Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What file formats do you accept?

Question 2

How should I prepare my stems for mixing?

Question 3

Do my stems need to be quantized?

Question 4

What is the maximum file size I can upload?

Question 5

Should I include reference tracks?

Question 6

Can I submit a rough mix instead of stems?

Question 7

How is pricing calculated?

Question 8

What payment methods do you accept?

Question 9

Do you offer package deals or discounts?

Question 10

What is NOT included in the standard pricing?

Question 11

Is there a refund policy?

Question 12

Can I get a custom quote for a large project?

Question 13

What is the typical turnaround time?

Question 14

How will I receive my finished files?

Question 15

Can I request rush or priority service?

Question 16

What if I need my project by a specific deadline?

Question 17

Do you provide stems or individual tracks after mixing?

Question 18

How long do you keep my project files?

Question 19

How many revisions are included?

Question 20

What counts as a revision?

Question 21

What if I need to change something after revisions are used?

Question 22

How do I request a revision?

Question 23

What quality standards do you follow?

Question 24

Can I approve the mix before mastering?

Question 25

What sample rate and bit depth should I use?

Question 26

Should I leave headroom in my mix?

Question 27

Can you work with Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton, or FL Studio sessions?

Question 28

Do you support Dolby Atmos or spatial audio?

Question 29

What if my files have technical issues?

Question 30

Can you remove vocals or create instrumentals?

Question 31

What are the best tools for CD mastering?

Question 32

Do you use specific plugins for mastering CDs?

Question 33

How does LB-Mastering Studios ensure the best quality for CD mastering?

Question 34

What is the price range for CD mastering services at LB-Mastering Studios?

Question 35

Can you handle different music genres for CD mastering?

Question 36

What is stem mastering and how is it different from standard mastering?

Question 37

How many stems should I provide?

Question 38

How should I prepare my stems for stem mastering?

Question 39

Should I apply processing to my stems before sending?

Question 40

Is stem mastering worth the extra cost?

Question 41

What genres benefit most from stem mastering?

Question 42

What is the turnaround time for stem mastering?

Question 43

Can I get stem mastering for vinyl as well?

Question 44

How much does vinyl mastering cost, and what does the $50 fee cover?

Question 45

What is the difference between digital and vinyl mastering?

Question 46

Why does bass need to be mono for vinyl?

Question 47

What is inner groove distortion?

Question 48

How long can each side of a vinyl record be?

Question 49

Should I create a separate master for vinyl?

Question 50

What causes vinyl to skip during playback?

Question 51

Why do vocals sound harsh on vinyl?

Question 52

What is the difference between 33 RPM and 45 RPM?

Question 53

How should I name my files for vinyl mastering?

Question 54

Can you master for colored vinyl or picture discs?

Question 55

What are locked grooves and how do I request one?

Question 56

Do you handle the vinyl pressing or just mastering?

Aspect	Digital	Vinyl
Loudness Target	-14 to -9 LUFS	-14 to -12 LUFS
Bass Handling	Wide stereo OK	Mono below 150Hz
Dynamic Range	Heavy compression OK	3-6dB headroom required
High Frequencies	No limit	Roll off above 15kHz
Stereo Width	Unlimited	Limited, mono-compatible
Runtime	Unlimited	12-22 min per side
Track Order	No impact	Critical for quality
Phase Issues	Tolerable	Must be corrected
Sibilance	Standard de-essing	Aggressive de-essing
Delivery Format	WAV, MP3, FLAC	24-bit WAV, labeled by side