Who should master my 12 song record?

[marasurf]

Studio West in San Diego just finished mixing my first record and I need to find someone to master it. I have never done this before so any help you can give me is much appreciated.

Let me give you a few details so you can be of more help in pointing me in the right direction. We have 12 rock songs that were recorded at 2 different studios over the past 2 1/2 years. My partner and I probably have $50k in the project so far and want to make this record sound as professional as possible. As far as our budget goes we do have money so whatever it takes within reason to complete the project to record industry standards if what we want to achieve.

So far we have been given the following studios to consider: Lurssen Mastering, The Mastering Lab, Richard Dodd, Sterling Sound and Marcussen mastering.

How do I go about recieving a bid? What things should I consider? Is it important to visit the mastering studio in person?

[Waltz Mastering]

Either one of those places will do a great job for you. Just call or email them for quote and booking. Look on the back of your favorite cd's and to see who mastered them. I think Richard Dodd is in Nashville (just did my buddy's record) Sterling/ NY and the rest are in Cali if that makes it easier.

TW

[KEYBEEETSSS]

Not really helping any so I apologize for that but I know Richard personally & he's good as well as a good guy... He'll make sure it's the way u want it after it's the way he wants it if that makes sense...

[marasurf]

Richard was recommended to us by Niko Bolas and he said the same thing about him.

[jdg]

dave collins,

[KEYBEEETSSS]

Originally Posted by marasurf

Richard was recommended to us by Niko Bolas and he said the same thing about him.

Well I don't know Niko personally but it must be true about Richard for both of us to say so...

[Bob Olhsson]

I would attend the mastering session and add Dave Collins to my list of folks to consider in LA.

[7+1]

its hard to think anyone would put Marcussen mastering and the mastering lab in the same sentence... seriously... what are you going for... Doug will make it sound like the mixes and steve will make it sound like "his" mixes... richard dodd is very good too... but again... you're spending that much on your record... stay with the only named on your list that has proven his time.... doug sax!! thumbsupthumbsupthumbsup

[marasurf]

Originally Posted by 7+1

its hard to think anyone would put Marcussen mastering and the mastering lab in the same sentence... seriously... what are you going for... Doug will make it sound like the mixes and steve will make it sound like "his" mixes... richard dodd is very good too... but again... you're spending that much on your record... stay with the only named on your list that has proven his time.... doug sax!! thumbsupthumbsupthumbsup

I can get Doug for around $2750. Richard is half the price but I would not be able to attend as Nashville is a long way from San Diego.

[shmasterer]

I haven't checked, but a plane ticket to Nashville and hotel would probably be less than the difference to use TML, but I vote Doug anyway. He personally gave me a behind the scenes tour of the Hollywood facility before shutting it down. What an honor and thrill that was.

sh

[marasurf]

Originally Posted by shmasterer

I haven't checked, but a plane ticket to Nashville and hotel would probably be less than the difference to use TML, but I vote Doug anyway. He personally gave me a behind the scenes tour of the Hollywood facility before shutting it down. What an honor and thrill that was.

sh

Yes just realized he moved to Ojai. Have you been to the new studio? Probably won't be able to attend now because of my schedule next week.

[jpupo74]

Originally Posted by marasurf

Studio West in San Diego just finished mixing my first record and I need to find someone to master it. I have never done this before so any help you can give me is much appreciated.

Let me give you a few details so you can be of more help in pointing me in the right direction. We have 12 rock songs that were recorded at 2 different studios over the past 2 1/2 years. My partner and I probably have $50k in the project so far and want to make this record sound as professional as possible. As far as our budget goes we do have money so whatever it takes within reason to complete the project to record industry standards if what we want to achieve.

So far we have been given the following studios to consider: Lurssen Mastering, The Mastering Lab, Richard Dodd, Sterling Sound and Marcussen mastering.

How do I go about recieving a bid? What things should I consider? Is it important to visit the mastering studio in person?

Darcy Proper at Galaxy Studios Belgium.

Cheers,
Pupo

[shmasterer]

Originally Posted by marasurf

Yes just realized he moved to Ojai. Have you been to the new studio? Probably won't be able to attend now because of my schedule next week.

I've not been there, but Doug never does anything half-assed. I can only assume its amazing.

sh

[pristineb]

I've used everyone on the list except for Sterling. Marcussen and Louie do a nice job of not over-compressing your mix. In fact, on the project I had Louie do (a pop/rock record), he didn't apply any compression.. just limiting. It sounded really natural.

Everything that's been said about Richard is true. He's a totally sweet guy and aims to please. His mastering was more aggressive but it was a rock song. He did a few revisions until I was happy.

Mastering Lab did a nice job too... took a lot of time getting it just right.

I don't think you can go wrong with the list you're working from. All good guys who do a killer job. I'd say just compare their work, and the kind of record you've made and decide which one you like and at what price point.

Hope this helps.

Keith