What is Mastering: Mastering is a form of audio post-production and is the process of preparing and transferring recorded audio from a source containing the final mix to a data storage device such as a CD (which will become the master); the source from which all copies will be produced (via methods such as pressing, duplication or replication). The format of choice these days is digital mastering although analog mastering, such as audio tapes (cassettes and reel-to-reel), are still being used by the manufacturing industry and a lot of music lovers still prefer anlog over digital. Also, if you prefer we can send your Mastered Song(s) to Nashville, TN and have them pressed into Vinyl (45 rpm or LP).

At Thunder Mastering Studios we offer three (3) types of digital mastering and one of these is Basic Mastering. Basic Mastering is geared toward independent artists who are on a tight budget and want a radio-ready sound, which in the music business is referred to as ‘Red Book’ quality.

Basic Mastering is the starting point for my other Mastering services, so I will discuss it first. Basic Mastering was created to make professional Mastering available to artists with a very limited budget. Basic Mastering is a great choice for musicians on a budget because I have kept the rates low by improving the efficiency of my approach. Basic Mastering will enhance the essential qualities needed for commercial success, impact, radio friendliness and sense of life in the music. Even with Basic Mastering, you will be able to hear a big difference in the sound quality of your final product and not spend a lot of money in the process. Basic Mastering will enhance your audio far beyond what mixing alone does without Mastering. We guarantee the song(s) will be "Red Book" quality and ready for radio / commercial play.

Basic Mastering Cost

• Single track $20.00 (Includes equipment setup)
• Min-CD 2-3 tracks (24 minutes or less) $40-$60
• Mini-CD 4-6 tracks (24 minutes or less) $80-$120
• CD 7-11 tracks (70-80 minutes or less) $140-$220
• CD 12-16 tracks (70-80 minutes or less) $240-$320
• CD 17-21 tracks (70-80 minutes or less) $340-$420
• CD 22-30 tracks (70-80 minutes or less) $440-$600

Basic Mastering is $20 per song - Standard turn-around time is 2-3 days. All work is guranteed! This does not include Duplication.

Extended Mastering was created for indpendent, medium size record labels and provides results that exceeds Basic Mastering in regards to the equipment I use and it approaches as close as possible to our Custom Mastering without breaking out the exotic and most expensive equipment.

The majority of local and Indepdendent musicians we work with that are not on a tight budget prefers our Extended Mastering.  The difference between Basic and Extended Mastering is the equipment we use.  In Extended Mastering we use a little more sophisticated equipment to spend the money for our Custom Mastering will select Extended Mastering as their choice of mastering service.

Extended Mastering (Cost includes editing)

• (70-80 minutes) Single song $50
• (70-80 minutes) Two songs $100
• (70-80 minutes) three songs $150
• (70-80 minutes) 4 - 6 songs) $200-$300
• (70-80 minutes) 7 -11 songs $350-$550
• (70-80 minutes) 12 -16 songs) $600-$800
• ( (70-80 minutes) 22 - 30 songs $1,100-$1,500

The cost of Extended Mastering is $50 per song - Standard turn-around time depends on the number of songs to be Mastered, but usually 5-7 days. All work is guranteed! This does not include Duplication.

• Custom Mastering

is the high-end Mastering Technique serving major recording labels that compete on the national and international markets. These clients expect "maximum everything": the most exotic gear and they do not mind the 2-3 week turn-around it may take to produce a sound that is extremely smooth, nice and clear and very enhanced.

This is the choice music media that represent substantial investments and are headed for national and international distribution. Clients want me to explore every processing option and spend extra time to analyze the music. They expect priority handling plus access to equipment designs just coming off the test bench. With Custom Mastering, I use the full range of specialized processors that were developed specifically for Mastering. Custom Mastering provides time to try the most complex combinations of enhancements, such as simultaneously riding gain, EQ and Halo settings within tracks. Techniques like these can deliver results that are unattainable through other means

Custom Mastering Cost

• Mini-CD Single song (not to exceed 24 minutes) $75
• Mini-CD 2 - 3 songs (not to exceed 24 minutes) $150-$225
• CD with 4 - 8 songs (70-80 minutes) $300-$600
• CD with 9 - 13 songs (70-80 minutes) $675-$975
• CD with 14 - 20 songs (70-80 minutes) $1,050-$1,500
• CD with 21 - 25 songs (70-80 minutes) $1,575-$1,875

Custom Mastering is $75 per song - Standard turn-around time is 7-10 days. All work is guranteed! This does not include Duplication.

Analog Mastering:

Analog mastering is the enhancement of stereo audio mixes using outboard gear - that is, anything that is not software based. Most of our gear used for Analog Mastering is vintage tube or solid-state hardware from Neve, Manley, API, Avalon and Telefunkin as well as our own custom designed proprietary equipment. The sound is unmistakable: full, rich, clear, enhanced and consistant.

During our mastering process, every detail of the music media is considered. EQing, compression, volume levels, music enhancement and other professional dynamic processing is utilized to create a consistent sound from track to track to make your CD "Red Book" quality. We deliver "maximum everything" with a priority turn-around time that will satisfy everyone.