HOW TO PLACE YOUR ORDER
How It Works
- Select Your Service: Choose the studio service you require, whether it’s mixing, mastering, or both.
- Stem Count: Count the number of stems you’ve exported from your project and select the stem count that fits your budget and project size.
- Package Customization: Ensure all your required options are included in your package before proceeding.
- Checkout & Upload: After selecting your package, add it to your basket and complete the checkout. Once payment is confirmed, upload your files and details using the upload form in your account here. Don’t forget to include your order number for easy reference.
- Processing: Once we’ve received your payment and files, we’ll start working on your order. The initial mix or master will be sent back within the timeframe you selected during checkout.
- Final Delivery: When your order is completed, your files will be delivered via email. If any revisions or edits are needed, you can discuss them with the engineer. Once you’re satisfied with the final result, your order will be marked as complete.
Service
Under the Service tab you can select the service you require depending on your needs.
- Stereo Mastering is the traditional mastering of your stereo mix or processed stems.
- Binaural Stereo Mastering involves mastering the Dolby Atmos fold-down into binaural audio. You don’t need to select Dolby Atmos mastering to use this service, but it offers the advantage of enhanced sound quality from positioning stems in Dolby Atmos for binaural playback. Mastering the binaural fold-down results in a greater sense of 3D space, separation of stems, and overall depth and clarity that translates into a superior stereo master.
- Dolby Atmos Mastering involves mastering your song in a fully immersive 3D audio space. The Dolby Atmos ADM master can be released alongside your stereo master, offering a fully immersive audio experience for platforms like Apple Music, Amazon, and Tidal.
Processed Stem Count
Under the Processed Stem Count tab, select the number of stems you will be submitting for mastering. This allows us to tailor the mastering process to the specific elements in your project, ensuring each stem is individually processed for optimal sound quality.
- Stereo Mastering is the mastering of your stereo mix, performed in our state-of-the-art mastering studios by either Nick Burchall or Paul Ashmore. This process ensures your music is polished to perfection, enhancing clarity, depth, and overall sonic quality.
- Stem Mastering is the mastering of each individual stem you provide, allowing the engineer to process and balance each element with precision through the mastering chain. This approach offers greater flexibility and control. For example, if the bass is too loud, the engineer can adjust the volume of the bass stem independently without affecting other sounds in that frequency range, avoiding the need for EQ or multiband compression. This results in a cleaner and more balanced master.
Turnaround
Under the Turnaround tab you can select when your masters are returned to you completed.
- 1 Working Day (returned next working day)
- 2-5 Working Days (returned within 2-5 working days)
- 5-7 Working Days (returned within 5-7 working days)
Turnaround time is calculated based on the selected engineer’s working days, Monday to Friday. If you have a specific deadline for your master, please inform us when placing your order, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
+ Dolby Atmos Master
By adding + Dolby Atmos Master to your order, you will receive a Dolby Atmos master that can be released alongside your stereo master, providing an enhanced audio experience for listeners.
Dolby Atmos masters are returned in the following formats:
- 48kHz 24bit wav ADM
- 96kHz 24bit wav ADM
- 96kHz 24bit wav binaural mix
- 96kHz 24bit wav re-renders
- 768kbs mp4
+ Stereo Master
By adding + Stereo Master to your order, you’ll receive a stereo master crafted using our high-end analogue mastering chain. Analogue mastering delivers a more sonically pleasing result, enhancing the sense of depth and 3D space for a richer, more immersive listening experience.
Stereo masters are returned in the following formats, if you require any others, please let us know:
- 96kHz 24bit wav
- 48kHz 24bit wav
- 44.kHz 24bit wav
- 44.1kHz 16bit wav
+ Apple Digital Master
By adding + Apple Digital Master to your order, you will receive both the stereo master and a high-resolution 96k Apple Digital Master. This master can be released on Apple Music as an official Hi-Res Apple Digital Master, optimised specifically for Apple Music playback. All Apple Digital Masters are awarded a badge and marketed as official Hi-Res releases, ensuring your music plays back at the highest quality and stands out on the platform.
+ Vinyl Master
By adding + Vinyl Master to your order, you will receive an additional version of your master, specifically optimised and prepared for vinyl pressing. This ensures your music is perfectly tailored for the unique sound and requirements of vinyl production.
+ Additional Stereo Masters
By adding + Additional Stereo Masters to your order, you will receive all additional mixes you provide, mastered through the same mastering chain as your original mix. This ensures consistency across all versions of your song.
