FAQs
What is Online Mastering?
Online Mastering is a secure online booking service for mastering your music. You can choose which mastering engineer you would like to use, or if you do not have a preference, your tracks will be mastered by the first engineer available from our team of world class engineers. Choose which option you prefer, place your order, upload your audio and any notes you may have and we will return your tracks as soon as they have been mastered.
If I don’t specify the engineer, who will master my tracks?
All Mastering work is carried out by the engineers listed on the Online Mastering page.
How is Online Mastering different to regular mastering?
All jobs booked through Online Mastering take place in the same studios as regular mastering, using the same techniques and equipment. The only difference is the session is booked online.
Can I master 1 track at a time?
Yes, you can make an order for just one track, but if your order is for more than one track, we will start mastering once we’ve received all the tracks for your order.
How should I prepare my mixes for Online Mastering?
We recommend 24 bit / 44.1khz or 24bit / 96khz WAV or AIFF files. Please leave around 3db of headroom and ensure there is no limiting / compression on the final mix bus, this will give the mastering engineer room to work on your track. If you’re been mixing with compression / limiting on the final bus, you can send us this version to use as a reference but ensure you bounce a version without limiting for us to master from.
I’ve paid for my order, how do I upload?
Once payment for your order has been made you will be able to upload your files.
File uploads are available from the Order Confirmation / Thank You pages (if your payment has been confirmed) and from the My Account page.
To upload your files, first click the ‘Select files‘ button to select your files from your computer or device. If you need to add more files from another location you can repeat this step. This step may take a while depending on the total size of the files and the speed of your internet connection.
Once your files are have been uploaded you will see an additional button titled ‘Submit’ below the list of files, click this to finalise the order and send us your files to be processed. Our team will then pass them to your chosen engineer to be mastered and you will receive email you when they are ready.
I’m getting an ‘Unknown error’ message while uploading!
This can be caused by a number of different things, usually one of the following:
The connection is interrupted while uploading.
The file(s) uploaded are corrupted.
The connection is so slow that the request times out.
To combat this issue, please try to upload your files in smaller batches (ie: one or two files at a time instead of all at once). Once the first batch of files has completed please try to upload the next set of files.
Test your files to ensure they play back on your computer and that they have the correct files extensions.
Make sure your internet speed is a fast 4G / broadband connection and that your WiFi connection to your router or access point (if applicable) is stable.
If you continue to have issues uploading please contact our mastering team at mastering@thisismetropolis.com
Can you master from stems?
We can master from stems, however this service isn’t available through Online Mastering. If you want to master from stems please contact the mastering team on mastering@thisismetropolis.com
How long will it take to master my tracks?
Standard Online Mastering orders are completed within a maximum of 5 working days or 10 working days if you specify the mastering engineer. We have some faster delivery options on the order page. If you need your tracks back sooner than the fastest given turnaround option, contact us for availability on mastering@thisismetropolis.com or +44 (0) 208 742 1111.
What format will my tracks be delivered back in?
We will deliver your mastered tracks as industry standard 16 bit / 44.1khz WAV files. This is fine for most digital stores, including iTunes and streaming services. If you are manufacturing CDs, we recommend ordering a DDP Master.
What are ISRC codes?
ISRC Code or International Standard Recording Code is a unique code used to identify recording and publishing rights, and credit information. More information is available here: https://isrc.ifpi.org/en/
Where can I get ISRC codes from?
You can apply for ISRC codes at your local ISRC agency, to find the agency for your territory visit http://isrc.ifpi.org/en/contact/national-agency-contacts
I need a format that is not listed on Online Mastering
We supply all industry standard formats, if the master / file type you need isn’t listed, contact a member of the bookings team on mastering@thisismetropolis.com or +44 (0) 208 742 1111
Do you cut vinyl?
Yes! Contact a member of the bookings team for a bespoke quote on mastering@thisismetropolis.com or +44 (0) 208 742 1111
Can I attend the mastering session?
The rates for Online Mastering are based on unattended mastering sessions, to book an attended session contact a member of the bookings on mastering@thisismetropolis.com or +44 (0) 208 742 1111
What if I don’t like the mastering?
We include one revision to the mastering in the cost of all Online Mastering orders, just email the team on mastering@thisismetropolis.com quoting your order number and we will revise the mastering at the earliest opportunity. Note, a free revision only applies to jobs booked and paid for online through our Online Mastering service: Online Mastering
Terms
Please note, costs for our Online Mastering service are based on:
Mastering from a stereo mix file, not stems or a Pro-Tools, Logic or other DAW session.
Mastering a single pass per track, rather than using different mastering settings on different parts of a track.
Any tracks longer than 10:00 minutes will be charged as 2 tracks.
New / revised / replacement mixes are not included and may be charged at up to 100% of the original mastering cost.
Ancillary work such as varispeeding, de-noising and editing are not included and will incur an additional charge.
If any of your project requirements are not covered in the cost (as described above) please contact the mastering team before submitting your order on mastering@thisismetropolis.com or +44 (0) 208 742 1111 .
Please ensure all audio / masters / files supplied by metropolis are correct and accompanying codes, text, catalogues numbers etc are correct before going into production / manufacturing. In the case of vinyl cuts, factory supplied test pressings must approved before going into production. Metropolis will not be held liable for any costs incurred from manufacturing / production of incorrect audio / masters / files or incorrect codes, text or catalogues numbers.
Our full terms and conditions can be found at here
