Hi everyone:

I'm finishing mixing my record and I'm starting to worry/think about mastering. I definitely want to stay away from the "I have mastering software on my PC" guys; I would like it professionally done. However, all the info that I come up with has to do with big name mastering engineers in high price studios. I would love for Bob Ludwig or Greg Calbi to master my record, but I could probably only afford for them to eq one verse. All kidding aside, my question is, have any of you discovered a fairly resonably priced mastering studio ($1000 or less for 11 songs) that is professional in both equiptment and the way they treat their clientele? I have friends and family all over the country, so I really don't care what city it's in. I need to take a little trip anyway. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Roger Siebel at SAE is super great but a bit pricey. If you are in Chicago you may want to try Blaise Barton at Scientific Mastering. Blaise is great and is great for a tight budget. Plus, you get to sit in and hear it come together. I have learned a ton from my last few sessions with him. (email him at BBartecell@aol.com)

another chicago option...dan stout at colossal mastering. he has mastered everything that i've ever done at electrical and elsewhere and i have no reason to look for another mastering house. i think you can check out the rates at www.colossalmastering.com, but i think the last record we did was 10 songs for about $1000. this seems close to your price range. i'm sure others will support this suggestion. i know that dan encourages you to be at the actual mastering session but he'll take care of you if you can't make it. good luck.

I have absolutely NO experience, but when I do finally get to that point with my music, I plan on checking out John Golden's facilities in Ventura, CA (it's just a wee bit north of LA)

http://www.johngoldenmastering.com/

goodluck.

Dave Gardner, who runs Magneto Mastering here in Minneapolis does really good work.

http://magnetomastering.com/

Trevor Sadler at Mastermind in Milwaukee offers quite reasonable rates for small projects. He's got a nice comfy space, top notch equipment, and you can sit in on the session. He's a super nice guy to boot (and on this board if you want to ask him any questions).

www.mastermindproductions.net

Mayfair wrote:If you are in Chicago you may want to try Blaise Barton at Scientific Mastering. Blaise is great and is great for a tight budget. Plus, you get to sit in and hear it come together. I have learned a ton from my last few sessions with him. (email him at BBartecell@aol.com)

I took this advice from Counselor Mayfair and had an excellent first true mastering experience. Seconded, no waffles.

of the "professional grade" masterers - i've used golden, mastermind and colossal.

if planning vinyl release - golden can do both and do both awesome (but you have to send it out - so you can't sit in unless you live in cali). if just going to cd - i have done repeat business with mastermind - i have learned much by sitting in on these sessions. i also think just like picking an engineer or studio, one of the most important aspects is being able to communicate your ideas and needs to the person you're working with - to feel like you're all on the same page - and that they "get it" so to speak.

FYI- If you go with John Golden, expect to wait a while. Not because he is slow, but because he is usually swamped with work. The guy is justifiably in demand.

i second johngolden!

i was told to expect a 3 wks wait and rec'd my last master from him in about 1.5 weeks. HOLY SHIT!

so okay!