The mastering process begins by addressing all of the processes that are traditionally known as 'pre-mastering.' This includes developing a consistent and musically focused approach to tone, dynamics, and loudness for your project. After the mixes are processed, a program sequence is constructed, including song order and track spacing.
At the end of the session we'll generate a reference Red Book CD-DA. This reference CD lets you to experience the master in your own playback environment and time frame.
Sometimes clients decide to make changes to the master or the sequence, like switching song order or using a different version of a mix. Those sessions will be booked promptly, and will also generate a reference CD.
Once a reference CD is approved, we'll author a DDP or Red Book CD-DA master for replication. This master will include PQ subcodes, CD-Text, and ISRC codes (if provided). Every master is quality-checked to ensure error-free, flawless performance during replication.
Clients are welcome at all sessions, but if you can't attend, or you don't want to attend, that's fine too. As long as we have good session notes for your project, we can deliver the same quality results from across the country. We'll set up an account on our FTP server, or arrange delivery using Fed Ex. If you prefer, we can also use an online application like dropbox.com
Rates, Quotes, and BookingOur hourly rate is $75. Shipping charges are billed as used. Most 50 to 60 minute album projects take about 7 to 8 hours, but every project is different. Please email booking@anthemmastering.com or call Rob Schlette at 651.335.8076 to discuss your project.
We recommend booking your session about two weeks ahead, but we'll always do our best to work in last minute bookings. 
We never book sessions that we can't complete by the given deadline, so if we book it, you can relax.
After you have approved your reference CD, we'll deliver an invoice that includes all applicable rates and shipping charges. After the balance is paid we'll deliver your master via DDP upload, CD via Fed Ex, or you can pick it up. You can pay with a personal or corporate check made payable to Anthem Mastering, or follow the link to use PayPal.
Source Mixes and Session NotesSource mixes can be provided in a varierty of ways. Anthem Mastering can provide clients with secure FTP login information to upload mix files and session notes. Some clients prefer to use an online service like Dropbox instead. You can ship us any durable removable medium like Orange Book CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, or you can bring your files with you to your session.
For mixes delivered on 1/4" or 1/2" tape, please email or call first. Do not ship tapes or hard-drives that are not backed up.
No matter which delivery method you choose, be sure to include complete session notes for your project, including:
- Song order with any additional notes on spacing and transitions;- CD-Text information (including complete song titles);
- ISRC numbers (see below);
- Information about which mix versions to use if there are multiple mix masters.
Feel free to use this handy PDF for your session notes. You can email the completed form back to us before your session.
If you have any questions about what to provide or how to provide it, check out Anthem Mastering's Bouncing Mix Masters FAQ and Recommendations for Creating and Delivering Mix Master Files.
ISRC and UPC/EANThe International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) is issued by the US ISRC as a tool for catalog administration and royalty collection. If you provide ISRC numbers, we can include this information in the metadata of your Red Book CD-DA master. For more information on obtaining ISRC numbers prior to your mastering session, check out this page.
Universal Product Codes (UPC/EAN) are often referred to as 'the barcode.' While UPC/EAN is primariliy a retail point-of-purchase tool, including your UPC numbers in the metadata of your CD master will simplify how those codes are implemented. For more information on obtaining UPC numbers prior to your mastering session, check with your CD replicator.
CD-Text and Gracenote CDDBCD-Text is an Interactive Text Transmission System (ITTS) that was added to the Red Book CD-DA standard in 1996. Using CD-Text, information like Artist Name, Album Title, and Song Name is stored in the Lead-In of a Red Book CD. CD players and CD-ROM drives that support CD-Text can display that information during playback.
CD-Text does not supply any metadata to digital media applications like iTunes or Winamp. Rather, these types of applications use one or more online databases like the Gracenote CDDB to access a much more detailed set of track-specific metadata.
Regardless of the choice to use CD-Text or not, CD database information must be submitted separately. Submitting to the Gracenote CDDB is as simple as inserting the CD into your computer, manually entering the information into the appropriate fields in iTunes, and choosing ‘Submit CD Track Names’ from the Advanced menu. For more information, visit Gracenote's FAQ