- Instrumental
- Acapella (vocal bus only)
- Performance Mix (version with lead vocal removed)
- Radio Edit (additional stems must be supplied)
- Extended Edit (additional stems must be supplied)
+ Additional Dolby Atmos Masters
By adding + Additional Dolby Atmos Masters to your order, you will receive any of the following additional mixes, mastered in Dolby Atmos. This ensures all versions of your song maintain the same immersive 3D sound quality.
- Instrumental
- Radio Edit (additional stems must be supplied)
- Extended Edit (additional stems must be supplied)
+ Mastered Stems
By adding + Mastered Stems to your order, you will receive all processed stems mastered through the same mastering chain as the stereo mix. These mastered stems are ideal for film and TV licensing, remix purposes, or further production.
ABOUT NICK BURCHALL
Nick co-owns and serves as the lead mastering engineer at Audio Animals, bringing over two decades of expertise in mastering projects for some of the world’s top artists and films. Recognised as one of the industry’s best, Nick excels in mastering across all genres.
The centrepiece of Nick’s mastering studio is his state-of-the-art £130,000 mastering chain, featuring the renowned UnFairchild 670m mk2, Shadow Hills Optograph Compressor, and Elysia Alpha Compressor, three of the most coveted compressors in the industry. Nick’s unique approach to utilizing this high-end equipment delivers a sound that is truly one-of-a-kind.
SPEAKERS / MONITORS
2x Ex Machina Arcturus
Ex Machina Quasar
8x Ex Machina Titan
Tantrum Audio Angry Box
COMPRESSORS
UnFairchild 670m mkII
Elysia Alpha Compressor
Shadow Hills Optograph Compressor
Hum Audio LAAL
Maselec MLA-3
Maselec MPL-2
Bettermaker Limiter V2
OTHER PROCESSING
Whitestone Audio P331
Rupert Neve MBT
Vertigo VSM-2
Elysia Nvelope
EQ’S
Hendy Amps Michelangelo XL
Maselec MEA-2
Buzz Audio REQ 2.2
Dangerous Music BAX
Goly Porter Grinder
AudioTales Designs 1951 ME
AudioTales Designs 1954
Goly 4 Band Dynamic EQ
Cranborne Audio Carnaby HE2
AMPS / CONVERTERS
Avid MTRX Studio (TB)
Burl B2 Bomber ADC
Burl B2 Bomber DAC
Trinnov MC-Pro Dante 12
Flock Audio Patch
CONSOLE
Avid Dock
BEFORE & AFTER MASTERING DEMOS
Mastering in the hands of a skilled engineer can elevate your music to an entirely new level. This transformation is especially evident when you listen to the before and after audio demos below. You’ll notice an added warmth and glow that makes the music highly pleasing to the ear, subtly encouraging the listener to sit up and take notice. Ask yourself: How do I perceive the before and after examples? Can you detect the enhanced detail and presence that mastering has introduced? Can you hear the added depth and the three-dimensional image that has been achieved?
- Original – Clients original mix unmastered and level matched to the master.
- Master – Audio Animals mastering applied to the original mix, showcasing the difference mastering has made.
Alt Rock
Bhangra
Cuban
Dance
Drum & Bass
Electronic
Film Trailer
Garage
Hip Hop
Jazz
Latin
Metal
Middle East
Piano
Pop
Pop Punk
Punjabi
Rap
Reggae
R’n’B
Rock
Trance
Trap
Vocalist
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT US
What sets Audio Animals apart from other companies is our deep understanding of our clients and their needs. We know you want revisions included in the service. We understand the importance of fast, reliable turnaround times. We ensure you only pay for the services you require, without any unnecessary add-ons. Our focus on truly understanding our clients allows us to provide a service tailored specifically to your needs.
Dominik
“All I can say they never disappoint! Always deliver everything I am looking for. Loud, powerful and pro sound, exactly how I wanted it to be. Audio Animals are really professional and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND to everyone. Definitely I will keep using this service in the future!”
Sam Cole
“Nick perfectly balanced my track and I could clearly hear each instrument against the vocals, but still preserving the song’s dynamics. It didn’t matter what device I played it through, everything sounded great and clear. Something that we all want when people listen to our music.”
Rob Horvarth
“We were looking for an experienced mastering engineer. Paul at Audio Animals Ltd. appeared to be the right man for the job and he did not fail us. Paul delivered an extraordinary and breathtaking master. Our Album has been lifted to the next level and we are extremely happy.”
