FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Over the years we have been asked the same questions week in week out. Our engineers have answered the questions in their field of expertise in as much detail as possible.
Mastering FAQ
Mixing FAQ
Upload FAQ
Sample Shop FAQ
If you have a questions that isn't covered here, click the button below and fill out the contact form. Your question will be sent directly to our team of engineers and answered ASAP.
STUDIO SERVICE QUESTIONS
Audio Animals work with all genres of music. There is not a genre we have not worked with. Our engineers are capable and have a great deal of experience working with all genres of music.
Standard mastering is turned around within 4-7 days, priority mastering is turned around within 2-48 hours. Mixing is turned around within 4-7 days. Mastering of a mix is performed the following day after being confirmed as ready to master.
You can contact us via email, phone or social media. Full contact details can be found on our contact page here.
Yes, if you have been recommended an engineer to work with and want to make sure that this is the engineer who works on your track, you can request this engineer either by telling us when you send your files or within your order form. Paul Ashmore is the Audio Animals dedicated a mixing engineer and Nick Burchall is primarily a mastering engineer.
In the highly unlikely event that you do not like how the track sounds, we will work with you to adjust the song to suit your taste. Our engineers will apply the required changes at no extra cost. The end result we want to see is both engineer and artist happy with the outcome.
We do not limit the amount of revisions you can have and will not charge extra to adjust your mix or master.
Yes discount codes are available for most products. Discount codes can be found here and applied to your cart. Two discounts types are available. 10% off when you order 4 or more tracks, and 20% off when you order 8 or more tracks.
The best file format to send your files in is 44,100kHz 24bit wav.
The Audio Animals studio is located in East London UK. All services and prices listed on our website are for online bookings which are unattended. Attended sessions are not advertised as the studio is fully booked months in advance. To enquire about booking an attended session and availability please contact us via our contact form here.
If you do not specify a mastering engineer, Nick Burchall Audio Animals lead mastering engineer will master your track. If you do not specify a mixing engineer to work with your track Paul Ashmore will mix your track.
Yes you can call the studio from 9am - 5pm UK time to speak with an engineer. If you are overseas you can call using whatsapp via an internet connection.
An order for your required studio service can be placed here. Payments can be made via Paypal or card payments using Worldpay.
Payments must be made before work on your song begins. This ensures our engineers, take the necessary time and care required to return you the very best sound possible. We do not believe in supplying a sub par mastering service and this would be exactly what you would get from a service that doesn’t require paying for their services.
Files can be uploaded directly to us using our upload form here. Using our internal upload form simply drag and drop or select the files you wish to upload and they will arrive in our inbox safely and securely. Within the message section you can leave any information you feel we need to know about the files you are sending. Please ensure you include your order number in this section. Your 5 digit order number can be found within your confirmation email or within your Audio Animals account. Your order number is required in order to link your files to your payment/order. Alternatively above the file upload form you will find an external upload form where you can paste your own download link and information.
No, we work with artists and producers around the world. Files are sent through our website once your order is placed and files are returned through our secure server via email.
MASTERING QUESTIONS
Analogue mastering is a process that utilises analogue mastering equipment as well as digital mastering plugins. By using both analogue hardware and digital mastering plugins we are able to achieve the best of both worlds. Hybrid analogue mastering is a far superior mastering process to just analogue or digital mastering. We are able to obtain a far louder, more dynamic and balanced master.
Standard mastering is turned around within 4-7 days and priority mastering is turned around within 2-48 hours. If you require your track back by a certain date please let us know when sending your files and we will make sure your tracks are back to you mastered before your deadline.
Yes, a free mastering demo can be arranged for new customers by using the contact form at the bottom of this page. In the "your message" field type "Demo Master Request" and add your external download link and any information you feel we may need. Once received we will contact you to confirm your demo master has been received and booked in. Upon completion of your demo master you will receive a 30 second to a minute long clip of your song fully mastered along with the option to purchase the full length mastered song.
