Mastering: the art of preparing and transferring recorded audio from a source containing the final mix to a data storage device, from which all copies will be produced via duplication. At Sounds™, we take your mixes to the next and final level, processing them as needed and delivering them directly to your manufacturer as DDP files, ready for duplication.

Un-Mastered Mixes	Track Style	Mastered at Sounds™
	Rock
	Soft Rock
	Dance
	Pop
	Ballad A
	Ballad B

Depending on the source material received, there are several processing steps that we will employ to produce an immaculate final pressing. Before track sequencing, we employ equalization, compression, limiting, and noise reduction as needed to each individual track, creating an even and properly balanced sequence. Additional editing, pre-gapping, leveling and fades will be added as needed before the final sequencing. The process of mastering varies greatly from project to project. Steps of the process typically include: 1. Transferring the final mixes into our DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) 2. Processing and sweetening the audio to maximize the sound quality for its genre    (M/S and stereo processing, including equalization, dynamics, noise reduction and adding color) 3. Sequencing the separate tracks as they will appear on the final CD 4. Transferring the audio to final master DDP format for duplication Examples of possible actions taken during our mastering process: 1. Editing minor flaws 2. Applying noise reduction to eliminate hum, hiss, DC, clipping and clicks 3. Adjusting the stereo width 4. Adding ambiance 5. Adding color or tape saturation 6. Equalizing audio between tracks 7. Adjusting relative volumes 8. Dynamic expansion and de-expansion 9. Dynamic compression and de-compression 10. Peak limiting the tracks Mastering is an essential and creative part of the recording process, one which should not be overlooked or taken lightly. We believe that communication with the artist and producer during the mastering phase of the project is instrumental in achieving the desired end product.