Vinyl Mastering

Audio mastering service for lacquer cutting and DMM (Direct Metal Mastering)

Competent Partner

Since 2006, we have been creating audio vinyl masters for our customers.

International Representation

Active in over 50 countries with numerous vinyl records mastered by us.

Top Customer Service

We are here to provide competent support and advice on vinyl mastering.

Vinyl Mastering Service

In the world of music production, the quality of vinyl mastering plays a crucial role. Every music enthusiast knows that not all physical records are the same. Despite the digital medium's trend in recent decades, many music lovers remain loyal to vinyl records for good reason: The unmistakably balanced sound of a vinyl record remains unmatched to this day. Musicians and producers should keep in mind the unique aspects of audio mastering for vinyl. There are some differences to consider compared to online mastering for streaming platforms!

The Vinyl Mastering Service at Peak Studios optionally includes:

  • Consultation on the manufacturing process (lacquer cutting or DMM)
  • Advice on side length, vinyl size (12, 10, or 7 inches), and playback speed (e.g., 33 or 45 rpm)
  • Recommendations for the ideal track arrangement and pause times
  • Digital test pressing (including pickup simulation, system noise, crackle, and clicks)

What others say about us

excellent
4.9
Based on 304 reviews
Chris from Peak Studios fulfilled my special requests perfectly. He mastered my AI songs so that they fit perfectly on vinyl. Uncomplicated - professional - fast. Short response times and good value for money. I'd be happy to do it again.
Excellent work, llevaron nuestra música a different level! Super recommended
Great communication, great product, on-time delivery!
Service/Support: Service is a top priority here. I received very detailed answers to my questions (sometimes 1.5 pages long). The answers came very quickly and were written in a very professional, precise and informative + understandable way. Mixing: All customer requests were taken into account. Communication was mostly on an equal footing (wherever it was possible in the process) and we were included in the decision-making process (wherever it was possible in the process). I really liked the fact that I was informed if I should reconsider the current decision regarding the sound processing of an instrument. The reason for any reconsideration was also justified and well explained. Top! The recording studio knows how to make the sound powerful but still clear - and at the same time implements the customer's wishes in a skilled manner. The composition achieves a very good depth, especially with analog mastering. On various playback devices it sounds simply wonderful - with suitable mixing. Mastering: I had the honor of being able to be there live. The workflow and the multi-layered processing of the sound are impressive. The sound engineer knows how to use his DAW. Being able to look over the shoulder of a professional was definitely worth the long journey. During the mastering, they also consulted to see if the mastering was OK. You also get two requests for changes in case something isn't right. Conclusion: The price is high, but justified due to the very competent service, the fast support and, most importantly, the very good sound. Sound: Made in Germany.
Gladly again.
Puntuali, competenti e professionali! You can get feedback from me in a mix of brano and my hand with the best advice!
With Chris I was able to take a very informative lesson and expand my knowledge in the area of ​​vocal editing. I was able to pick up some good tips and all of this in a very pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. Thank you very much!
Great, Chris tries to get the best out of the recording!
Very friendly and professional contact. I'd be happy to come again!
Top service and very pleasant, friendly interaction. Your own song is also treated with great respect and the feeling and idea are retained.

.... + very tasty coffee:-)
It has always been a dream of mine to sing professionally. But I never expected it to be so great.
Chris welcomed me very warmly and explained everything really well.
The recordings turned out mega crazy.
Many thanks to Chris.
Я написала стих. In March you will hear the best music. Please listen to this track. Авторские права
I am extremely happy with the result. I would do it again anytime.
The course was explained to me really well. Everything was great.
First-class service, absolutely professional work and in record time! Chris is also totally likeable and supported my project with a level of support that is second to none! A high degree of customer orientation and service in every respect, which is hard to find these days! Now I have not only received an excellent master, but with the help of his mix analysis I have also received really great tips and helpful information on the subject of mixing, from which I will benefit greatly in the future! I can absolutely recommend Peak Studios and am glad to have discovered this excellent studio!
Update: I've now had my third track mastered by Chris and I'm once again completely thrilled with the result! Simply amazing when you hear the mix that was sent for mastering in A/B comparison with the mastering from Peak Studios! The money is absolutely worth it because you get a result that sounds incredibly good on any system, in the car, on headphones or other sound transducers! That's what I call professional! My unconditional recommendation is still: Peak Studios 👍

