Analogue Stem Mastering

Analogue Stem Mastering is the ultimate method in music mastering if the project warrants a more detailed level of audio surgery. On average, a single mix can contain 16-48 individual tracks. Once the mix is bounced down to an interleaved stereo file, a certain amount of detail within the centre and mid-side field components can be compromised.

We have the tools and experience to correct the most common issues throughout stereo-mastering.

However, results may vary depending on the quality of the mix. Analogue Stem Mastering gives our audio engineers much more creative control, resulting in a more 3-dimensional polished sounding record.

Analogue Stem Mastering involves processing the stereo or mono stems bounced down from each mixed group of instruments from the master mix.

The stereo panning, grouped master levels, and starting and end points per stem are already predefined when preparing the stems for mastering. When we build a stem mastering project, no adjustments to the original mix are initially made.

Mastering traditional instruments such as drums, guitars, bass, keyboards, etc., can change the entire landscape of any mix. However, we tread very lightly here, always respecting the skills applied and the integrity of the previous work done by the producer, mixing engineer, and artists involved in the mixdown process.

Analogue summing mixers are known for adding a unique and desired sonic character. Many audio engineers feel they glue everything together in ways that software can never emulate.

Our all-analogue mastering studio is powered by state-of-the-art Class A outboard gear, which enables us to insert a multitude of classic transformer saturations, which is the core of our signature sound.

In short, analog stem mastering is much like working with Play-Doh; in a sense, it’s like sculpting audio with your ears.