What loudness level should I master to for Spotify?

Spotify normalises to -14 LUFS integrated. We master to this target by default for streaming releases. If you're releasing for broadcast or a different platform with different specs, let us know and we'll match the correct target.

What format should I send my mix for mastering?

A 24-bit WAV stereo mix file with approximately 3dB of headroom and no limiting, hard clipping, or mastering plugins on the output bus. Send via WeTransfer, Dropbox, or Google Drive.

Can mastering fix a bad mix?

Mastering can help to an extent — correcting tonal imbalances, managing low end, adjusting dynamic range — but it can't fix fundamental mix problems like a poorly balanced arrangement or phase issues between elements. If your mix has significant problems, it's worth addressing them before mastering.

How is mastering different from mixing?

Mixing balances all the individual elements of a track — vocals, instruments, FX — into a stereo file. Mastering takes that finished stereo file and prepares it for release: optimising loudness, tonal balance, and translation across different playback systems.

Do I get the mastered file quickly?

Yes — typical turnaround is 1–2 business days from receipt of your mix file. Rush delivery can sometimes be arranged — message us if you have a deadline.

What if I need multiple versions for different platforms?

We can deliver platform-specific versions — a streaming master at -14 LUFS, a broadcast version at -23 LUFS, and a loud master for other contexts. Let us know what you need when you send the file.

Mastering in Dubai | Mixing & Mastering

What Mastering Does

Mastering is the final step in the audio production chain. It takes a finished, mixed stereo file and prepares it for release. That means achieving the appropriate loudness level for the platform you're releasing on, ensuring the tonal balance translates on different playback systems, adding final cohesion across a project, and exporting in the correct format for distribution.

Mastering is not mixing. If your mix has problems — individual elements that are out of balance, issues with specific frequencies — mastering can address them to a degree, but the mix should be in good shape before it comes to mastering. A well-mixed track will master better than a problematic one.

Loudness and Streaming Specs

Streaming platforms normalise audio to specific target levels. Spotify and Apple Music normalise to around -14 LUFS; YouTube normalises to -14 LUFS; broadcast standards vary by region (EBU R128 at -23 LUFS in Europe, ATSC A/85 in the US). We master to the appropriate target for your release context so you're not penalised by platform normalisation. If you're releasing across multiple platforms with different specs, we can deliver multiple versions.

File prep: Send a 24-bit WAV stereo mix with approximately 3dB of headroom and no limiting or mastering plugins on the output bus. This gives the mastering chain the dynamic range it needs to work properly.

What You Get

Mastered stereo WAV — at the loudness target you specify, delivered at 24-bit
MP3 320kbps version — for digital distribution or reference
2 revisions — included if the tone or loudness isn't right on first delivery
1–2 day turnaround — from receipt of files

Pricing

Mastering is AED 400 per song and includes two revisions and a 1–2 day turnaround. The mix + master bundle is AED 2,100, saving AED 100. For stem mastering or radio-ready delivery, see the mixing and mastering page for options.

Mastering in Dubai

What Mastering Does

Loudness and Streaming Specs

What You Get

Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Your Track Mastered