Review (December 23.12.2024, XNUMX): I received my Christmas present from Chris today - once again an excellent master, even though I wasn't expecting it until the beginning of next year! With his outstanding service and the impeccable sound quality of his delivered works as well as his absolutely professional way of working, it is always a pleasure to complete a project with Chris! I can benefit from his helpful tips again and again and therefore know what I can do differently or better next time when mixing. That is invaluable to me! I am already looking forward to the next project and the collaboration with Peak Studios 😉
Very professional and a very pleasant atmosphere👌🏽Thank you for mixing and mastering, absolutely recommended!
My first contact with Chris was very pleasant and informative. I noticed straight away that I was dealing with a high level of professionalism and technical know-how. I think I would be in very good hands if we were to work together.
Great work! First I received a detailed analysis of my mix and then a great sounding master. Very friendly communication and really quick feedback. Always happy to do it again!
My nervousness was taken away because it was a calm and pleasant "working" with Chris. Coupled with his experience, we will definitely see each other again in the studio!
Chris does an excellent job and takes his time for your wishes and ideas. I had an orchestral mockup mixed and mastered and the result was great. I think that Peak Studios is an excellent address for many different types of music.
Absolutely recommendable, that's exactly how I imagined it, super mastering and excellent customer service, I will only have my songs mastered by you
We had the pleasure of having our band's EP mastered at Peak Studios and we have nothing but positive things to say! From the beginning, Chris was extremely friendly and helpful. He took the time to understand our wishes and ideas and supported us throughout the entire process.
The experience that Chris brings with him is clearly noticeable. He has a feel for details and knows how to bring out the best in the sound of our music. The result has exceeded our expectations - the EP sounds fantastic and professional.
We can recommend Peak Studios and Chris to anyone looking for a competent and dedicated music production partner. Thank you for the great work!
“An absolute enrichment for all music lovers and artists! The support offered here is unique.
Thank you for enriching the music scene with so much heart and expertise. Highly recommended!"
Top studio, a million thanks to Chris and Andre. Thank you all for your passion and love for music.
A great coach and engineer!
We had a song edited at Peak Studios. We are more than happy with the result. It was done quickly and at a fair price!
Peak Studios can definitely be recommended.
Best studio and producer I have ever worked with. Will definitely be back for more songs!
Top mixing/mastering studio. Ideal for our first professional single.
Wonderful workflow and contact between studio and musicians. They take all changes made by the musicians into account, but at the same time give a professional opinion from a sound engineering point of view. We will definitely have more songs mixed at Peak Studio, as they not only offer quality, but also extremely pleasant and relaxed communication.
If you love sound you should work with Peak Studio, very professional, good communication, fast response time;
And most importantly, great sound!!!
I can only recommend this music studio! They got back to me very quickly and took all my requests into account. Chris is very personable and knew exactly what I wanted. You can really tell that he has experience when it comes to mixing/mastering. Great studio 👍🏼👍🏼
Today was the first time I went to Chris' studio to record vocals for a new track. I was immediately impressed by the professional approach that Chris showed from the start. When it comes to equipment, anyone who appreciates professional sound has come to the right place. I'm happy to have found a partner who records my projects skillfully and purposefully. The atmosphere in the studio is also absolutely pleasant and relaxed, which is what makes his human and approachable manner so special. I'll be back soon 🥳👌👍.
I've already had Chris mix and master my second project and I'm so happy with the result. But you're also in good hands at Peak Studios on a personal level. Very friendly and competent support really adds value to the technical know-how. Thanks, Chris.
Excellent work, very professional. Además de repetar las ideas y preferencias del artista te aconsejan y guiían consiguiendo el best results. Chris is a professional and excellent persona. Gracias!
Peak Studios is very good. Professional approach to work, very valuable mixing tips. I will be happy to cooperate again.
Thank you for the professional work and the pleasant atmosphere!
Peak Studios mastered a song for us. Oh my goodness! We were totally surprised at how fresh and modern a mix becomes through professional mastering.
Coordinating with Chris was a lot of fun and always went super quickly! His support with exporting the stems was also great. I had some difficulties integrating the effects on the Aux/Sends. Great experience and I'd love to do it again soon!
Great service on performance. It was great to work with a real Pro. Best wishes from Berlin.
Increasingly look like the music in a new dimension with a powerful work that Chris has made.
Sin duda ha conseguido sacar lo mejor de las pistas que le envié. An authentic MASTER!!!
I record my podcast SYLVANER VALLEY in the PEAK studios. The podcast is also edited and mastered there.
The quality is always great and the cut is available 1-2 days after recording.
The collaboration has been going on for 1 year and has always been extremely satisfactory.
As a satisfied customer, I also entrusted our latest project to Chris. With his in-depth mix analysis, he laid the foundation for a wonderful mix and then refined our new song with analog mastering. Thank you for the great collaboration and see you next time!
Really good initial consultation, individual questions addressed and a tailor-made offer. I'm looking forward to the coaching!
Super fast processing (finished in one day) and a great result. I am very satisfied and will use Peak again and again
Highly recommended! Great result and professional, thanks Chris!
It was my first session with a professional and I have to say, I'm thrilled that someone who knows what they're doing is finally listening to my work and telling me constructively what I'm missing. Unfortunately, one hour wasn't enough, but it showed me that it works and you learn something straight away. I would recommend it to anyone who is stuck.
I can't say enough about Chris and Peak Studios! From the moment I walked into the studio I was greeted warmly and immediately felt at home. Chris is not only incredibly professional and talented, but also very friendly and accommodating. His passion for music and commitment to the highest quality is evident in every detail.

