What
In a nutshell, Mastering is the last creative step that happens between the recording studio and the manufacturing process. The goal of mastering is to make songs similar in tone and relative to each other in loudness. They should be EQ-ed to sound great on the majority of stereo systems, and at a level that enhances the emotional impact of your music (loudness for the sake of being loud isn't always better).

Your finished CD should be competitive with a majority of other products in your chosen genre currently being embraced by consumers. Song placement, song fades, cross fades and spacing all help to focus the emotional flow of your music to the listener, whether you're going for serenity or excitement.

There is no one formula for mastering. Each project requires something different. A mastering engineer's greatest skill should be sensitivity to your vision. Along with great ears, great gear, and a fresh perspective, it's about helping an artist maximize their impact. Mastering can make a collection of songs become a sonically and emotionally unified artistic work.

Why
After days or weeks in the recording studio, the artist, producer and recording engineer all get used to how things sound in that environment. Going to a separate mastering facility will give you new objectivity. Hearing your music in a new room on different monitors will give you another perspective. Also, a mastering engineer has fresh ears for the project and equipment specifically designed for mastering.

Can your recording engineer master your CD? Maybe. It's not a question of talent. The question is whether to have your project completed by a mastering specialist or someone for whom mastering is a sideline business. In much the same way as you are focused on giving the best performance, the recording engineer on tracking and getting the best mix, a dedicated mastering engineer is focused on the whole project and the best procedures for getting your product musically and technically prepared for manufacturing. A mastering engineer will bring experience and a focused perspective that will benefit your project.

Who
No facility can be all things to all people. The mastering engineer you choose to work with will be an integral part of your "creative team". Because we are a dedicated mastering studio, it allows us to focus all our energy on providing you top quality, affordable service. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your project with you. Ultimately you need to decide what's best for you based on a variety of factors including vibe, gear, previous work, cost and availability.

Cyberella Studios' clients are comprised mostly of independent labels and artist, although we have done work for bands that are now signed with major labels (Bona Fide, Elephant Boy, godhead, Spine, SR-71). Every step in the process is vital to your success. We value your trust.

How
You're always welcome and encouraged to attend the session in person. We recommend that you bring with you a commercially released CD that is similar to your project as a reference. Like many people, you may wish to send us the material along with some notes and a deposit. We can ship you a reference disc for approval before the Production Masters are made.

Check out Services and FAQ for more details