacy, rights and next steps
Your mixes are handled confidentially under our privacy policy. Mastering does not change authorship; commercial rights stay as agreed between you and your collaborators.
Questions on loudness or file structure? Read the formats guide or FAQ first. Ready to start? Request intake or call 020 737 0842. Recording and mix in-house? Browse all services and prepare vocals via prepare for a vocal session.
Included
- Technical check of submitted mixes
- Master pass on calibrated monitoring
- Album sequence and spacing
- 2 revision rounds on the same mix
- WAV delivery with clear filenames
- Short delivery note for complex specs
- Internal archive for 12 months
FAQ
Should my mix already sound loud before mastering?
No. Leave headroom on the mix bus; mastering adds level and polish. If your mix already sits at 0 dBFS, we discuss what is feasible before we start.
Can one master serve vinyl and streaming?
Sometimes for a short single, but vinyl often needs its own pass. Stem masters at €145 per deliverable are meant for that split.
How fast do you reply to a quote request?
Do you master projects mixed elsewhere?
Yes, if the mix is technically solid. Send a reference track; we are honest about limits in the source rather than refusing outright.
What if I send a different mix after approval?
That counts as new work or extra revision outside the included rounds. Agree before you re-upload to avoid surprises.
Other services
- 01
Vocal recording
Vocal booth with an engineer for singing, spoken word and reference takes.
€95 · per hour
- 02
Mixing
Balance, dynamics and space for singles, EPs and albums.
€185 · per track
- 03
Podcast recording
Table setup for two to four voices, including basic editing.
€112 · per recording hour
- 04
Voice-over & dubbing
Neutral delivery, timing and multiple takes for video and e-learning.
€118 · per studio hour
Recording in Amsterdam?
Plan your next session
Tell us what you want to capture: within 2 working days you receive a slot proposal and a written quote, with no obligation.