Harry Mindgame
“I’d never considered using a studio for mixing and mastering my tracks until I found Audio Animals. I instantly recognized Paul’s passion and knew that he was someone who really gets it. I couldn’t imagine a better signal chain, everything I would use for mastering.”
TZ
“I just wanted to let you know that the whole band is amazed by your skills. It is unbelievable how excellent the sound could be, if there are professionals working on it (YOU!). We thank you from the bottom of out hearts, I have never been so satisfied while listening to songs that we recorded.”
Kosta Lois
“I have to say Nick Burchall has one of the best ears in the entire record business for mastering. He’s definitely become my go to guy! He takes what I give him and puts the final polish on it – also he’s always right on time for all of my deadlines and easy to work with. A pleasure to work with!!!”
NICK BURCHALL FAQ
What Studio Does Nick Work In?
Nick Burchall works in Studio A, our primary stereo mastering studio. Nick’s studio has one of the world’s best mastering chains installed, costing upwards of £150,000. A truly unique mastering chain with some highly sought after mastering equipment. Nick is one of the audio industries top engineers having worked with hundreds of major Hollywood movies and well over 20,000 different artists and producers.
Stereo Mastering FAQ
What Is The Turnaround?
All orders will be turned around within the time frame selected when placing your order. Turnaround time is based on days the selected engineer works between Monday to Friday. If you have a specific day you need your master back for, please let us know when placing your order.
- 1 Working Day (returned next working day)
- 2-5 Working Days (returned within 2-5 working days)
- 5+ Working Days (returned within 5 or more working days)
What Is Mastering?
Mastering is an essential process that finalises your song ready for distribution. Processing is applied to the master bus in order to achieve a sound that is glued together and sounding the best it possibly can. Processing includes EQ, compression, limiting, saturation, stereo widening, de-essing and other processing. Mastering in the hands of a professional engineer will achieve a wider, more detailed and controlled sound. Mastering ensures playback of your song is correct across all devices.
What Is Stem Mastering?
Stem mastering is the process of summing up to 25 stems together and mastering the summed stems across the master bus. The benefit of working in this way is that the engineer has control over each individual stem that is summing to the master bus. Resulting in being able to process and balance each individual stem correctly to get the very best from the song.
What Are The Benefits Of Stem Mastering?
The main benefit of stem mastering is that the engineer has full control over each stem when mastering. For instance if the vocals are too loud we are able to decrease the volume without affecting any other stem. As well if the bass is too quiet, instead of using EQ to bring the bass volume up, which in tern brings up the frequency of other sounds in the frequency range, we are able to use gain to increase the bass stem independently of all other sounds in that frequency range.
What Is Dolby Atmos Mastering?
Dolby Atmos mastering is a process that allows us to take your songs mixed stems and transform it into a Dolby Atmos master. Working in our Dolby Atmos mastering studios we are able to position and pan your song in a 3D space. Creating a fully immersive and spatial master that can then be released on streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Amazon and Tidal. The difference this service makes is outstanding and quite honestly takes your music to an unimaginable level.
What Is The Difference Between Apple Spatial And Dolby Atmos?
There is technically no difference. Apple Spatial is what Apple call it and Dolby Atmos is what everyone else calls it. Apple spatial is played back through Apple’s own codec. All other streaming platforms playback using the Dolby Atmos codec.
What Is Apple Digital Mastering?
By adding + Apple Digital Master to your order, you will receive back both the stereo master as well as the Apple Digital Master. This master can then be released on Apple Music as an official Apple Digital Master that is optimised specifically for Apple Music. All Apple Digital Masters are rendered at 96k giving them Hi Res Apple Digital Master badge on Apple Music.
What Is Vinyl Mastering?
By adding + Vinyl Master to your order, you will receive back an additional version of your master optimised ready to be pressed to vinyl. This master will be ready to send to your cutting house of choice. It is very important that a master optimised to be pressed to vinyl is used and not a master that is designed for digital distribution.
What Is An Additional Master?
By adding + Additional Stereo Master to your order, you will receive back all additional mixes mastered through the same mastering chain as the original mix.
- Instrumental
- Acapella (vocal bus only)
- Performance Mix (version with lead vocal removed)
- Radio Edit (additional stems must be supplied)
- Extended Edit (additional stems must be supplied)
What Is Stereo Mastered Stems?
By adding + Stereo Mastered Stems to your order, you will receive back all stems provided mastered through the exact same mastering chain as the stereo mix. Mastered stems can be used for film and TV licensing as well as remix purposes and further production.
