Mastering
The final listen before release: we turn your mix into a consistent, platform-ready master with clear file naming and exports you can upload straight away.
Mastering at Nephilimrivo is for artists, labels and producers who have a mixed stereo file and need a finished asset for Spotify, Apple Music, vinyl cutting or broadcast. We work offline in a quiet control room on calibrated monitors — no live room, no drum setup: the focus is balance, transients, loudness and sequence across an EP or album.
You supply a mix with headroom (we agree the exact peak level in intake). After mastering you receive WAV (and optional formats per master delivery formats), plus 2 revision rounds within scope. Mixing is a separate mixing service; mastering starts once the mix is content-approved.
How it works
Delivery
Upload stereo mix(es) with track name, BPM and target platform. We confirm within 2 business days whether the material is technically OK.
Analysis
We listen on 4 monitor pairs and check tonal balance, stereo width, clicks and silences.
Master
EQ, dynamics and limiting matched to your genre and platform (streaming LUFS, vinyl, etc.).
Handoff
Final masters, DDP or extra formats if agreed; revisions per terms and conditions.
When mastering helps
Mastering pays off when mixes differ in level and tone, when you release across several platforms, or when a plant or broadcaster asks for specific specs. It is not a miracle fix for a broken mix — serious balance issues are better solved in mix or tracking, and we will say so in intake.
EPs and albums benefit from one mastering pass so songs flow together. Singles can be mastered at €89 each. For up to five songs in one batch, €320 is often better value than five separate masters.
What we expect from your mix
Send stereo WAV or AIFF, 24-bit, at your project sample rate (minimum 44.1 kHz). Leave a few dB headroom; avoid a mix-bus limiter slammed to -0.1 dBFS unless that is intentional — then we align expectations upfront. Do not add dither before mastering.
- File name like
Artist_Title_Mix_v3.wav. - Optional notes on references, no-go’s (no extra reverb) and target platform.
- ISRC and credits separately; we do not embed lyrics without your list.
Unsure about mix quality? Book a mix review or mixing first; schedule mastering once that is settled.
How we work in the studio
Mastering happens in the control room at Overtoom 289 in Amsterdam, part of our offering since 2019. We use a hybrid chain: digital precision where needed, analog colour where it serves the music — always tuned to your source, not a generic preset.
We target platform loudness (e.g. streaming around -14 LUFS integrated where appropriate) and keep true peak under control. For vinyl we discuss side length, bass mono and HF policy before export. Broadcast deliveries may have stricter peaks — mention that in contact.
Delivery formats and metadata
By default you get 24-bit WAV masters per song, plus an optional concatenated preview for sequence checks. Our guide master delivery formats covers optional outputs (DDP for CD, hi-res download, instrumentals) and naming.
We deliver via secure download. Masters stay in our archive for 24 months; keep local copies on your drives. Final files after payment per article 5; business clients may have 14 days to pay when agreed.
Revisions and scope
Each mastering job includes 2 revision rounds — e.g. slightly less limiting, a touch more presence, or sequence tweaks within the same EP package. Revisions cover mastering choices, not re-mixing stems; that is out of scope and billed separately.
Please bundle feedback per round with timestamps or clear notes (“chorus at 0:45 too dark”) so we can work efficiently. After round two, extra work is hourly or a small add-on per quote.
Rates and VAT
| Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Per song | Stereo master, one track | €89 |
| EP package | Up to 5 songs, one session | €320 |
Ex-VAT for business invoices: track €73.55, EP €264.46. Listed services prices include VAT; your quote governs extra formats or rush. 40% deposit on confirmation, balance per terms and conditions.
Turnaround
Typical mastering: a few business days after an approved mix, depending on schedule. EP packages are booked as a block so gaps and sequence stay consistent. Rush is sometimes available for a surcharge — ask upfront via [email protected] or 020 244 8916.
If delivery has technical issues (clips, wrong sample rate, corrupt file), we pause the clock until you send a corrected mix. We respond to questions within 2 business days.
What is not included
Mixing, stem editing, vocal tuning, sample clearance, artwork, platform distribution, physical manufacturing and rights registration — all outside mastering. Attended mastering (you listen in the room) is not standard; offline is faster, and we can schedule a call if you want live feedback.
More than 2 revision rounds, masters in formats beyond the quote, or re-mastering after you supply a new mix are quoted separately. File handling and privacy: privacy policy.
From tracking to release
Many clients use our chain: band recording or vocal recording in the studio, then mixing, then mastering here. You do not have to do everything at Nephilimrivo — we master external mixes too if they meet technical requirements.
Questions on loudness, vinyl or file names? Read delivery formats, FAQ, or start a request via contact. Hours for appointments: Tue–Fri 11–22, Sat 12–18; The studio is on Overtoom in Oud-West. Tram 1 stops at Overtoom (Overtoom / Vondelpark); from there it is about a six-minute walk. You can park bicycles at the entrance; cars use paid street parking or Q-Park Byzantium on Vondelstraat, roughly a ten-minute walk..
Included
- Technical check of supplied stereo mix
- Mastering on calibrated monitors
- Platform-oriented loudness and true-peak control
- 24-bit WAV master per song
- 2 revision rounds within scope
- Secure download link
- Archive for 24 months
FAQ
Should my mix already sound mastered?
No — a mix can be open and dynamic. Avoid clipping and extreme bus compression. If you already have a faux master on the bus, say so in the notes so we know what is intentional.
Can you master instrumentals too?
Yes, at the same track rate €89 per version if you deliver them with the main master for consistent processing. Mention it on the quote.
How do I request a DDP?
DDP for CD replication is an extra deliverable. Describe it in your request; we confirm surcharge and timing. Details are in master delivery formats.
What if I re-mix after mastering?
That is a new mix and a new mastering session. The 2 included rounds apply only to tweaks on the same mix source we mastered.
Do you master podcasts or spoken word?
These mastering rates target music releases. Podcast and speech work goes through podcast recording and separate edit quotes; email [email protected] with your material.
Other services
Vocal recording
Lead, backing and spoken word in an isolated booth with an engineer.
€115 · per hour (engineer included)
Band and live recording
Drums, bass and amps in the live room with multiple microphones.
€145 · per hour (studio and engineer)
Mixing
Balance, space and dynamics from your stems or session files.
€195 · per song (up to 48 tracks)
Podcast recording
Table setup for two to four voices, with monitoring and basic editing.
€125 · per hour (studio and engineer)
Recording in Amsterdam?
Line up your next session
Tell us what you want to capture: we reply within 2 business days with a time proposal and a written quote.