What's a good mastering studio in NYC area that has good price$ and great results?

Brooklyn · 17th April 2009

I see many people trying to master at home or at some semi-pro setup "at a friend's place" -- I am trying to get a consensus of what you more experienced people out there are doing? And if you are in NYC and what is a good spot to go to?

I've done a search and see in Brooklyn there are a few good studios:

Joe Lambert Mastering
Timeless Mastering
Spleenless Mastering

What do you all suggest? I just need a good place, good engineer that I don't have to change project-to-project.

Thanks.

NesNeedsGear · 17th April 2009

usually a Mastering studio will have a sample of their work, or a discography available.

listen to their work and choose on the sound.

MAzevedo · 17th April 2009

Don't forget Paul Gold @ Salt Mastering if you're looking for Brooklyn dudes.

Cellotron · 17th April 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAzevedo

Don't forget Paul Gold @ Salt Mastering if you're looking for Brooklyn dudes.

I'm in Brooklyn as well - as are Bonati, Blackler, The Spot, and On Air.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

Brooklyn · 17th April 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cellotron

I'm in Brooklyn as well - as are Bonati, Blackler, The Spot, and On Air.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

oh okay... but the places I mentioned seem a bit better than those others --or am I being dazzled?

Cellotron · 17th April 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brooklyn

oh okay... but the places I mentioned seem a bit better than those others --or am I being dazzled?

All the places so far mentioned in this thread are dedicated mastering studios with imo decent gear and decently experienced engineers. To figure out which one is best for you I'd check the credits and see whether you like the sound of their work - and get in touch with the ones who you do and get a vibe as to what the communication is like with the engineer (good communication being a vital part of getting results that you will be happy with).

Best regards,
Steve Berson

Brooklyn · 17th April 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cellotron

All the places so far mentioned in this thread are dedicated mastering studios with imo decent gear and decently experienced engineers. To figure out which one is best for you I'd check the credits and see whether you like the sound of their work - and get in touch with the ones who you do and get a vibe as to what the communication is like with the engineer (good communication being a vital part of getting results that you will be happy with).

Best regards,
Steve Berson

Thanks, I will do that...

KyleDiSanto · 17th April 2009

Check out Masterdisk - Experienced Music Engineering

reggiesears · 24th May 2009

You Should Check Out My Personal Fave, Sterling Sound...I don't know how far you are from there, but its a awesome place.

lucey · 24th May 2009

There are many good people in your area and keeping the work local is admirable.

Yet attending the full session is not always necessary or productive. The worst feeling for both client and engineer is to get it 95% right in terms of the overview, but not quite there because the client was unfamiliar with the room.

So if you go local, take home a single and think it over before you move on. Then come back a second day and fine tune it, so the engineer knows your subtle tastes.

The best feeling is for both parties to be clear on the goal and to get there in stride!

Silver Sonya · 25th May 2009

In my experience, attended mastering is over-rated, and sometimes even counter-productive.

I don't do it anymore.

My suggestion is very baseline and practical: Look at the liner notes of recordings that you like and seek out those people. Some of them may not be accessible to you --- not everybody is available just for a price, many use discretion in the projects they take or pass on -- but the likelihood is that one or two will suit your circumstance and budget. Communicate what you want and trust them to do the work.

- c

Musiclab · 25th May 2009

Go to Masterdisk, if you have a real budget, get Scott Hull it doesn't really get any better than him. If you don't have a real budget get Randy Merrill, he's Scott's apprentice
and is mastering at very reasonable rates. I sent another slut to him recently and he was very happy

Silver Sonya · 25th May 2009

I'm gonna recommend Emily & Sarah.

- c

vegafreak · 1st June 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musiclab

Go to Masterdisk, if you have a real budget, get Scott Hull it doesn't really get any better than him. If you don't have a real budget get Randy Merrill, he's Scott's apprentice
and is mastering at very reasonable rates. I sent another slut to him recently and he was very happy

what is scotts standard rates? or close to.....

Musiclab · 2nd June 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by vegafreak

what is scotts standard rates? or close to.....

I'm not sure what his current rate is. so ask him

It'sJoeAgain · 3rd June 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brooklyn

I see many people trying to master at home or at some semi-pro setup "at a friend's place" -- I am trying to get a consensus of what you more experienced people out there are doing? And if you are in NYC and what is a good spot to go to?

