Mastering for The independent
My Approach
I pride myself on adapting to each project, whether you want subtle sonic enhancement or a mastering process that stays completely faithful to your original mix, I work to make your music sound its absolute best. Every project is treated individually, with careful attention to the nuances that make your recording unique.
I focus on delivering a solid, punchy bottom end that gives tracks weight and drive, while preserving the transients that give your music energy and dynamics.
Hi, I’m Stuart McKillop
I’ve been shaping the sound of independent music for over 25 years. Specializing in punk, hardcore, metal, shoegaze and beyond. I bring decades of experience and a passion for helping artists make their records sound powerful, polished and true to vision.
Whether you’re putting the finishing touches on a raw, high-energy punk track or crafting the lush textures of shoegaze, my goal is to make your music hit harder, resonate longer and translate everywhere.
Listen // Watch
Mastering Rates
Single Song $100 2+ Songs $80/each Instrumental +$25/each Vinyl Master +$100 12” +$50 7” Cassette Master +$100 LP +$50 EP DDP For CD Duplication +$50
All prices are in CAD +GST
Send Files
Please send 24 or 32 bit wav or aiff files at the sample rate that you have captured your mixes.
Remove any limiting you have on the mix, and make sure your peaks aren't hitting (or exceeding) 0 dBFS. There's a misconception that mastering engineers require 3-6 dB of headroom, but this is simply not true. As long as it's not clipping, everything is fine!
Another misconception is that you shouldn't use any mix buss processing. Nothing wrong with compression and EQ. I do however advise against heavy handed compression and/or limiting for the sake of loudness, as well as excessive use of stereo widening tools on the mix buss. If you have any doubts about what you've done, please send a version with and without.
For Data Entry
Band Name
Album Name
Song Titles
Song Order
Side Split for Vinyl
ISRC and UPC Codes for CD Master
Genre
Jpeg of Your Cover Art
ISRC Codes
The ISRC (International Standard Recording Code) is the international identification system for sound recordings and music video recordings. Each ISRC is a unique and permanent identifier for a specific recording which is assigned as its digital fingerprint. ISRCs provide the means to track and identify recordings and are used widely by digital services and retailers. CONNECT Music Licensing acts as the Canadian administrator for ISRC codes on behalf of Music Canada.
Monitoring
Cranesong Avocet Monitor Controller
ATC SCM20ASL PRO MKII Speakers
Paradigm Servo 15 Sub
Sound Anchor Stands
Trinnov ST2 Pro
HEDD Audio HEDDphones
Gear
transfer
Dangerous Music Liaison
Cranesong HEDD 192 (DA Updated to Quantum
EQ/Compression
Manley Mini Massive
Avalon 747
Dangerous Music Compressor
Dangerous Music BAX EQ
API 2500 Bus Compressor
Gyraf GSSL Turbo Bus Compressor
Operational Audio Mastering EQ
Effects
Bricasti M7 Reverb
Ursa Major Space Station
Ursa Major MSP 126 Delay
Digital
Weiss
DMG Audio
Fabfilter
Leapwing Audio
Izotope
Tone Projects
etc.