Mastering
We take your approved mix and shape loudness, tone, and stereo image on full-range monitors, then export files matched to each platform. Album and EP sequencing—including level consistency across tracks—is handled in our Shibuya mastering workflow.
Mastering at valvularcloudco in Tokyo is the step after mixing: we receive stereo mixes (or agreed stem groups), adjust for translation on consumer systems, and deliver digital masters ready for distribution.
Single tracks, five-song EPs, and ten-song albums are priced as listed below (prices include 10% VAT). Share reference tracks, destinations, and dynamics preferences when you get in touch. Format details are summarized in mastering formats and delivery; booking terms sit in our terms and conditions.
How it works
Brief
Tell us track count, length, platforms, references, and file format via contact. We usually reply within 2 business days with availability and pricing.
Upload
Send 48 kHz / 24-bit stereo WAV (or pre-agreed stems) via a shared link. If we spot clipping or excessive silence, we align on fixes before mastering.
Master
We set EQ, dynamics, stereo width, and loudness targets, checking on full-range speakers and 4 nearfield pairs in the control room.
Deliver
Files ship in agreed formats with names per our delivery guide. Revisions follow the terms—up to 2 rounds included.
What mastering adjusts
Mastering is not a remix. It is the last pass on an existing balance: overall EQ, low-end control, vocal/instrument depth, stereo image cleanup, and loudness targets for streaming or CD. Fades, gaps between songs, and peak headroom are tuned when needed.
For EPs and albums we prioritize consistent tone and perceived level across the sequence, checking each song alone and as a continuous play-through.
Who it suits
Artists preparing a streaming launch, self-released CDs, or label/distributor format requirements; teams who mixed at home or elsewhere and want an objective finish before release. If you still need balance work, book mixing first—we quote stages separately.
Spoken-word projects that only need level polish may fit podcast production or voice recording better. Mention music vs speech when you write in.
Room and monitoring
Work happens in the control room on full-range mains plus 4 nearfields. The 3-room facility includes a 42 m² live room and a 12 m² iso booth, but mastering listens use a dedicated position tuned for translation.
Routing uses up to 32 inputs; chains combine hardware and software. We also spot-check on studio headphones (8 pairs available) to catch harsh extremes.
What to prepare
Default input is a stereo mix WAV at 48 kHz / 24-bit unless your project rate differs—tell us upfront. Name files with song title and mix version. Two or three reference tracks plus notes like “slightly quieter than track 2” help us lock direction quickly.
- Platforms (streaming, download, video)
- Physical media if any (CD, cassette)
- Instrumental or karaoke versions mastering in the same batch
- Timing notes if credits require exact lengths
Budget context for upstream work: mixing budget guide. If the mix needs repair before mastering, we quote extra time separately.
Timeline and revisions
After upload we run a format check and short listening note. Typical turnaround for one song is about 1–3 business days, depending on queue length. EP/album packs are handled in sequence—send track order if you have it.
Request revisions in one batch via [email protected] or the contact form (bullet points help). Included tweaks cover overall balance, loudness retargeting, and extra exports within scope. Rebuilding the mix belongs under mixing.
Delivery formats
Standard delivery is mastered stereo WAV; bit depth and sample rate follow your distributor. We can supply normalized streaming masters, 16-bit / 44.1 kHz CD masters, 24-bit hi-res variants—list requirements when booking. Naming and QA steps live in mastering formats and delivery.
DDP authoring and press plant handholding are not included. If a plant sends a spec, share it and we align on what we can export. Delivery is usually a download link; physical media is billed at cost.
Rates (incl. VAT)
Prices include 10% VAT. Packs assume one release project.
| Plan | Scope | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Single | One stereo title | ¥13,200 |
| Five songs | EP scale | ¥55,000 |
| Ten songs | Album scale | ¥99,000 |
Ex-VAT reference: single ¥12,000, five ¥50,000, ten ¥90,000. Rush fees, stem mastering, and extra formats are quoted separately. B2B invoice terms: terms, 30-day payment when approved.
Not included
Included: mastering for agreed songs, standard exports, up to 2 revision rounds, and 12 months of project storage. Not included unless quoted:
- Mixing, new recording, voice or rehearsal sessions
- Writing, arranging, sound design from scratch
- DDP creation, artwork, distributor upload
- Copyright registration or ISRC administration
- Revisions beyond 2 rounds or full remasters after mix swaps
See privacy policy for data handling and FAQ for shared booking rules.
Hours and location
Hours: Mon–Fri 11–22 / Sat 10–20 — Monday–Friday 11:00–22:00, Saturday 10:00–20:00. Closed Sundays and public holidays.. Address: 道玄坂1-24-8 valvularcloudco B1F, 150-0043, 渋谷区, Tokyo. About 8 minutes on foot from Shibuya Station (Hachiko Exit) via JR, Tokyo Metro, Tokyu and Keio lines. Walk up Dogenzaka to 1-24-8 and take the elevator to basement level 1.. Visits are by appointment when you pick up drives or combine with mixing; most mastering is remote upload/download.
Email [email protected], phone 03-6455-8820 (03-6455-8820). Browse all services or adjust cookies via .
Included
- Full-range and nearfield listening pass
- Loudness, tone, and stereo width tuning
- Standard streaming-ready WAV export
- Up to 2 revision rounds
- Initial listening notes
- 12-month project archive
- Delivery naming per format guide
FAQ
Which mix format should I send?
Stereo WAV at 48 kHz / 24-bit is ideal; 32-bit float is fine. MP3-only sources usually need a remix or mixing pass first. Obvious clipping may require mix fixes before we master.
Can you rush a single?
Sometimes, if the calendar allows—we cannot promise shorter deadlines when fully booked. State your date in contact; rush surcharges are quoted separately.
Will you level-match my album sequence?
Yes—use the five-song (¥55,000) or ten-song (¥99,000) pack, send track order, and keep mix versions consistent across titles.
Do you hit streaming loudness specs?
We can target major platform loudness norms. If you release on multiple services, list them upfront and read delivery formats for file types.
How many revisions are included?
Terms allow 2 rounds. Batch notes in one email when possible. Mix rewrites are new work, not mastering revisions.
Other services
Voice recording
Engineer-led vocal, narration and spoken-word sessions in an isolated booth.
¥8,800 · per hour (incl. VAT)
Mixing
Balance multitrack material and deliver stems ready for streaming or physical release.
¥22,000 · per song (incl. VAT)
Podcast production
Recording through edit and noise cleanup with a workflow tuned for spoken word.
¥7,700 · per hour (incl. VAT)
Rehearsal recording
Capture band or ensemble rehearsals in the live room for reference sharing.
¥6,600 · per hour (incl. VAT)
Recording in Shibuya?
Tell us about your project
Share the use case, track count and preferred dates. We reply within 2 business days with a slot proposal and a written quote.