Payments must be made before work on your track begins. This ensures our engineers, take the necessary time and care required to return you the very best masters. We do not believe in performing a sub par mastering service and this would be exactly what you would get from a service that doesn’t require paying for their services.
Yes, mastered for iTunes or Mfit is Apples new specification for iTunes. It aims to deliver the best sound by removing imperfections in the master and obtaining the best possible resolution when encoded to Apples's AAC format. Please be aware that this is in no way essential for music to be released in the iTunes store. The benefits of getting a track mastered for iTunes is that once uploaded to iTunes, playback of the downloadable mastered for iTunes version is optimised to playback within iTunes perfectly. All mastered for iTunes orders include both 16 and 24 Bit 44,100kHz wav masters as well as a 320kbs mp3 which are not mastered for iTunes.
No, even more so does a digitally produced track require an analogue touch. Mastering a digitally produced track in the analogue domain not only brings the track to life but it will also turn a harsh digital track into a smooth work of art.
Simply get in contact with us via email, quoting your order number and we will replace the file. Please be sure to get in contact with us ASAP to ensure we have the correct file to master before mastering commences. If you do not realise until you have received your master back, we can switch the mix and run it through the exact same chain. This process works fine as long as the mix has not drastically changed. If the new mix requires mastering to start again from scratch, a new order will need to be placed. Before sending your mix please double check you have sent the correct mix.
Mastering is one of if not the most important part of the engineering process of a track. Mastering can make or break a song. Too many artists fall at the final hurdle with poor quality mastering. A professional engineer will ensure your music plays back correctly across all devices. The skills and knowledge required to do so is an art.
Digital mastering is a process that utilises only digital mastering plugins. Digital mastering can achieve a similar results to analogue mastering with the aid of analogue emulation plugins by UAD and Plugin Alliance.
Analogue mastering includes the use of analogue mastering equipment. Digital mastering uses only digital mastering plugins and is not summed out the box.
Timed mastering is the mastering of a piece of music that consist of more than one track. For instance dj mixes, live bands set recordings, audio books or short films. Audio files can be a maximum of up to 2 hours long and consist of any audio source.
Your mix can be uploaded safely and securely via our upload form here. Bypass any compression / limiting you may have on your master bus before printing your mix ready for mastering.
File Type : Wav / Flac / Aiff
Bitrate : 16–24–32 bit / 44,100 khz - 96khz
Headroom : -3db / -6db
It is not ideal but yes we can work with a limited mix. The approach to mastering a limited mix is similar but requires a very precise approach in order to ensure the track is not over compressed.
If an mp3 is the highest quality mix you have and you are unable to obtain a wav version, we can work with this. Preferably we would like to work with the high quality wav. We are able to work with an mp3 in a way that will still achieve great results.
Master (24bit 44,100kHz wav)
CD Master (16bit 44,100kHz wav)
MP3 (320kbs mp3)
Instrumental (at the request of client)
Acappella (at the request of client)
Radio Edit (at the request of client)
Extended Edit (at the request of client)
Streaming Version (at the request of client)
Mastered For Vinyl (ordered additionally)
Mastered For iTunes (ordered additionally)
No, instrumentals as well as acapellas are free of charge and included in the price. This is of course optional but does require you sending both the full mix, instrumental and acapella to us to be mastered.
Yes, this is by request only. If requested we will print a version of the master which is optimised for streaming purposes. Streaming platforms this version is optimised for include Spotify, Youtube, iTunes, Tidal etc.
Yes, mastering for vinyl can be ordered for both standard analogue and digital mastering. Mastering for vinyl is charged at and extra £10 per song. All mastered for vinyl orders include both 16 and 24 Bit 44,100kHz wav masters as well as a 320kbs mp3 which are not mastered for vinyl.
Yes, if you would like to credit Audio Animals for the mastering of your music you can do so. Please credit Audio Animals Ltd. This is not required but is greatly appreciated.
