FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Genres Of Music Do You Work With?
We work with all genres of music. I do not believe there is a genre we have not worked with. A good engineer will be capable of working with any genre of music.
What Is The Average Turn Around Time?
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.
How Can I Get In Contact With You?
You can contact us via email, phone or social media. Full contact details can be found here.
Can I Request A Specific Engineer To Work With My Music?
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 predominantly a mixing and mastering engineer and Nick Burchall is primarily a mastering engineer.
What If I Don’t Like How My Track Has Turned Out?
In the highly unlikely case that you do not like the track, we will work with you to correct the track to suit your taste. The engineer will apply the required measures in order to achieve the very best from your track. Speaking with the engineer can resolve any issues you may have and often in this case requires a tweak to the mix in order to make the required changes. Edits to a track are not charged. The end result is that we want the client to be happy with how their track has turned out.
Can I Get A Discount?
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.
What Format Do You Need My Files In?
The best file format to send your files in is 44,100kHz 24bit wav.
Where Is Audio Animals Studio And Can I Attend A Session?
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 7 days a week with online bookings. To enquire about booking an attended session and availability please contact us via our contact form here.
If I Do Not Specify Which Engineer I Want To Work On My Music, Who Will Work On My Music?
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.
Can I Hear Some Of Your Previous Work?
Yes you can listen to work we have previously mixed and or mastered on our clients releases news articles here or on our a/b comparisons and previous work page here.
Can I Speak With The Engineer That Will Be Working On My Music Via Phone?
Yes you can call the studio from 10am - 7pm UK time to speak with an engineer. The most effective process is to email us via our contact form here, leaving your name, number and engineer you would wish to talk to and that engineer will call you once in the studio and available.
How Do I Pay For My Studio Service?
An order for you required studio service can be placed here. Full details on how to order each service can be found on their product page.
How Do I Upload And Send You My Files?
Files can be uploaded directly to us using our upload form here. 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 order. Alternatively below the file upload form you will find another form where you can paste your own download link and information.
MASTERING
What Is Analogue Mastering?
Analogue mastering is a mastering 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, balanced master.
How Long Does Mastering Take?
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.
When Do I Pay?
Payments must be made before work on your track begins. This ensures we as paid 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.
Can I Have A Free Demo?
If you feel you need a free demo before committing to placing an order we can of course do this for you. We can supply you with a short clip of how your track will end up sounding once mastered. Please contact us via the form at the bottom of this page requesting a demo.
Can You Master For iTunes?
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.
I Produced My Song Digitally, Does This Mean I Can Only Use Digital Mastering?
No, even more so does a digitally produced track require an analogue touch. Mixing and or 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 intro a smooth work of art.
What If I Have Accidentally Sent The Wrong Mix For Mastering?
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.
Why Should I Get My Music Professionally Mastered?
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.
What Is Digital Mastering?
Digital mastering is a mastering process that utilises only digital mastering plugins. Digital mastering can achieve a similar results to analogue mastering with the aid of UAD analogue emulation.
What Is The Difference Between Digital & Analogue?
Analogue mastering includes the use of analogue mastering equipment. Digital mastering uses only digital mastering plugins and is not summed out the box.
What Is Timed Mastering?
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 films. Audio files can be a maximum of up to 2 hours long and consist of any audio source.
How Do I Send My Files?
Your mix can be uploaded safely and securely via our upload form here. Bypass any compression / limiting you may have on your master bus.
File Type : Wav / Flac / Aiff
Bitrate : 16–24–32 bit / 44,100 khz - 96khz
Headroom : -3db / -6db
My Mix Is Limited Can You Still Work With This?
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.
I Only Have An Mp3 Is This Ok To Work With?
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.
What Will I Receive Back?
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 For Vinyl (ordered additionally)
Mastered For iTunes (ordered additionally)
Are There Additional Charges For Supplying An Instrumental Version Of My Track To Master?
No, instrumentals as well as acapellas are free of charge and included in the price. This is of course optional and does require you sending both the full mix, instrumental and acapella to us to be mastered.
Do I Have To Be Based In The UK?
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.
Do You Master For Vinyl Distribution?
Yes, mastering for vinyl can be ordered for both standard analogue and digital mastering. Mastering for vinyl is charged at and extra £10 per track. 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.