I've done a search and see in Brooklyn there are a few good studios:

Joe Lambert Mastering
Timeless Mastering
Spleenless Mastering

What do you all suggest? I just need a good place, good engineer that I don't have to change project-to-project.

Thanks.

If it's value what u are also looking for, no contest, Timeless Mastering of course, that's Adrian Morgan's room with his great collection of rare vintage analog gear for great tone and vibe, however, if u look for transparency and precision, you knock the next door and get Edward Vinatea's "unofficial" mastering room, all in the same building, how good is taht?

masterizer · 11th June 2009

West West Side has great rates and great results in NYC, I know several bands that went there and were pleased with the results.

rajprods · 7th July 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silver Sonya

I'm gonna recommend Emily & Sarah.

- c

I had Emily master a song... She's awesome!

jhamburg · 7th July 2009

First and foremost: Damon Whittemore co-owner of Trirtone Digital..

ValveTone

There's a ton of people doing great work, Spleenless, Bonati and Joe Lambert spring to mind.

cheers,

joel

Josh P · 7th July 2009

I would definitely recommend Mark Christensen at Engine Room Audio. He has done work in a large variety of genres with great results.

I would also check out the guys at Masterdisk. I think you'll be pleased with any of the engineers there.

Mackrochips · 4th January 2010

I'm biting my lip right now not to name names, but one of these well-spoken of mastering engineers from Brooklyn mentioned above totally blew off an associate of mine this past week- as in text messaged them 45 minutes before the scheduled appointment and said they couldn't do it! The mastering engineer would not answer their phone, or offer any explanation, just a total flake- they just 'faded' this artist out, and never answered a subsequent email inquiring about the reason and POOR TIMING of the cancellation (the artist was on the way to the mastering appointment).
The bottom line is that my associate was an independent artist- paying to get one song mastered out of their own pocket- so the mastering engineer probably figured they could ditch them with impunity.

So when you make a mastering appointment GET A CONFIRMATION EMAIL containing exacts- sort of like a contract or friendly agreement. If it was the other way around and the artist blew off the mastering appointment they'd want half- or spread the word around that the artist was a slacker.

Many of these mastering studios have made such a huge investment in gear they have no choice but to cater to a more corporate clientele and are just 'not for' independent artists with no clout.
There is a big mastering engineer in the Boston area I could also name who I know is buried up to their ear drums in credit card debt- that would be an example of someone who would blow off an indy artist for a corporate client out of necessity.

Don't automatically equate Brooklyn with "indy-friendly" even though the average rate is like $15 less per hour. Also remember this thing called the internet where information is traded freely and reputations can take a dive when truths are revealed.

**Riccardo** · 4th January 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mackrochips

Also remember this thing called the internet where information is traded freely and reputations can take a dive when truths are revealed.

While I am sorry for what happened to your friend we let this place become a dispute ground.
The internet is full of truths and lies. Without hearing both parties we will never know what really happened, nor this is the right place to engage in such a discussion

A known fact here is thet we are more interested in your very useful advice: get a written booking confirmation from the ME or his/her booking manager.

Regarding the fact that there are "premier league" and "second division" customers that is not my experience but who knows .................. I find it very unlikely and if true very disturbing. A customer is a customer ........

Mackrochips · 4th January 2010

Yes- I stopped just short of being a twisted troll. I've had great experiences as well, and have great respect for the profession and those who posses the patience and ear-training to 'master' mastering. The most important thing is the music and the feeling listeners get when they press 'play'.

Couple more bits of useful info to artists preparing for mastering:

In my view charging upwards of $100 for a "tape handling fee" for merely running the songs through a rolling old tape machine's circuitry is dubious and borderline exploitation of what "warm tape sound" means to many musicians who are not fully educated on it. They just hear "tape" and see the retro machine rolling and fork over extraneous dough.

If an ME says something to the effect of "I don't usually work on projects this small-time" at the beginning of a session that's a real bad sign.

