Mastering Services

Formats & Guidelines
• Unity Mastering NYC accepts all digital file types
and formats up to 96K.

•  Formats higher than 96k will require an additional rental charge.
•  Analog formats include 1/4", 1/2", 30,
15, or 7.5 IPS.
•  Dolby A, SR, or DBX encoded tapes also
require an additional rental charge.

•  All tapes and/or digital media should be clearly
labeled.
•  Tapes should have at least 1k, 10k, and 100 Hz
alignment tones.

•  Tapes with 16k and 40 or 50 Hz get
bonus points.

•  Whenever possible, you should make backups of
your tapes or media before bringing or sending
your masters.
•  Master mixes used for your session should be the
1st -generation version.

•  Specifically, whenever possible, we
prefer not to master from a 16bit
CDR or copied files, or any format that
has been degraded with unnecessary
processing, e.g. sample rate
conversion, bit reduction, digital
limiting for level, etc…
•  In the case of analog, mastering with
anything other than the 1st
generation master should be avoided,
if at all possible. This also includes
using an analog copy of your digitally
mixed master because your friend said
it would "warm things up", unless you
also have the digital source file for
comparison.

•  Not sure what to print to - DAT, 96K Masterlink?
Your friends old Revox 1/4"?

•  If you can, print to several formats and
let the mastering engineer decide.
•  In other words:

•  Mixes right off the multi-
track, good.
•  Different mix format
options, good.
•  DAT copies of the 96 file
from the analog output of
an 002, bad.
•  16 bit CDR made from a
48k file, bounced to disk
and sample rate converted on the fast setting, really
bad.
•  If in doubt, call or email
us.

Rates

• Rates are normally figured on a per-song basis.
• Albums of 50 minutes or less total time generally have a predictable maximum charge, regardless of number of songs.
• This cost covers:

•  EQ, compression, limiting, and any other
processing.

•  Basic editing and sequencing.

• We will take as long as needed to achieve the desired results, including a reasonable amount of changes (sequencing, EQ, etc...) after conclusion of the initial session at no additional cost.
• Little snippets for cool segues are freebies and do not count as songs.
• Also, 13-song albums get the baker's dozen discount.
• This rate also covers a couple of CD refs and an un-proofed disc for replication.

•  If you want a proofed CD or DDP image on a CD,
there is an extra charge of $75.

• If you require A LOT of editing and micro-sonic surgery, that's no problem, but there may be additional charges based on how much extra time is required.
• Call for further information.
• Most importantly, whatever your budget may be, let us know and we'll do our best to work with you.