Can I Credit Audio Animals For The Mastering?
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
What Is Stem Mastering?
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.
What Is The Difference Between Stem Mastering And Standard Mastering?
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.
How Long Does Stem Mastering Take?
Stem mastering is turned around within 4-7 days. 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.
When Do I Pay?
Payments must be made before work on your track begins. This ensures we as paid 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.
Is Stem Mastering Done In The Analogue Domain?
Yes all stem mastering projects are mastered in the analogue domain using various analogue EQ's and compressors.
Can I Request To Have The Mastered Stems Returned Back To Me With The Master?
Yes, at the request of the client whilst recording the master files we can also record the mastered stems. We will record both fully mastered stems as well as dynamic stems.
Can You Stem Master My Track For Trakor 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.
What Is Traktor Stems?
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.
Can I Have A Free Demo?
No, stem mastering is an incredibly time consuming process that can not be rushed. We do however offer a free preview of our analogue and digital mastering service. We can supply you with a short clip of how your track will end up sounding once mastered. Please contact us via the form at the bottom of this page requesting a demo.
How Do I Send My Files?
Your stems can be uploaded safely and securely via our upload form here. Bypass any compression / limiting you may have on your master bus.
File Type : Wav / Flac / Aiff
Bitrate : 16–24–32 bit / 44,100 khz - 96khz
Headroom : -3db / -6db
What Will I Receive Back?
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)
Mixed Stems (at the request of client)
Mastered For Vinyl (ordered additionally)
Mastered For iTunes (ordered additionally)
Are There Additional Charges For Requesting An Instrumental Version Of My Track To Master?
No, instrumentals as well as acapellas are free of charge and including in the price.
Do I Have To Be Based In The UK?
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.
Do You Master For Vinyl Distribution?
Yes, mastering for vinyl is included in all stem mastering services. Only if requested will you receive a vinyl master of your track. When sending your track be sure to inform us that you require a vinyl master.
Can I Credit Audio Animals For The Mastering?
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.
I Produced My Song Digitally, Does This Mean I Can Only Use Digital Mastering?
No, even more so does a digitally produced track require an analogue touch. Mixing and or 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 intro a smooth work of art.
What If I Have Accidentally Sent The Wrong Stems For Mastering?
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.
Why Should I Get My Music Professionally Mastered?
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.
What Genres Of Music Can You Stem Master?
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
What Is Mixing?
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.
Can I Order Just Mixing And No Master?
Mastering is free with all mixing packages. You can by all means choose to not have your track mastered. As it is free and inclusive of the price, it is always worth while having the mix mastered even if you intend to master the track yourself or through another engineer.
Can I Get Mixed Stems Back Once Mixed?
Yes at the request of the client we can bounce mixed stems whilst printing the finished mix. Mixed stems when imported back into your DAW will play back exactly as the finished mix plays back.
How Long Does Mixing Take?
Mixing takes roughly around 4-7 days. Depending on if any edits are required to be made mixing can take longer. On average both the mix and master is completed and signed off within 7 days. 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.
When Do I Pay?
Payments must be made before work on your track begins. This ensures we as paid engineers, take the necessary time and care required to return you the very best masters. We do not believe in performing a sub par mixing and mastering service and this would be exactly what you would get from a service that doesn’t require payment for their services.
What Is A Hybrid Setup?
A hybrid setup is the combination of using both digital plugins and analogue hardware within both the mix and master. Analogue has it’s positives and so does digital. Combining both positives and not limiting yourself to only one, allows the engineer to achieve the best possible results.
Should I Leave Compressors Off When Sending A Track To Be Mixed?
Yes and No, you can bypass your compressor if you would like. What I always tell the artists I work with is if the processing you are applying to your track is part of the sound design and important to the sound you have created leave it active. If however the compressor is for mix purposes only, you can by all means bypass the compressor.
Should I Send A Reference Track For Mixing?
For mixing a reference mix is required. A reference mix is the mix of your track balance in the way you have envisioned it. The reasoning behind this, is due to the client not attending the session, the engineer needs to hear how you have produced the track with regards to balance and placement. For instance the engineer will reference to the reference track to establish the correlation between the pads and the rest of the track.