What Is 60 Minute Duration Master?
+ 60 Minute Duration Master is a service designed for clients who require to have their live show, DJ mix, theatre show or concert mastered. By adding this service you can send up to an hour long stereo mix to be mastered instead of the standard up to 15 minute song for mastering.
When Do I Pay For Mastering?
Orders / payment must be made before work on your song begins. This ensures our engineers, take the necessary time and care required to return you the very best master.
How Many Revisions Can I Make?
Mastering includes 2 revisions. Mastering revisions give you the peace of mind that the end result is going to be exactly as you want it. On the rare occasion you exceed 2 revisions, you can always purchase more via our revisions and re-runs page.
If you need to change the mix in any way after mastering there is a master re-run fee of £10. This small charge covers the engineers time to recall the mastering chain and re-record the updated master.
Should I Leave My Mastering Plugins Active?
It is advised to remove all plugins from your master bus that effect dynamic range. This includes plugins such as compression or limiting. It is best to remove all plugins but we understand that some clients want to leave EQ or saturation active as it is part of their sound. The reason we suggest removing master bus processing is so that we have a mix that has full dynamic range and we are able to compress and limit at the correct stage of the mastering chain.
What If I Have Accidentally Sent The Wrong Mix For Mastering?
If work has not yet begun on your song, you can simply get in touch with us and replace the file.
If work has already begun on your song and you need to replace the mix for a new one. Two outcomes will occur.
If the mix is technically the same song and same mix but there is a change resulting in the song needing to be re-run. There is a small charge of £10 for a master re-run to cover the time the engineer must take to re-run your song.
If the mix is completely different or a different song altogether, a new order for mastering will need to be placed. The reason for this is because mastering will need to be started from scratch and the previous master scrapped.
Before sending your song always make sure that the mix is correct and the file you are sending is the mix you intend to be mastered.
Why Should I Get My Music Professionally Mastered?
Mastering is one of the most important parts of the engineering process of a song. Mastering can make or break a song. Too many artists fall at the final hurdle with poor quality mastering using either digital plugins or guesswork using AI mastering. A professional mastering engineer will ensure your music plays back correctly across all devices. Nothing comes close to a skilled engineer in a 100% accurate room using high quality analogue mastering equipment.
How Do I Send My Files?
Your mix can be uploaded safely and securely via our upload form here. Bypass any compression / limiting you may have on your master bus before printing your mix ready for mastering.
- File Type: Wav
- Bitrate: 16/24/32bit
- Sample Rate: 44,1kHz – 96kHz
- Headroom: -3db / -6db
My Mix Is Limited Or Clipping Can You Still Work With This?
It is not ideal but yes we can work with a limited or clipped mix. The approach to mastering a limited mix is similar but requires a very precise approach in order to ensure the song is not over compressed or distorted.
I Only Have A Mp3 Is This Ok To Work With?
If a mp3 is the highest quality file you have and you are unable to obtain a high quality wav file, we will be able to work with this.
What Will I Receive Back?
Stereo masters are returned in the following formats, if you require any others, please let us know:
- 96kHz 24bit wav
- 48kHz 24bit wav
- 44.kHz 24bit wav
- 44.1kHz 16bit wav
Dolby Atmos masters are returned in the following formats:
- 48kHz 24bit wav ADM
- 96kHz 24bit wav ADM
- 96kHz 24bit wav binaural mix
- 96kHz 24bit wav re-renders
- 768kbs mp4
Can I Credit Audio Animals For The Mastering?
Yes, if you would like to credit Audio Animals for the mastering of your music you can do so. Please credit Audio Animals Ltd and either Paul Ashmore or Nick Burchall as the mastering engineer. This is not required but is greatly appreciated.
Dolby Atmos Mastering FAQ
What Is The Turnaround?
All orders will be turned around within the time frame selected when placing your order. Turnaround time is based on days the selected engineer works between Monday to Friday. If you have a specific day you need your master back for, please let us know when placing your order.
- 1 Working Day (mix 1 returned next working day)
- 2-5 Working Days (mix 1 returned within 2-5 working days)
- 5+ Working Days (mix 1 returned within 5 or more working days)
What Is Dolby Atmos Mastering?
Dolby Atmos mastering is a process that allows us to take your songs mixed stems and transform it into a Dolby Atmos master. Working in our Dolby Atmos mastering studios we are able to position and pan your song in a 3D space. Creating a fully immersive and spatial master that can then be released on streaming platforms such as Apple Music, Amazon and Tidal. The difference this service makes is outstanding and quite honestly takes your music to an unimaginable level.