STEM MASTERING QUESTIONS
Stem mastering is the process of summing up to 12 stems together and mastering the summed stems across the master bus. The benefit of working in this way is that the engineer has control over each individual audio channel that is summing to the master bus. Resulting in the engineer being able to balance the mix correctly to get the very best from the track.
Stem mastering is a similar process to standard analogue mastering but with the added benefit of having full control over the balance of the mix that is running into the master bus. In addition stem mastering makes use of various processing options to enhance each individual channel. Standard mastering however only includes processing across the master bus.
Stem mastering is turned around within 4-7 days. Priority stem mastering is turned around within 2-48 hours. If you require your track back by a certain date please let us know when sending your files and we will make sure your tracks are back to you mastered before your deadline.
Payments must be made before work on your track begins. This ensures our engineers, take the necessary time and care required to return you the very best masters. We do not believe in performing a sub par mastering service and this would be exactly what you would get from a service that doesn’t require paying for their services.
Yes all stem mastering projects are mastered in or analogue mastering studio using various analogue EQ's and compressors.
Yes, at the request of the client whilst recording the master files we can also record the mastered stems.
Yes traktor stems is a very popular format for dj's and labels that want to release traktor stems for their fanbase of dj's.
Traktor stems is a format created for Native Instruments traktor. A DJ platform that allows the DJ to control each individual stem in the track. The ability to solo and mute each stem as well as use gain and effects, means the DJ can theoretically remix a track live whilst performing.
Yes, a free stem mastering demo can be arranged for new customers by using the contact form at the bottom of this page. In the "your message" field type "Demo Stem Master Request" and add your external download link and any information you feel we may need. Once received we will contact you to confirm your demo stem master has been received and booked in. Upon completion of your demo stem master you will receive a 30 second to a minute long clip of your song fully mastered along with the option to purchase the full length mastered song.
Your stems can be uploaded safely and securely via our upload form here. Bypass any compression / limiting you may have on your master bus. For stem mastering play back of your stems must play back exactly as your stereo mix plays back.
File Type : Wav / Flac / Aiff
Bitrate : 16–24–32 bit / 44,100 khz - 96khz
Headroom : -3db / -6db
Master (24bit 44,100kHz wav)
CD Master (16bit 44,100kHz wav)
MP3 (320kbs mp3)
Instrumental (at the request of client)
Acappella (at the request of client)
Radio Edit (at the request of client)
Extended Edit (at the request of client)
Mastered Stems(at the request of client)
Streaming Version (at the request of client)
Mastered For Vinyl (ordered additionally)
Mastered For iTunes (ordered additionally)
No, instrumentals as well as acapellas are free of charge and included in the price.
No, we work with artists and producers around the world. Files are sent through our website once your order is placed and files are returned through our secure server via email.
Yes, mastering for vinyl can be ordered for stem mastering. Mastering for vinyl is charged at and extra £10 per song. All mastered for vinyl orders include both 16 and 24 Bit 44,100kHz wav masters as well as a 320kbs mp3 which are not mastered for vinyl.
Yes, if you would like to credit Audio Animals for the mastering of your music you can do so. Please credit Audio Animals Ltd. This is not required but is greatly appreciated.
Simply get in contact with us via email, quoting your order number and we will replace the file. Please be sure to get in contact with us ASAP to ensure we have the correct stems to master before mastering commences.
Mastering is one of if not the most important parts of the engineering process of a track. Mastering can make or break a song. Too many artists fall at the final hurdle with poor quality mastering. A professional engineer will ensure your music plays back correctly across all devices. The skills and knowledge required to do so is an art.
A good mastering engineer will not be able to work with one genre of music but not another. At Audio Animals we work with all genres of music. There is not a genre of music we have not worked with.
MIXING QUESTIONS
Mixing is the stage in which the separate elements / stems of a track are carefully summed together, with the sounds shaped and positioned in the stereo field to give maximum impact and clarity. This is done through a series of specialised techniques, and high end audio equipment.
