What mastering does for a tech house track
Mastering is the last step before a tech house track goes out. It does not repair a weak mix, but it makes a good mix ready for clubs, streaming and every speaker a listener might use. This guide explains what mastering does and how to prepare your track for it.
What mastering actually does
A mastering engineer listens to the whole track in context. They balance the low end so the kick and bass work together, set the stereo width and make sure the loudness matches other tracks in the same style.
On a tech house track the low end does most of the work. The bass usually stays mono below the frequencies where width matters, so the kick and bass hit hard on a large system and still have power on a small one.
Mixing and mastering are different jobs
The mix decides how every element sits in the track. Mastering works on the finished stereo file, so the mix needs to be clean before it is sent. The table shows where each job starts and stops.
Stage | Mixing | Mastering |
Works on | Each separate track in the session | The finished stereo file |
Goal | Every element sits clearly in the mix | Balance and loudness that hold up on any system |
Typical tools | EQ, compression, reverb and automation | Limiting, EQ, stereo width and metering |
A master cannot fix a muddy kick or a vocal buried under the synths.
What to send your mastering engineer
The final mix as a WAV file at 24 bit, at the sample rate it was made in.
A version with no limiter on the master bus, or a note about what is on it.
A reference track in the same style, played at a similar level.
Notes on anything that must stay exactly as it is.
How to check the master
Listen on the systems you use most: headphones, a phone speaker, a car and a club system if you can reach one. Compare the master with your reference at the same level, because a louder version always sounds better at first. When the track works everywhere, export the final files and keep the project for later.
What does it cost?
Mastering only is 70 € per track at a fixed price. Mixing only is 150 € per track. Mixing and mastering together is 200 € per track.
What file should I send?
Use the checklist above as a guide. If you are not sure what to send, ask us in your message and we will tell you.
Can I send a track I mixed myself?
Yes. Mastering works on the finished stereo file, so a track you mixed yourself is a good fit. Send us your mix and we will explain what the master needs before we start.
Get your track mastered
Future Plan Sounds offers online mixing and mastering for tech house. Send us your mix and we will explain what the master needs before we start.
Source: Future Plan Sounds mastering guide, https://www.futureplansounds.com/mixing-mastering
