What We Do



ZenMastering provides professional audio mastering services to musicians, producers, and record labels/content owners around the world. Our clients range from garage bands to GRAMMY-winning artists.

We make sure your recorded music sounds its best, regardless of final format or listening environment, so the world can hear it as its meant to be heard. Or, as one listener put it, “no matter—whether I played the disk on my big-speaker stereo or my rinky-dink CD player with its 4½-inch speaker in my kitchen—everything in the recording came across.”

We believe that mastering is a specialization within the world of audio. ZenMastering doesn't offer recording or mixing services. Mastering is all we do.​



How We Do It



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.


Our custom assembled all-analog mastering console adds the ultimate finishing touch to your recording...revealing clarity, impact, power, and detail you didn't know existed in your digital mixes.





Hand-selected pieces from Dangerous Music, Maselec, AnaMod, and Pendulum. Monitored though the Lynx Hilo AD/DA, controlling Lipinski L-707 speakers (bi-amplified by Parasound 2125 v.2) and B&W subwoofers. All work spot-checked with Audeze headphones. Everything is connected with DH Labs SilverSonic cable and powered by the Sowden Softbrew system.


Prefer digital processing? Fine, be like that. We work in-the-box when needed and have best-in-class digital tools for those occasions, as well as the best software for audio restoration.


Request a free mastering sample and hear the difference for yourself.




The Person Who Does It



ZenMastering is owned and operated by renowned audio engineer Paul Abbott, whose clientele range from up-and-coming indie musicians to award-winning artists and labels.


Paul has been featured in Music Connection's "Masters of Mastering" series and appeared as a guest columnist for many of pro audio's leading publications. One of Paul's articles was even cited in Damon Krukowski's acclaimed book The New Analog.





Paul's perspective on mastering comes from decades of playing music, making recordings, critical listening, and rigorous comparative audio/sonic analysis. His mastering philosophy is that the highest-quality, properly matched analog gear produces the best results.




Published Articles



Paul has been a featured columnist in many of pro audio's leading publications: EQ, Tape Op, Sound on Sound, Music Connection, and Taxi. Each cover image below links to the article which appeared in that issue.


Suggested Reading

● WHAT Is Mastering and WHY You Need It
● An Argument for Specialization
● Preparing Audio Files for Mastering


Did You Know?

Paul was referenced in Damon Krukowski's acclaimed book The New Analog.



What Others Have Said



"It is always a true joy working with you. Not only are you an incredible mastering engineer, but I always learn something new about my end of the craft."





Deborah Reeves


What Others Have Said



"Awesome work on my debut album...gracias a todos."





Don Soledad


What Others Have Said



"I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else with any recording."​





Lafe Dutton


What Others Have Said



"Paul Abbott/ZenMastering...TOP SHELF!"





Scottie Blinn


What Others Have Said



"That's it! That was the easiest mastering ever (on my end). You nailed it."





Steve Denyes


What Others Have Said



"I will absolutely be taking my next album to Paul and consider him part of my team.
Working with great people is a must. That's why I work with Paul. Great ears, great guy."





Francesca Valle


What Others Have Said



"...you did an incredible job with the Jim Sonefeld (Hootie and the Blowfish drummer) project.
I think it sounds absolutely fantastic! Thank you."





Francis Dunnery


What Others Have Said



"Thank you for all the work you put into this. Beautiful. Simply beautiful."





Arash Haile (aka Shammy Dee)


What Others Have Said



"That's it man! Great freakin' job! It's all warm and tapey now!"





Jeff Berkley


What Others Have Said



"...what really sets Paul apart is his absolute consistency in all the ways that matter to me: temperament, communication style, follow through, and quality of results."





Jesse Johnson


What Others Have Said



"Amazing work you've done to round out the sound. I'm 100% happy. Can't thank you enough."





Nick Montemarano


What Others Have Said



"[Paul's] ear is finely attuned and he has the technical ability necessary to get the desired results."





Andy Robinson


What Others Have Said



"My association with Paul Abbott and ZenMastering has been one of the most productive and satisfying experiences in mastering I have ever had."





Randy Cierley-Sterling


FAQ



Q: "Why not use a less expensive automated online mastering service like LANDR, AI Mastering, CloudBounce, or eMastered?"

A: Automated digital plug-in mastering can't compare with professional, all-analog mastering. Those automated digital services are the sonic equivalent to microwave cooking. If your music is important to you, use a professional mastering engineer/studio that works with the highest quality analog tools.


Q: "Are your mastering prices negotiable?"

A: We’ll happily discuss your budget and your project. Our goal is to make your recording sound its best.



Prices



For standard-length recording projects, here's a point of reference:

  • $99 for a single song
  • $75 per song for EPs and albums (i.e., a 4-song E.P. is $300)

Once we know the exact number of songs and the total playing time of your project, we can give an exact price quote.


International shipping of master discs (if required) is a separate fee.



Communicate with Us



Ask a question, request a sample, or schedule a mastering session.








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P.O. Box 231097 | Encinitas, CA 92023-1097