We do not limit the amount of revisions you can have per song. We will never normally exceed more than 2 revisions. We understand mistakes can be made when sending your stems. To limit mistakes we will always ask for a rough mix. This is used to determine that the stems you have sent are correct and used as a guide to hear your intended balance for the song. By supplying this file we can dramatically decrease the amount of revisions required.
We aim to return your first mix back to you within 5 working days. Depending on if any edits are required to be made, mixing can take longer. On average mixes are signed off as complete within 5-8 working days. If you require your song back by a certain date, please let us know when sending your files. We will make sure your song is returned to you mixed before your deadline. Mixing is not something that should be rushed. Leave plenty of time for any changes or edits.
No mastering is not included in the price. Once your mix is completed we recommend ordering mastering via our mastering page here and having your song professionally mastered in our state of the art A class mastering studio next door to our mixing studio. All mixes are mixed with mastering in mind.
Payments must be made before work on your song begins. This ensures our engineers, take the necessary time and care required to return you the very best mix. We do not believe in performing a sub par mixing service and this would be exactly what you would get from a service that doesn’t require paying for their services.
Yes mixed stems can be purchased additionally either with your order or after your mix is completed. Printing stems as I am sure you are aware is a highly time consuming process that has to be performed in real time as we are using an analogue console and outboard equipment. Therefor mixed stems are charged at £20 per song.
No, any processing that is part of your sound design must be applied to the stems. Anything you have applied in your mix that is intended to stay in the mix must be applied to the stems. All plugin automation must be applied to the stems. When playing back your summed stems, we should hear almost identical playback of your rough mix / reference mix. If you are unsure what stems to send. You can by all means print a folder of wet stems and a folder of dry stems. For the best mixing results, print your stems with all plugins active in your session. We can then take your rough mix and build from this.
If you have set your panning how you intend it to be, then by all means print the panning to your stems. Alternatively leave your panning off and send us panning mix notes. We will need as much details as possible. Including stem name and pan position. Such as "Lead Guitar Hard Left" and "Rhythm Guitar 30% Right."
100% yes, automation should always be active. Automation is part of your production and sound design. To bypass automation would be to send a half finished song for mixing. All automation including volume, modulation, EQ, reverb or delay automation should be kept active.
Reverb can be left active if you 100% want the reverb you have added in your song. We will always add reverb where we see fit. Any specific reverb you want 100% exactly the same as you have it in your mix, must be printed to the stems. Any creative reverb that is specific to a particular stem should be left active. Any reverb that is part of your sound design or essential to your sound must be left active.
Yes. Delay is something that can have a million different outcomes. You add delay specific to your taste and how you want delay to sound. To remove this delay would be to remove an essential part of your sound. We always recommend leaving delay active if you want it in your track. We will not add delay as this is a creative effect that is specific to the production and not the mix. If delay is required from a mix perspective we will by all means add it how we see fit to get the best results.
No. Vocals should be organised and processed ready to be mix. Unwanted clicks, pops and breathes should be removed. All vocals should be tuned and ready to be mixed.
We can add Autotune to vocals to ensure they are kept in tune. This is included in the price. Detailed tuning of vocals using Melodyne is not included in the price and can be ordered as an additional service.
100% yes, this is essential when working with an online mix engineer. The rough mix will be used to establish that the stems you have sent play back correct as well as include all automation and necessary processing. The rough mix is also used to correctly establish the balance you intend each stem to have in the mix. By listening to the rough mix we can establish at what volume you intend a certain stem to be and where you intend it to be panned in the mix.
The engineer will always print a full mix, instrumental and acapella with every mix that includes vocals. Alternate mixes can be sent free of charge such as extended DJ edit and radio edit. To print alternate versions you will need to supply the stems. Stems must be the exact same volume as the stems in the full mix in order for them to both run through the same mix session.
