Hybrid Analogue Mastering at Ambient Works

Ambient Works provides top-class hybrid analogue mastering to take your mix from sounding great to sounding done.

More than just Limiting…

In addition to optimising loudness, many mixes can also benefit from enhancements to:

• Image - the three-dimensional space your mix occupies;

• Definition and Clarity - the sense that every part of your mix is well-defined and full of detail;

• Extension - ensuring your mix is tonally well-balanced, and making the best use of the audio spectrum;

• Musical Dynamics - reinforcing the pulse, flow, and excitement of your mix.

Rather than applying a cookie-cutter ‘house sound’ to your work, we listen carefully to the style and feel your track, identify what’s working well, and only make changes that bring out more of what is already there. We always aim to preserve your artistic intent.

// All mastering at Ambient Works is performed by Robert Soma-Lewis. //

Here’s how it works:

• Select the options you need to the left for each track / album mastering session, press Add to Cart and then Checkout. This secures your booking with us.

• Once we receive your order, we’ll get in touch to learn more about your project (email, chat, or video calls are all great) as well as give you instructions on uploading your source files. We’ll also agree on turnaround time for the project.

• When your masters are ready for review, we’ll send them to you for approval. If needed, we can also discuss any further edits or revisions needed (up to 3 rounds are included in the fee).

• Once all masters are approved, we’ll send the final high-res files and other optional formats (DDP, Vinyl, etc.) and close out the project.

Discounts and Packages

Album Discount - When we master a full album with you (6 or more tracks only), we offer a further 20% discount on mastering. When ordering 6 or more track masters, use the following discount: AW-VARIMU2022

Mix + Master Bundle - We offer a 30% discount on Mastering when ordered at the same time as your mixes. Please order this on the Mixing page!

WHAT TECHNIQUES DO YOU USE WHEN MASTERING?

• Referencing - Before starting work, we’ll review any reference tracks to understand your needs in terms of style and loudness.

• Track Assessment - Review your track objectively and subjectively to determine what improvements should be made. Check for technical issues such as pops, clicks, or unwanted noise.

• EQ / Harmonic Treatment - Tame muddiness, unwanted resonances and harmonics clouding the mix, and ensure the right tonal balance is achieved.

• Musical Compression - Ensure the track’s rhythmic pulse is clear, and relative dynamics between sections are well balanced and support the overall track.

• Level / Loudness / Glue - Ensure that your track’s overall level is in line with the genre, and help bring all the parts of your mix together to make a cohesive whole.

• Reverb / Spatial - Used more rarely, but helpful to reinforce the sense of physical space and coherence in your track.

• Parallel & M/S Processing - When problem can’t be solved in other ways, these can work wonders when applied judiciously.

• Mastering Automation - When needed, automation can be applied to any of the above techniques to best fit different sections of the track. This is something that a lot of mastering engineers aren’t doing (and is impossible with ‘AI’ services)…

Answers to some common questions