The studio itself is superbly equipped and offers a pleasant atmosphere that encourages creativity and productivity. Chris always takes the time to listen to individual requests and to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the result. He has a great feel for sound and always brings out the best in every recording.

Whether for professional recordings or private projects, I can highly recommend Peak Studios and Chris. Thank you, Chris, for the fantastic collaboration and the unforgettable moments in the studio. I'm already looking forward to many more sessions!
We recorded a song for our daughter's wedding in Max's studio in Berlin. All agreements, whether by email or telephone, with the studio manager Mr. Jones and with Max were kept reliably and to our satisfaction. Both were patient and always friendly. Requests regarding the song were fulfilled to our complete satisfaction.
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Chris Jones CEO of Peak Studios

Listen to the Result before Production in the Pressing Plant

We are proud to be able one of the few recording studios specifically trained and certified to use specifically trained and certified and simulation software that provides us with a preview of the final vinyl product during the mastering process. This software allows us to simulate the sound in conjunction with various pickups and turntables, offering significant advantages .

Precision before Production

Unlike traditional test pressing on copper foil, our software allows for a more accurate representation of how your album will sound on vinyl. Copper foil, due to its material characteristics, is less flexible than vinyl and can exhibit sound differences compared to the lacquer cutting process (the finished record).

Clear Metrics

Our simulation software provides comprehensive information on relevant metrics such as groove space and stylus excursion. This makes it easier to precisely calculate and plan the cut for the engraving or embossing of your vinyl record.

SUCCESSFUL COOPERATIONS WITH WELL-KNOWN ARTISTS

Do you want to start your own successful project? 

Vinyl Mastering Prices

Pricing for vinyl mastering is an important consideration when choosing the right mastering studio, especially when it comes to a specialized area like vinyl mastering. Therefore, we have tried to make this as transparent as possible . For larger projects, we are happy to offer generous discounts !