SSL / Solid State Logic is renowned for providing the mixing community with the very best super analogue mixing consoles. By using a SSL console we are able to achieve a spacious, separated mix that is otherwise unachievable in the digital domain. The SSL console we use combines 36 channels of summing as well as both 9000 K-Series and 4000 E-Series channel strips.
Your stems can be uploaded safely and securely via our upload form here. Bypass any compression / limiting you may have on your master bus. We advise leaving all sound design processing active on each stem. Do not normalize stems or change their volume. Playback of your stems should be exactly as your rough mix plays back.
File Type : Wav / Flac / Aiff
Bitrate : 16–24–32 bit / 44,100 khz - 96khz
Headroom : -3db / -6db
Full Mix (24bit 44,100kHz wav)
Instrumental Mix (24bit 44,100kHz wav)
Acapella Mix (24bit 44,100kHz wav)
Live Mix (at the request of client)
Radio Edit Mix (stems must be supplied)
Extended Edit Mix (stems must be supplied)
Mixed Stems (ordered additionally)
Whilst many artists believe mixing is subject to the artists taste, a good engineer can establish the vibe and tone the artist is wanting to achieve and build upon that. Resulting in the track being taken to the next level. Working with a trained engineer and high quality analogue mixing equipment, a track can be transformed into a masterpiece. A trained engineer can assess a track and iron out any issues the artists has not previously heard, often due to the fact they have either heard the track too many times and can't make an accurate decision or that their ears are not trained in the way a professionals are.
Get in contact with us via email and we can simply replace the files. Please be sure to get in contact with us ASAP to ensure we have the correct files to mix before work commences. If work has already started on your mix and the entire mix requires new stems, charges will apply.
A good mix engineer will be able to work with all genres of music not just one. At Audio Animals we work with all genres of music. There is not a genre of music we have not worked with.
Yes, if you would like to credit Audio Animals for the mixing of your music you can do so. Please credit Audio Animals and Paul Ashmore as the mix engineer. This is not required but is greatly appreciated.
UPLOAD FORM QUESTIONS
The internal upload form allows you to upload your files internally within the Audio Animals website using a dedicated file upload system. This method of file transfer is the preferred method of transferring files to us. If however, you have your files uploaded to your own file hosting server such as WeTransfer or Dropbox, you can by all means, use the external upload form to share your files with us. Using the external upload form, means whilst inputting all required information you will need to paste your file download link into the required field.
99% of the time file transfers are of a good speed and will complete as it is designed to. On the odd occasion the server may slow down for a number of reasons that are out of our control. If this is the case and your files are not sending using the internal upload form, then you can always wait and try again later or use the external upload form.
When your files have finished uploading using the internal upload form, you will receive a confirmation email confirming your files have been sent. Once received, we will download your files within 2 days and send you a personal confirmation email. This email will state that we have downloaded your files and if there are any issues with the files, we will contact you.
Yes, an order should be placed before uploading your files. This ensures you will receive an order number and are able to input this into the upload form.
Your order number will be emailed to the email address provided when placing your order. Alternatively, your order number can be found within your Audio Animals account. Order Numbers start with a # and contain 5 numbers.
An order number is a unique 5 digit code given to each order. We need your order number in order to link your files with your payment/order.
Your order number is quite simple to find in your confirmation email or Audio Animals account. If however, you can't find your order number, you can contact us via our contact page here explaining you can't find your order number and need us to find it. To find your order number we will need you to inform us of the name and email address associated with the order.
Using the internal upload form you can transfer up to a combined 10GB of data. Multiple files can be uploaded at once as long as the combined total does not exceed 10GB.
If this is the case and you have not left a message explaining what the files you have sent are for, we will have no idea what the files correspond to. We receive a lot of files on a daily basis and to ensure we know what each file is linked to, we need either some information about the files you are sending, your order number or an email address that is linked to the order.
