ZenMastering on SoundBetter

Mastering is a specialization within the world of audio. It's all we do, and we do it right.

ZenMastering provides professional audio mastering services to musicians, producers, and record labels/content owners around the world. Our client list ranges from bands you've never heard of to musicians you definitely know.

Put simply, we make sure recorded music sounds its best regardless of final format or listening environment...so the world can hear it as its meant to be heard.

After more than 20 years in business — and over 1,000 projects under our belt — we realize there's no substitute for experience, attention to detail, and professional integrity. The best equipment doesn't hurt, either.

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

Credits

Too many to mention majors as well as Indie

Languages

English

6 Reviews

Endorse ZenMastering

by Shammy Dee
If you're looking for that magic to have your tracks compete with the best, you found it. Paul will deliver tracks that sound loud, clear, and hit with his magic touch! He's been my go to mastering engineer for years. Hit him up and you'll see why!
by Christopher Dale
Everything you could want when it comes to song mastering! From the quality sound result, to caring customer service and timely turnaround. It's the thoughful and professional experience that we always hope for from any service provider. When it comes to sounding good wait, make that great, ZenMastering delivers and never disappoints!
by Cathryn Beeks
Every project I’ve ever made has been mastered by Paul from Zen mastering. I can’t recommend him enough!
by Joe Tavano
Paul has mastered my two latest songs, Coda and Evermore, taking each to a new level, emphasizing the rich tones of the violin and piano. I highly recommend Zen Mastering!
by Jon Hasz
Paul always delivers top mastering service and great turn around time!
by Scott Argiro
Zen Mastering continues to provide me unparalleled customer service coupled with a superior mastered product. I recommend them highly for a top-notch sonic result and customer experience.

Interview with ZenMastering

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Any mastering project where I exceeded the customer's expectations.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Always mastering new work from clients all over in various genres.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Analog. Higher resolution and more musical. That said, today's world is a hybrid. The best combo is digital for recording and mixing, and analog for mastering.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: Working with ZenMastering will be a positive experience that gives you the end result you're after.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Working with artists who are trying to create new sounds.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: A common question is how to prepare final mixes for mastering. It's so common I wrote an article in EQ magazine about it: https://zenmastering.com/art-of-delivery.html
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: The biggest misconception about mastering is that there's a specific box (or piece of equipment) that gets a "magical" sound. The key is objectvity and experience.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Are you serious about your music and recordings?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: If you are trying to make a professional-sounding recording, an experienced mastering engineer is a key part of the equation. Find one who listens to you. That will help you get where you are trying to be with your recording.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Stereo microphone, acoustic guitar, laptop, audio interface, Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I've been a mastering engineer for over 20 years and hope to be doing it for 20 more!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Objectively analytical.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Make your mixes sound the way you want them to sound, but don't worry about making them loud. That will be handed in mastering, and a M.E. can't remove processing you've applied, so dynamics and headroom are golden.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Everytthing. Over the last 20 years there's probably is not a genre I haven't mastered.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Objectivity and ninja-like mastering expertise.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: After more than 20 years in business — and over 1,000 projects under our belt — we realize there's no substitute for experience, attention to detail, and professional integrity. The best equipment doesn't hurt, either.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: 1) Receive email from potential client. Discuss project and their goals, deadline, budget, etc. 2) Receive files from clients (analog formats as well as digital from 16/44.1 up to 32/192). 3) Master music and post for approval. 4) Make any required revisions 5) Deliver final masters in client-requested format.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Dedicated mastering facility. All-analog mastering console. Hi-fidelity speakers with satellite subwoofers. Audiophile silver cable connects everything, going through world-class D/A-A/D conversion.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Anyone who is creating great-sounding recordings.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Mastering