What is Mastering?

Mastering is the process of taking one’s finished/ mixed music and making it sound polished and refined. It is the last step in the chain before sending it out for distribution. Mastering not only makes your music louder, but also adds an extra dimension, color, and depth which will also help your music translate well on most sound sources.

Getting your music mastered is crucial to getting signed and having a proper label take your music and you seriously. Unmastered music will often sound weak and unfinished to most industry professionals.

Do I have to master my tracks?

No. But you should. Most labels will not take you seriously if your track sounds weak, dull and unfinished.

Can you explain what “2 Channel” Mastering Means Exactly?

Sure! It’s Simple. We use 1 Stereo WAV File and Master it. 2 Channels are both the Right and the Left Combined in the Stereo WAV

How do I Bounce down my stems from my DAW?

The internet is full of great knowledge, or you can simply CLICK HERE FOR BOUNCING DOWN INSTRUCTIONS

Should I include both WET and DRY Channels for Mixing?

Great question. Many times we ask for both. Please consult with us prior to sending.

Should I leave Automation on all my Channels?

We advise that you turn off all automation- Unless it is for a specific effect that you are sure to keep.

What equipment/software do you use?

It doesn’t matter. Yes, we said it. In today’s world analog vs. digital is a dead topic in our opinion. It’s really how you use the tools provided to you. We use a combination of Hardware and Software. More importantly, I have a treated room with proper acoustical reinforcement.

You just said analog vs. digital is a dead topic. How dare you!

Don’t buy into the hype! Use your ears. You know and we know you have GREAT taste in music so close your eyes and listen. Your ears are the best judge.

Why the name “Dark Star”?

It just sounded cool to us.

I’m not happy with the way my track sounds. Will Mastering make it sound better?

Yes! Mastering will make your track sound better BUT you need to be %100 happy with your mix before you send it to any mastering engineer. Mastering will make a great mix sound even better. It will make a bad mix sound even worse.

I have OZONE. I can master my own track. Why do I need you?

More importantly than the fact that mastering is not just using a limiter, a mastering engineer is trained to “listen” to your music and make sure that there are no problems with your mix. A mastering engineer will find problems if there are any and either fix them or help you go back to your mix and correct them there. A mastering engineer does not just “make your track loud”, they make sure that there is no loss in dynamics in the process or try to retain as much as they can while making your track “loud”.

I’m not happy with your mastering, what now?

We give up to 2 revisions with each master and allow 3 months to make any changes to your master. Much more generous than our competition.

What is your companies policies/warranties? 

Please see our POLICY PAGE HERE

Can I hear some examples?

Yes! Please listen to our EXAMPLES HERE

Can I get a free example?

A. We do not do free or testing work. If you are hesitant to work with us for any reason, please CONTACT US HERE

I can get unlimited track mastering for less money on the internet through some sites – Like LANDR. Why should I pay you more?

You get what you pay for. You wouldn’t let a Robot write your music, so why would you let a robot master your music? We are people doing business with people and you will be happy with our service.

What about the loudness wars?

Love conquers all.

Can I see a picture of your studio?

Sure, But first listen to our EXAMPLES HERE. Use your ears, not your eyes. It doesn’t matter what the studio looks like its the sound that comes out of it. We have more than 1 studio so contact us if you must see it.

PRODUCER TOOLS SERVICES FAQ

I've paid, where is my download!?

An email has been sent to you after check out. Click the downloads button and you will have immediate access to any downloadable products you have purchased. You may attempt to download your products up to 3 times. If you still have an issue, please email us at info@darkstaraudio.com

What Format do Producer Tool products come in?

A: Dark Star Audio Producer Tools products are available in digital download format. All audio files are 24bit .wav files . They are compatible with most DAW’s on both Windows and MAC operating systems.

How many downloads am I allowed for my purchase?

A: You are allowed 3 number of downloads, and to use the product on 3 number of Computers.

What does “Royalty Free” use mean in plain terms?

A: This means that you do not own the rights to the products you purchase, but you can use them in your unique artistic ability in your productions for private or commercial use.

Can I share my Dark Star Audio Producer Tools product with others, like to collaborate on a project?

Yes and No, Your license does not allow you to copy, torrent, or file share network or make public the original content. You can send bounced original tracks that have been created using Dark Star Audio Producer Tools to anyone in the world.

My hard drive crashed and I need a fresh download, how do I get a new one?

Contact us at info@darkstaraudio.com and we will then contact you for verification and then give you information to download a replacement copy.

Do you offer Educational Discounts?

We do, contact us at info@darkstaraudio.com and we will contact you with details of the program.

Can I use these samples to create a new sample pack?

Yes and No, you can't just copy and rename the files to create a new product but you can use the samples to create new unique sounds which you then own.

Can I listen to demo sounds or download demos of your products?

Our products have sound players embedded into each product page. Just click the item and the player is located at the bottom. If you encounter issues, simply email us at info@darkstaraudio.com.

I’m an electronic music producer, how can I get my samples/loops for sale on your site? How do I send a demo?

Dark Star Audio is always looking to find and bring in the newest, and freshest Electronic Dance Music content from around the world. If you'd like to submit your demo, please contact us at info@darkstaraudioy.com and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.