Vinyl mastering costs

Mastering specially made for vinyl pressing. Playback in the highest vinyl master quality.
from 65 per song *
  • Manufacture according to the guidelines of the press shop.
  • 2 revision versions included.
Suggestions

Vinyl Stem Mastering Costs

Mastering of subgroups. Stem mastering allows for a more in-depth processing of your audio masterial.
from 42,50 per stem **
  • Analog mastering of subgroups.
  • 2 revision versions included.

Vinyl mixing costs

Our vinyl online mixing guarantees an analogue sound experience with a unique New York sound.
from 120 per song *
  • Analog mixing of a stereo mixdown.
  • 2 revision versions included.

*Stereo mastering = 1 stereo track. When uploading multiple group tracks, the vinyl stem mastering is automatically booked.
** at least 2 stems

Prices include VAT

IS YOUR MIX READY?

In our free mix analysis you can find out whether your track can be refined for vinyl mastering.

From Vinyl Mastering to the Finished Record

Our service goes beyond just vinyl mastering: If we know the pressing plant, we closely collaborate with the cutting studio before and during mastering to ensure the best possible translation of audio data onto vinyl .

If needed, we can also connect you with certified pressing plants that handle the production of your records after mastering. We aim to pave the complete path to perfect vinyl records for you.

vinyl

Your upload to Peak-Studios

Step 1 - Selecting the service

First select the desired processing type and then the service. You can find a price overview on our Prices page.

Step 2 - File-upload or quote

You have the choice of uploading your audio files direkt or later known as Alternatively, you can also request a non-binding offer Request.

Step 3 - Upload, project description, data entry

In the next step, you have the choice of uploading your audio files directly , or requesting a quote. If you decide to upload later, you will receive a separate upload link after booking. a separate upload link.

Help and information

If you have any questions about data delivery or the production process, you can find all the information you need in our FAQ section, or download our guide Click HERE .

Accepted payment methods

Google Rating
4.9
Based on 304 reviews
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Our vinyl mastering customers

Connie Conrad
5/5
I have been working with Chris for many years. His mastering stands out from other mastering studios because he feels the mood and musical style of the tracks, rather than focusing on extreme loudness in the loudness war. His sensitive mixing and mastering skills are rare to find on this planet!
Marco Matic
5/5

Top mixing and mastering studio! The boss, Chris, is super friendly and accommodated all my special requests... excellent results. I can highly recommend it to anyone, regardless of the music genre!

Frank Rest
5/5
Great work done in a short amount of time. Quick response time in communication, immediate assistance with questions. Excellent audio mastering, and a very fair price. I'll gladly work with Chris again on the next project. Everything went smoothly! Thank you very much, Chris!

Vinyl Mastering FAQ

Some believe that you need to create two separate masters for vinyl and digital release . This isn't necessary if you avoid excessive loudness through hyper-compression or excessive brilliance in the highs, as is common today. The track would sound wonderful on a vinyl record, and there would be no need to create two different masters for your music. However, in today's digital age, this practice is often followed.

Therefore, it usually makes sense to create an additional master for vinyl (vinyl mastering) because it is often not as sharp in the highs, and several other crucial factors, such as stereo width, dynamics, and loudness, significantly influence where the track sits best on the record. In our mastering tips, there are some things to consider when online mastering for a vinyl record to achieve a good sound for your music.

The mono-compatibility is particularly important when it comes to vinyl. Loud sounds with strong attack times can be problematic, and if exaggerated, they can cause the needle to skip. On the other hand, strings and pad sounds should receive less emphasis in the vinyl master. The goal is to have a strong mono center, starting at around 300 Hz and below. This doesn't mean that everything must be in mono, but rather, more attention should be paid to this aspect because excessive stereo width can lead to a high stylus excursion. This not only affects the cutting level but also the groove space usage.

