What We Do



ZenMastering provides professional audio mastering services to musicians around the world. After almost 20 years in business—and nearly 1.000 projects under our belt—we understand 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, regardless of your style of music. Our mastering process reveals warmth, clarity, and sonic detail you didn't know existed.


In addition to the world's finest mastering we also offer audio restoration, a variety of analog and digital format transfers, and the tools to solve just about any audio problem you can throw at us. In short, we are a one-stop shop for mastering, restoring, archiving, and improving recorded sound!


Contact us for more information, or to get a free mastering sample.


Hear what you've been missing!



How We Do It





Gear. Everyone in the audio world is obsessed with it. In mastering, you don’t just need amazing gear...you need the right gear. We don't cut corners, and we're not messing around with "digital modeling" of analog gear. Our mastering board is the all-analog real deal built from the finest components.


ZenMastering’s custom assembled, all-analog console includes hand-selected pieces from Dangerous Music, Maselec, AnaMod, Pendulum, and Cranesong. Monitored though a Mytek DAC/preamp controlling Lipinski L-707 speakers (with L-3601 Powered Stands) and B&W subwoofers. Spot-checked with Audeze headphones. Everything is connected with DH Labs SilverSonic cable and powered by the Sowden Softbrew system.


Prefer digital? We work in-the-box when needed, and have best-in-class digital tools.


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 ranges 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.





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.


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



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


Factoid

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 shouldn't I use a less expensive online/automated mastering service like LANDR, AI Mastering, CloudBounce, BandLab, or eMastered?"

A: Automated, mass-production services don't compare to professional, all-analog mastering. They're the sonic equivalent to microwaved food. Contact us for a no-obligation sample and hear for yourself.


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 | 858-231-1541