SAMPLE SHOP QUESTIONS
On each of the sample pack product pages click the add to cart button. Next view the cart and proceed to checkout. Once checkout is complete you will be redirected to a download link within your account. The download link will also appear in your Audio Animals account as well as in your provided email address.
Sample packs can be downloaded in a variety of formats including VST instrument, kontakt sampler and wav sample pack. All formats are inclusive of the price and you are not required to choose either or.
Yes all sample packs are 100% royalty free and free to use as you please in any way shape or form within your music.
All samples are recorded and processed at 44,100kHz 24bit wav. This file format ensures full compatibility with all major DAWs and samplers.
Yes all official paid sample packs are 100% recorded from the original source at the Audio Animals studio.
Yes a number of products will be on sale or discounted each week. A full list of discounted sample packs can be found here.
No this is strictly prohibited and voids your licensing agreement.
If this is the case you will not be licensed to use the samples within this sample pack. Resulting in the music you create using the samples not being royalty free. This may result in you or the publishing company you have released your music with being required to pay royalties for using the samples.
Sample packs can be downloaded as standard up to 5 times. If however you exceed this limit for some reason please contact us via email and the download limit can be reset.
A download link will be active in your account until you reach your download limit of 5 downloads. Simply log into your account to retrieve your download link. Alternatively you can find a download link within your emails by searching the sample pack name.
No there are no restrictions on any of our sample packs. You are free to use all samples within your productions and compositions any way you see fit.
VOUCHER CODE QUESTIONS
A voucher code is a unique code that contains a specific amount of money. Voucher codes can be added to cart and the voucher code amount deducted from your order. If you have a voucher code for £20 and order analogue mastering priced at £30, your new cart total will be reduced to £10.
Once you have completed your order for your voucher code we will manually create your code and printable voucher. This process only takes a few minutes although this has to be done manually. Which means one of our team has to access a computer and build the code and printable voucher. Voucher codes are usually sent within 1 to 48 hours.
All voucher codes are single use. This means it can only be used once. If however you are ordering something that costs £30 and you have a voucher code for £40 we can manually assign you a new voucher code for the remaining £10. You will need to contact us to arrange this. Alternatively you can purchase something on top of your £30 order to increase the value to £40.
Voucher codes are store wide and can be used to purchase studio services, sample packs, merchandise and records.
Voucher codes can be used to order online mastering, mixing and mastering, stem mastering and production services.
There are no limitations on what sample packs you can purchase. All sample packs, even discounted sample packs can be used with your voucher code.
Email including text code and printable image including voucher code.
In the unlikely event that your voucher code does not work, you can contact us via our contact form here. All voucher codes are checked to ensure they work as a store wide voucher code before emailing them out.
Yes if you are lucky enough to have more than one voucher code, you can use any number of voucher codes to gain a larger discount.
No, voucher codes do not expire and will be valid for a lifetime. You can use your voucher code at any time.
MERCHANDISE QUESTIONS
Printing merchandise takes roughly 2 days from receiving your order. Postage then takes anywhere between 2 to 5 days depending on your location. We estimate your merchandise to arrive within 4 to 7 days.
Yes although images are mocked up and not a direct image taken of the product. Each product uses this template to look exactly as the product image looks.
As all merchandise is designed specifically by us from the supplier. All merchandise is non returnable. This policy is due to the suppliers requirements. Please be sure to double check your order and ensure you have ordered the right colour and size.
On each of the product pages you will find everything you need to know. Each page includes detailed measurements of each product as well as a product spec including materials used.
Yes we are able to supply most colours and styles. The only restriction we have in place is the Audio Animals logo must be the original design. This can not be changed. Bespoke orders can be ordered by contacting us in advance to discuss via our contact page here.
CONTACT US
tel: +44 (0) 7415 17 55 30
email: studio@audioanimals.co.uk
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tel: +44 (0) 7415 17 55 30
email: studio@audioanimals.co.uk
Thank you for subscribing to our mailing list.
Subscribe to our mailing list
Thank you for subscribing to our mailing list.