Mastering

Mastering is a final listen with a fresh perspective: a chance to refine the balance, care for the dynamics and prepare your music for release while respecting what you’ve built in the mix.

I’m Jose María Fernández. I work online with bands and solo artists worldwide, with an eclectic outlook and a particular affinity for rock, jazz, folk, film scores and experimental music. Every project calls for a different approach: an intimate piece, a powerful band or a composition full of contrasts each needs different decisions.

I listen to tone, depth, transients and the relationship between sections. I aim for a cohesive result that preserves the music’s intention and translates across listening systems. Loudness is one of those decisions, alongside character and expression.

Jose listening on headphones in the studio

For an EP or album, I also look after the relationship between tracks so the release flows as a whole while preserving each song’s personality.

Before we start, I listen to your mix and we discuss references, where it will be released and what you expect from the result. If I notice something worth revisiting in the mix, I’ll let you know so we can discuss how to resolve it.

We clearly agree on deliverables and revisions, with a direct, friendly and responsible approach.

Tell me what you’re working on, and let’s see what your music needs at this final stage.

Mastering file requirements

Important: I only work with files at a minimum of 24 bits.

I’ll check your files first to make sure everything is ready for mastering.

File delivery requirements

  • Bit depth: 24-bit minimum (ideally 24-bit or 32-bit float). I do not accept 16-bit files.
  • Sample rate: deliver files at the original mix sample rate (44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz).
  • Format: WAV/AIFF without final processing (no master limiter or normalisation).
  • Headroom: peaks between -3 and -6 dBFS, with no clipping.
  • Prior editing: a clean final mix with no unwanted noise or artefacts.
  • Consolidation: the complete stereo track from 0:00 to the end.
  • Reference (optional): reference tracks and notes (style, target loudness).
  • Includes a brief document with notes (target LUFS, reference tracks).

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