Also, if an ME lets it slip that they are testing a newer piece of mastering gear that they admit they're not completely familiar with and you know they review equipment for a recording magazine it totally smacks of "indie-artist guinea pig" treatment- often way over the head of the artists who may be mystified by the process to begin with.

I've got no problem with acknowledging tiers, but I'd rather hear it up front (pre-mastering) then have it insinuated via comments or treatment.
Canceling via text message 45 mins before a session without any further replies or phone answering courtesy is unprofessional, and I doubt it would have happened if it was Bruce Swedien on the way.

back to love

Sonik31 · 17th February 2010

Is there any other suggestion to mastering studios in NY?

ed littman · 18th February 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonik31

Is there any other suggestion to mastering studios in NY?

New York Musician

This is a pretty extensive list.
Ed

Sonik31 · 20th February 2010

More suggestions?
I want to fly to NY on 1st or 2nd week of March.

Thanks

Waltz Mastering · 20th February 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by ed littman

New York Musician

This is a pretty extensive list.
Ed

---------

Sonik31 · 21st February 2010

Hi Tom,

I know that

, but I didn't want a list of all mastering studios.
What I want is a suggestion, from the folks here (that had a real experience with them), of some mastering studios with a good price.

17th April 2009	#1
Brooklyn Gear Head Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 33 Thread Starter	What's a good mastering studio in NYC area that has good price$ and great results? I see many people trying to master at home or at some semi-pro setup "at a friend's place" -- I am trying to get a consensus of what you more experienced people out there are doing? And if you are in NYC and what is a good spot to go to? I've done a search and see in Brooklyn there are a few good studios: Joe Lambert Mastering Timeless Mastering Spleenless Mastering What do you all suggest? I just need a good place, good engineer that I don't have to change project-to-project. Thanks.

17th April 2009	#2
NesNeedsGear Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 833	usually a Mastering studio will have a sample of their work, or a discography available. listen to their work and choose on the sound. __________________ "As long as the reason of man continues fallible, and he is at liberty to exercise it, different opinions will be formed." James Madison, 1751-1836

24th May 2009	#10
lucey Gear Guru Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 12,365	There are many good people in your area and keeping the work local is admirable. Yet attending the full session is not always necessary or productive. The worst feeling for both client and engineer is to get it 95% right in terms of the overview, but not quite there because the client was unfamiliar with the room. So if you go local, take home a single and think it over before you move on. Then come back a second day and fine tune it, so the engineer knows your subtle tastes. The best feeling is for both parties to be clear on the goal and to get there in stride! __________________ brian lucey magic garden mastering The Shins, Dr. John, The Black Keys, OAR, David Lynch, Sami Yusuf, moe.

25th May 2009	#12
Musiclab Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Elmont NY Posts: 6,030 3 Reviews written	Go to Masterdisk, if you have a real budget, get Scott Hull it doesn't really get any better than him. If you don't have a real budget get Randy Merrill, he's Scott's apprentice and is mastering at very reasonable rates. I sent another slut to him recently and he was very happy __________________ Lou Gimenez www.musiclabnyc.com

11th June 2009	#17
masterizer Gear maniac Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 150	West West Side has great rates and great results in NYC, I know several bands that went there and were pleased with the results. __________________ Do modern day stereo's have a volume knob?

17th April 2009	#3
MAzevedo Gear addict Join Date: May 2007 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 445	Don't forget Paul Gold @ Salt Mastering if you're looking for Brooklyn dudes.

17th April 2009	#8
KyleDiSanto Gear addict Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NYC Posts: 484	Check out Masterdisk - Experienced Music Engineering

24th May 2009	#9
reggiesears Gear nut Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Miami, FL(Opa Locka/Liberty City) Posts: 122	You Should Check Out My Personal Fave, Sterling Sound...I don't know how far you are from there, but its a awesome place.

25th May 2009	#11
Silver Sonya Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 6,978	In my experience, attended mastering is over-rated, and sometimes even counter-productive. I don't do it anymore. My suggestion is very baseline and practical: Look at the liner notes of recordings that you like and seek out those people. Some of them may not be accessible to you --- not everybody is available just for a price, many use discretion in the projects they take or pass on -- but the likelihood is that one or two will suit your circumstance and budget. Communicate what you want and trust them to do the work. - c

7th July 2009	#19
jhamburg Gear nut Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 127	First and foremost: Damon Whittemore co-owner of Trirtone Digital.. ValveTone There's a ton of people doing great work, Spleenless, Bonati and Joe Lambert spring to mind. cheers, joel

7th July 2009	#20
Josh P Gear interested Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 25	I would definitely recommend Mark Christensen at Engine Room Audio. He has done work in a large variety of genres with great results. I would also check out the guys at Masterdisk. I think you'll be pleased with any of the engineers there.