What Is Stereo Mastering?
Mastering is an essential process that finalises your song ready for distribution. Processing is applied to the master bus in order to achieve a sound that is glued together and sounding the best it possibly can. Processing includes EQ, compression, limiting, saturation, stereo widening, de-essing and other processing. Mastering in the hands of a professional engineer will achieve a wider, more detailed and controlled sound. Mastering ensures playback of your song is correct across all devices.
Can You Dolby Atmos Master A Stereo Mix Or Do I need Stems?
We can perform a Dolby Atmos master from a stereo mix that is certified as a Dolby Atmos master. However the results will be far better if we use your mixed stems. A more immersive and true to life sound can be created. A stereo mix limits us to using unique techniques to up-mix the stereo file into Dolby Atmos.
Can You Turn My Mixed Song Stems Into A Dolby Atmos Master?
Yes, this is a very common practice of Dolby Atmos mastering. We can take your stereo mixed stems and position them into a 3D space. Creating a fully immersive and inspiring Dolby Atmos master. It doesn’t matter if your song is already released in stereo. You can submit your songs mixed stems and stereo master to be matched and delivered back to you ready to release as a Dolby Atmos ADM on streaming platforms.
Does My Song Have To Be Mixed In Dolby Atmos To Be Mastered In Dolby Atmos?
No, your song can be mixed in stereo and then positioned in Dolby Atmos. Your mix balance and processing is kept the same but with the added benefit of positioning each stem into a 3D space in Dolby Atmos.
What Are The Benefits Of Releasing A Dolby Atmos ADM Master?
There are a few major benefits of releasing a Dolby Atmos master.
- Superior Sound when compared to a standard stereo master. A Dolby Atmos master can achieve a sound that has more space, depth and is overall more true to life and pleasing to the ear.
- More Royalties from streaming platforms. You will earn a better percentage of royalties from streaming platforms when release a Dolby Atmos master.
- Online Algorithms will favour songs that are released in Dolby Atmos as well as stereo, especially Apple Music that say that the preferred format is Dolby Atmos/Spatial Audio.
- Future Proofed with Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos is going to eventually replace stereo on all streaming platforms. By releasing your music now in Dolby Atmos ensures you are future proofed and ready for the inevitable switch.
- Better Chance Of Being Playlisted. By releasing a Dolby Atmos master you will have a far better chance of being playlisted on certain platforms. Being playlisted can make or break a release.
What Is The Difference Between Apple Spatial And Dolby Atmos?
There is technically no difference. Apple Spatial is what Apple call it and Dolby Atmos is what everyone else calls it. Apple spatial is played back through Apple’s own codec. All other streaming platforms playback using the Dolby Atmos codec.
What Is An Additional Dolby Atoms Master?
By adding + Additional Dolby Atmos Master to your order, you will receive back any of the following mixes mastered in Dolby Atmos.
- Instrumental
- Radio Edit (additional stems must be supplied)
- Extended Edit (additional stems must be supplied)
What Is An Additional Stereo Master?
By adding + Additional Stereo Master to your order, you will receive back all additional mixes provided mastered through the same mastering chain as the original mix.
- Instrumental
- Acapella (vocal bus only)
- Performance Mix (version with lead vocal removed)
- Radio Edit (additional stems must be supplied)
- Extended Edit (additional stems must be supplied)
When Do I Pay For Mastering?
Orders / payment must be made before work on your song begins. This ensures our engineers, take the necessary time and care required to return you the very best master.
How Many Revisions Can I Make?
Dolby Atmos Mastering includes 2 revisions. Mastering revisions give you the peace of mind that the end result is going to be exactly as you want it. On the rare occasion you exceed 2 revisions, you can always purchase more via our revisions and re-runs page.
If you need to change the mix in any way after mastering there is a master re-run fee of £20. This small charge covers the engineers time to reprint the Dolby Atmos master.
What If I Have Accidentally Sent The Wrong Stems For Mastering?
If work has not yet begun on your song, you can simply get in touch with us and replace the files.
If work has already begun on your song and you need to replace the stems. Two outcomes will occur.
If the mix is technically the same song and same mix but there is a change resulting in the song needing to be re-run. There is a small charge of £20 to cover the time the engineer must take to re-run your song.
If the mix is completely different or a different song altogether, a new order for mastering will need to be placed. The reason for this is because mastering will need to be started from scratch and the previous master scrapped.
