Single rate: $99 per track

More and more artists are choosing to release tracks individually, as soon as they're finished. Masters are provided as 16-bit .wav or AIFF files. Upon request, I'll also encode high-quality mp3 files based on the latest Hydrogenaudio recommendations.

I'm often asked if we'll get a better result by waiting to master all the tracks at once. The answer is, in all cases, a definite yes! If I master 10 tracks for you over the course of a year, they won't necessarily sit well with each other if you later decide to release them as a set. If there's any chance you'll go that route, or you just want your catalogue to sound as uniform as possible, we need to agree on a general reference ahead of time. Even then, it won't be as tight as it would be if I mastered all the tracks as a set. If necessary, I can always go back and fine-tune on an hourly basis.


Album rate: $99 per track for the first 3 tracks, $49 for each additional track

If you've got four or more tracks ready to release as a set, this is the way to go. The album rate covers everything, including DDP2 image creation or FedEx overnight delivery of CD-R masters to replication. There are no hidden charges. I am happy to embed CD-Text, ISRC codes, and UPC codes (though most major label releases don't include any of them), and encode high-quality mp3 files, upon request.

Out of fairness, everybody pays the same rate. I don't do "friend deals" or bulk discounts, so please don't try to negotiate a price cut. My rates are quite competitive considering my years of experience, gear, and room. In fact, I challenge you to find someone with as many album credits who charges less. It is my sincere belief that a great mastering job will more than pay for itself in the long run.

Standard turnaround is one week, and your project is guaranteed to be completed within two weeks. There's no need to schedule your project in advance. Whenever you're ready, go ahead and upload it!

Payment in full is required before I begin work. If that poses a problem, let me know and we'll figure something out. I prefer a check, but also accept all major credit cards through PayPal.

The mastering procedure:

1. Submit your tracks, payment, and the following information:

  • Artist name
  • Release title
  • Track order
  • Details concerning fades or overlaps, with specific times if possible
  • CD-Text information, ISRC codes, and UPC codes (optional)
  • A reference track to give me an idea what you're looking for (optional)

2. I review the materials. If the mixes aren't properly prepared, I may ask you to render the files again. If I hear any problems that would best be corrected on your end, I'll let you know. If I hear glaring problems in a number of the tracks, I may suggest mix consultation. If you can't make changes to the mixes, let me know and I'll just do the best I can.

IMPORTANT: At this point, please don't listen to your mixes anymore. Take some time off (you deserve it!) and listen to other major label releases in the genre. That way you'll be able to audition the mastered files with fresh ears and an open mind.

3. I master the tracks and post the files online. 

4. You download the mastered tracks and audition them on several playback systems.

IMPORTANT: Please compare them to major label releases in the genre, rather than your unmastered versions, or worse, your own rough mastering. I can always make it brighter and/or louder, but how does it stack up to the classics of the genre that have sold millions of copies?

5. Any adjustments you request are made.

6. I post new versions for your review and approval. If necessary, I'll make further adjustments.

7. Once you approve the mastering, I create a reference burn and DDP2 image or CD-R production master. The reference burn is for your reference playback and for any CD-R copies you'd like to make for yourself, band members, family, friends, press, radio, etc. I'll upload the DDP2 image to your replicator if they can accept it. Otherwise I'll send you the CD-R production master and cue sheet to forward to replication, along with the reference burn.

8. If you'd like to credit me in your liner notes, I'd appreciate it! Mastered by Brian Hazard at Resonance Mastering www.resonancemastering.com is most common, but feel free to phrase it however you'd like.

The process is much simpler with digital-only releases. We don't have to worry about track sequence, spacing between tracks, CD-Text, or ISRC codes. You can simply upload the 16-bit .wav files I provide to your aggregator (Tunecore, CD Baby, etc).