4th January 2010	#21
Mackrochips Gear Head Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 30	Master of what? I'm biting my lip right now not to name names, but one of these well-spoken of mastering engineers from Brooklyn mentioned above totally blew off an associate of mine this past week- as in text messaged them 45 minutes before the scheduled appointment and said they couldn't do it! The mastering engineer would not answer their phone, or offer any explanation, just a total flake- they just 'faded' this artist out, and never answered a subsequent email inquiring about the reason and POOR TIMING of the cancellation (the artist was on the way to the mastering appointment). The bottom line is that my associate was an independent artist- paying to get one song mastered out of their own pocket- so the mastering engineer probably figured they could ditch them with impunity. So when you make a mastering appointment GET A CONFIRMATION EMAIL containing exacts- sort of like a contract or friendly agreement. If it was the other way around and the artist blew off the mastering appointment they'd want half- or spread the word around that the artist was a slacker. Many of these mastering studios have made such a huge investment in gear they have no choice but to cater to a more corporate clientele and are just 'not for' independent artists with no clout. There is a big mastering engineer in the Boston area I could also name who I know is buried up to their ear drums in credit card debt- that would be an example of someone who would blow off an indy artist for a corporate client out of necessity. Don't automatically equate Brooklyn with "indy-friendly" even though the average rate is like $15 less per hour. Also remember this thing called the internet where information is traded freely and reputations can take a dive when truths are revealed.

4th January 2010	#23
Mackrochips Gear Head Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 30	I love music Yes- I stopped just short of being a twisted troll. I've had great experiences as well, and have great respect for the profession and those who posses the patience and ear-training to 'master' mastering. The most important thing is the music and the feeling listeners get when they press 'play'. Couple more bits of useful info to artists preparing for mastering: In my view charging upwards of $100 for a "tape handling fee" for merely running the songs through a rolling old tape machine's circuitry is dubious and borderline exploitation of what "warm tape sound" means to many musicians who are not fully educated on it. They just hear "tape" and see the retro machine rolling and fork over extraneous dough. If an ME says something to the effect of "I don't usually work on projects this small-time" at the beginning of a session that's a real bad sign. Also, if an ME lets it slip that they are testing a newer piece of mastering gear that they admit they're not completely familiar with and you know they review equipment for a recording magazine it totally smacks of "indie-artist guinea pig" treatment- often way over the head of the artists who may be mystified by the process to begin with. I've got no problem with acknowledging tiers, but I'd rather hear it up front (pre-mastering) then have it insinuated via comments or treatment. Canceling via text message 45 mins before a session without any further replies or phone answering courtesy is unprofessional, and I doubt it would have happened if it was Bruce Swedien on the way. back to love Last edited by Mackrochips; 4th January 2010 at 09:08 PM.. Reason: clarity

17th February 2010	#24
Sonik31 Gear maniac Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lisbon Posts: 293	Is there any other suggestion to mastering studios in NY?

20th February 2010	#26
Sonik31 Gear maniac Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lisbon Posts: 293	More suggestions? I want to fly to NY on 1st or 2nd week of March. Thanks

21st February 2010	#28
Sonik31 Gear maniac Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lisbon Posts: 293	Hi Tom, I know that , but I didn't want a list of all mastering studios. What I want is a suggestion, from the folks here (that had a real experience with them), of some mastering studios with a good price.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
recommend good mastering in NYC	Rea	So much gear, so little time!	64	5th June 2011 04:08 PM
Great OHs in a good price range?	heisleyamor	So much gear, so little time!	19	14th January 2011 11:16 AM
Sad news...another great NYC area studio closes its doors...	jomo1234	High end	85	2nd February 2007 04:10 PM
Good microphone tech in the NYC area?	Don S	High end	1	27th June 2006 03:50 PM