What We Do
ZenMastering provides professional audio mastering services to musicians, producers, and record labels/content owners around the world. Our client list ranges from garage bands you've never heard of to GRAMMY-winning artists. Over the last two decades we've mastered it all.
But what is it that we do? 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. Or, as one music reviewer of our mastering said, “...whether I played the disc 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.”
Mastering is a specialization within the world of audio. It's all we do, and we do it right. Request a free mastering sample and hear the difference for yourself.
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 Lipinski monoblock amps) 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 (a nod to Doug Sax's famous coffee comment...).
Need digital processing? 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 if a bit of clean-up is required prior to mastering.
The Person Who Does It
ZenMastering is owned and operated by renowned mastering engineer Paul Abbott.
Paul has been featured in Music Connection's "Masters of Mastering" series and appeared as an expert 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, including EQ, Tape Op, Sound on Sound, Music Connection, and Taxi.
Each magazine cover below links to the article Paul wrote for that issue. But if you only have time for the essentials, check out these three articles...
Client Testimonials
Over the years we've had more nice things said about us than we can list here. Below are a few notable clients who shared their opinion. For a more complete list, check out our Facebook page...we post new client comments there weekly.
"...you did an incredible job with the Jim Sonefeld (Hootie and the Blowfish drummer) project. I think it sounds absolutely fantastic!
Thank you."
"My association with Paul Abbott and ZenMastering has been one of the most productive and satisfying experiences in mastering I have ever had."
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Q: "Why not use a less expensive, automated/AI mastering service like LANDR, AI Mastering, CloudBounce, BandLab, Masterchannel, Maastr, or eMastered?"
A: Automated/AI digital plug-in mastering can't compare with all-analog mastering done by an experienced professional. If your music is important to you, use an experienced mastering engineer/studio that works with the highest quality analog tools, understands your goals, and listens to your perspective.
Prices
Cost depends on the details of each project. For "average length" songs (3-4 minutes), though, here's a point of reference:
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One-minute sample master of your mix: free
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Single song: $99
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Two or more songs: $75/song
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4-song E.P.: $300 ($75/song)
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Full album (10 songs, 40-ish minutes): $750 ($75/song)
Once we know the number of songs and total playing time of your project we can give an exact price.
Note: cost includes any pre-mastering discussions (including a complimentary sample, if requested), mastering, and one revision if there's anything that you feel needs re-consideration. No hidden fees!
International shipping of master discs (if required) is a separate fee.
Contact Us
Complete the form below to book a session, request a free mastering sample, or just ask a question about recording or mastering.
Useful information for us is how many songs you need mastered, total playing time, and any deadline associated with your project.