In vinyl mastering, it's essential to remove or reduce stereo information in the bass region to achieve a rich and central low-end sound and avoid needle skipping on the record. Since the track should breathe, compression should be used carefully. The goal is to gently attenuate only the peaks with a low threshold value, rather than turning the entire song into a dynamic uniformity.

A track intended for vinyl release should maintain a certain level of dynamics to sound good and clean on a record. The approach may vary depending on the genre and the song itself. It's important to avoid processors that add overtones, such as an exciter, which can make the record sound "shrill" When it comes to vinyl mastering, special attention should be paid to high frequencies (S-sounds). If no precautions are taken, they can become either "muddy" or too "sharp". These considerations arise due to the nature of vinyl production.

EQ'ING IN THE VINYL MASTER

In EQ'ing, I apply a low-cut filter at around 40Hz to minimize any potential rumble on the record. A high-cut filter is used to limit the upper frequencies. For vinyl mastering, 17kHz is a good starting point because a record may not faithfully reproduce frequencies beyond that range. Experiment with different filter slopes to achieve a very gentle roll-off With a gentle roll-off (e.g., 6 dB or a maximum of 12 dB/octave slope), you can set your high-cut EQ for vinyl mastering at 15 kHz.

During the so-called “Half Speed ​​Vinyl Mastering” in lacquer cutting process , it's even possible to reproduce a frequency response up to 25kHz. This is because it operates at 16 2/3RPM instead of the standard XNUMX XNUMX/XNUMX RPM. The advantage of this approach is that it significantly improves the precision of transferring all information during vinyl mastering. As a result, you have fewer distortions , better transient response, and benefit from greater dynamic range.

S-SOUNDS

As mentioned earlier, S-sounds can make a record sound "shrill". To avoid this, I'll describe two approaches:

  1. Using the bandpass filter of a de-esser, we search for the "sharp" frequency, which can range between 3-10 kHz (depending on the song). Afterward, you carefully adjust the de-esser. This should be done with sensitivity to avoid attenuating too much of the specific frequency. It always depends on the song, so it's difficult to provide exact values. This is a technique  used not only in vinyl masteringbut can be particularly important here to ensure a clean sound on the record. For the pros: Adjust the octave above the centre frequency accordingly. 
  2. alternative approach is to use an EQ. With the EQ, we also search for the specific frequency and make a narrow cut (high Q-value) of -1 to 5 dB. This will affect the entire track's tonal colour, which can be intentional. There is NO one perfect solution.

MID-SIDE EQ'ING

Stereo information  in the bass region is not only removed for vinyl mastering, but it's essentialto prevent needle skipping. It sounds better overall when the bass is more central. To achieve this, you can use a high-pass filter to remove low frequencies from the side signal. This can theoretically be accomplished with any audio processor that has a mono bass control .

When using Compressors in vinyl mastering, caution is advised. The track should be allowed to breathe. Low ratio values are used (1,1:1 – 1,6:1). The threshold value is kept low to prevent the compressor from gripping too strongly and to only gently attenuate the peaks. M/S compression is also a suitable option, allowing the side signal to be processed separately from the mono signal. Lastly, the track order on the record should be determined. The closer you get to the centre of a record, the worse the representation of high frequencies and their transientsbecomes. Therefore, the track with the most "Brilliance" should be placed at the beginning.

Brilliance , in our context, refers to the addition of high frequencies in the range of approximately 6-20 kHz, a process that is relevant in vinyl mastering. It's crucial to avoid large level jumps and extreme energy weighting in the upper kHz range in the mix because, due to the manufacturing process, cutting, and the nature of vinyl, this can lead to the pressing plant rejecting the production. Even worse, it can cause the record or the needle on the record to start skipping, and your music won't sound good. This can be mitigated by aiming for lower overall loudness levels - , typically between -12 and -20 LUFS (but please don't hold us to these exact values). Of course, you can also have “loud” songs pressed on vinyl, but this usually comes with compromises in terms of resolution, space consumption and cutting level.

your contact

Do you have any questions or would you like to speak personally about your project?

Chris Jones

Managing Director of Peak Studios

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