Before sending your song always make sure that the stems play back correctly and the files you are sending is the mix you intend to be mastered.
How Should I Send Stems For Dolby Atmos Mastering?
Your stems can be uploaded safely and securely via our upload form here. Bypass all processing you may have on your master bus. For Dolby Atmos mastering it is very important that the stems playback 100% identical to the finished stereo mix. Please bear in mind that no mixing or volume adjustments are made to each individual stem. All sound design processing must be left active on each stem. Do not normalize stems or change their volume. Playback of your stems should be exactly as your finished stereo mix plays back. We recommend loading your stems into a new DAW session and referencing against your finished stereo mix to ensure playback of your stems is correct.
- File Type: Wav
- Bitrate: 16/24/32bit
- Sample Rate: 44,1kHz – 96kHz
- Headroom: -3db / -6db
Should I Send My Finished Stereo Mix Or Master?
If you are only ordering Dolby Atmos mastering you will need to supply your stereo master. It is important that we sync the timeline of the Dolby Atmos master to the stereo master. This ensures playback on streaming platforms can switch between stereo and Dolby Atmos seamlessly.
How Do I Distribute A Dolby Atmos ADM?
The Dolby Atmos ADM and stereo master can be given to your desired distributor to release on platforms such as Apple Music, Tidal and Amazon Music. The Dolby Atmos and stereo masters sit alongside each other and depending on which format the listener has their device set to will determine which version they will hear. It is highly important that the Dolby Atmos and stereo versions perfectly sync with each other. If they do not sync perfectly your masters will be rejected.
Do I Need Both A Stereo And Dolby Atmos Master?
Yes, if you are distributing Dolby Atmos you will also need to distribute a stereo master. The two files play alongside each other and need to play in sync with each other too. The reason for this is that on streaming platforms you will be able to switch between the two formats on the fly and by doing so switches from stereo to Dolby Atmos instantly. If in sync your files simply switch from one to the other seamlessly.
What Happens If I Accidentally Send The Wrong Stems?
Get in contact with us via email and we can simply replace the files. Please be sure to get in contact with us ASAP to ensure we have the correct files to work with before work commences. If work has already started on your Dolby Atmos mastering and the entire song requires new stems, charges will apply.
What Genres Of Music Can You Work With In Dolby Atmos?
A good Dolby Atmos engineer will be able to work with all genres of music not just one. At Audio Animals we pride ourselves on the fact that we work with all genres of music from every corner of the globe. Being an online Dolby Atmos mixing and mastering studio working worldwide there is not a genre of music we have not worked with.
All music works well mastered in Dolby Atmos. Some better than others. The more stems you are able to provide the more immersive and spacious your Dolby Atmos master will sound.
What Will I Receive Back?
Stereo masters are returned in the following formats, if you require any others, please let us know:
- 96kHz 24bit wav
- 48kHz 24bit wav
- 44.kHz 24bit wav
- 44.1kHz 16bit wav
Dolby Atmos masters are returned in the following formats:
- 48kHz 24bit wav ADM
- 96kHz 24bit wav ADM
- 96kHz 24bit wav binaural mix
- 96kHz 24bit wav re-renders
- 768kbs mp4
Should I Leave My Plugins Active?
Yes for Dolby Atmos mastering all plugins must be left active. The playback of stems should be identical to the finished stereo mix and include all plugins and automation. We recommend loading your stems into a new DAW session and referencing against your finished stereo mix to ensure playback of your stems is correct.
Should I Leave Panning Active?
For Dolby Atmos mastering all panning must be active and playback of your stems must playback identically to the finished stereo mix. We recommend loading your stems into a new DAW session and referencing against your finished stereo mix to ensure playback of your stems is correct.
Should I Leave Automation Active?
100% yes, automation should always be active. Automation is part of your mix and if removed results in an unfinished mix. All automation including volume, modulation, EQ, reverb or delay automation must be kept active. We recommend loading your stems into a new DAW session and referencing against your finished stereo mix to ensure playback of your stems is correct.
Should I Leave Reverb Active?
For Dolby Atmos mastering reverb must be printed to the stems or delivered as a 100% wet stem. It is important that playback of the stems plays back 100% identically to the finished stereo mix.
Should I Leave Delay Active?
For Dolby Atmos mastering delay must be printed to the stems or delivered as a 100% wet stem. It is important that playback of the stems plays back 100% identically to the finished stereo mix.
