Albums. Up to 12 songs can be processed per project (minimum of 6, 10 recommended, depending on length).
If you'll be distributing via CD, remember length is limited to 74 minutes max. If you're planning on doing vinyl records, you are limited to about 22 minutes per side. So, you need to plan ahead for song lengths. Figure about 6 (3 minute) songs per side so 12 songs max. Lower play times per side increases the odds of a good vinyl pressing. Standards are tighter for vinyl because distortion can cause serious problems. As a result, the frequency spectrum should be limited from 40hz to 15Khz. Anything 200hz or lower is always mono. Cymbals and other high frequency instruments should be cut-back in levels. Songs with higher frequencies should be place near the beginning of the record as the longer grooves have better high frequency response then the short ones near the center. Basically, a vinyl record's frequency response constantly changes from the outer edge to the center. So quieter music with less highs should be near the center. Levels should be < -6db RMS, bitrate 24 bit, 48,000 Hz sample rate (44,100 or greater, but 48k is best). LUFS don't matter for vinyl, but I would keep it under -16.
Most vinyl pressing companies require .wav, .aiff or .flac files for low loss (HD).
Includes:
- 1 completed album
- Up to 10 stems [12 minutes or less] (tracks)*
- Mixing
- Level Balancing
- EQ (positive and negative)
- Noise Reduction (de-ess, de-click, de-plosive, de-reverb, de-noise, gating, etc.)
- Vocal and instrument syncing (transient timing)
- Mono mixdowns for drums, vocals, bass
- Sidechain compression as needed
- Gating, limiting and expansion, as needed
- Pitch adjustments, as needed
- Full key shift, if requested (transposition).
- Mastering to industry standards
- Multi-system testing
*More stems and minutes can be added for additional fees
We will provide finished mixdown for approval, and when approved will be mastered for the final product.
We master to industry standards, which vary slightly depending on the intended platform. We can prepare for streaming sites, internet radio, big-room dancehalls (usually mono mix), ACX (Amazon Audible for audio books), CD, vinyl, video, film. If you have specific requirements, let us know in advance so we can mix and master accordingly. If you're creating music for film/TV, you need to record your stems at 96,000 Hz sampling rate (24 or 32 bit).
Generally streaming platforms range from -16 LUFS at -2db peak to -14 LUFS at -1db peak. Big rooms usually are higher around -6 LUFS.
Email me to get started: soundmaster@meyeraudiotech.com