Do I Have To Be Based In The UK?
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.
Can I Credit Audio Animals For The Mastering?
Yes, if you would like to credit Audio Animals for the mixing and mastering of your music you can do so. Please credit Audio Animals Ltd. This is not required but is greatly appreciated.
What Versions Of The Mix Will The Engineer Print?
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.
Is Mixing Done In The Analogue Domain?
Yes the centre piece of the Audio Animals mixing and mastering studio is a 36 channel Solid State Logic analogue summing console. Various different EQs compressors and other processing equipment can be inserted on to each channel of the summing console. By having a hybrid mixing and mastering suite we are able to insert A class mastering grade EQs and compressors into the mix. Resulting in a truly unique world class sound.
What Is An SSL Summing Console?
SSL / Solid State Logic is renowned for providing the mixing community with the very best super analogue mixing consoles. By using an 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.
How Do I Send My Files?
Your stems can be uploaded safely and securely via our upload form here. Bypass any compression / limiting you may have on your master bus.
File Type : Wav / Flac / Aiff
Bitrate : 16–24–32 bit / 44,100 khz - 96khz
Headroom : -3db / -6db
Can I Get A Free Mixing Preview?
No, mixing is an incredibly time consuming process that can not be rushed. If you are serious about having your track mixed but are unsure you will receive exactly what you are after, contact us via email or phone to discuss your project.
What Will I Receive Back?
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)
Mixed Stems (at the request of client)
Mastered For Vinyl (ordered additionally)
Mastered For iTunes (ordered additionally)
Why Should I Get My Music Mixed?
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.
What If I Have Accidentally Sent The Wrong Stems For Mixing?
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 files to mix before work commences.
What Genres Of Music Can You Mix?
A good mix 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.
UPLOAD FORM
What Is The Difference Between Internal Upload Form And External Upload Form?
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.
My File Is uploading Slow Or Failed?
99% of the time file transfer is 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.
How Do I Know If Audio Animals Have Received My Files?
When your files have uploaded 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.
Do I Need To Place An Order Before Uploading My Files?
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.
Where Do I Find My Order Number?
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.
Why Do You Need My Order Number?
An order number is a unique code given to each order. We need your order number in order to link your files with your payment/order.
What If I Can't Find My Order Number?
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 email us at info@audioanimals.co.uk 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.
How Much Data Can I Transfer Using The Internal Upload Form?
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.
I Have Not Included My Order Number And Have Used A Different Email To What Is Linked To The Order?
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
How Do I Purchase A Sample Pack?
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.
What File Formats Will I Receive The Sample Pack In?
Sample packs can be downloaded in a variety of formats including VST sampler, kontakt sampler and wav sample pack. All formats are inclusive of the price and you are not required to choose either or.
Are The Sample Packs 100% Royalty Free?
Yes all sample packs are 100% royalty free and free to use as you please in any way shape or form within your music.
What Sample Rate Are The Samples Recorded In?
All samples are recorded and processed at 44,100kHz 24bit wav. This file format ensures full compatibility with all major DAWs and samplers.
Are All Samples 100% Original And Recorded By Audio Animals?
Yes all official paid sample packs are 100% recorded from the original source at the Audio Animals studio.
Are Discounts Available For Use In The Sample Shop?
Yes a number of products will be on sale or discounted each week. A full list of discounted sample packs can be found here.
Can I Resell Or Share The Sample Pack?
No this is strictly prohibited and voids your licensing agreement.
What If I Download This Sample Pack Illegally And Use The Samples In My Production?
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.
How Many Times Can I Download A Sample Pack?
Sample packs can be downloaded as standard up to 3 times. If however you exceed this limit for some reason please contact us via email and the download limit can be reset.
What If I lose The Sample Pack Data And Require A New Download?
A download link will be active in your account until you reach your download limit of 3 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.
Are There Any Restrictions On The Use Of Sample In Some Productions?
No there are no restriction on any of our sample packs. You are free to use them within your productions and compositions any way you see fit.
VOUCHER CODE
What Is A Voucher Code?
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.
How Long Till I Receive A Voucher Code?
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 24 hours.
Can Voucher Codes Be Used To Receive A Partial Discount?
Yes if you have a voucher code for £20 and want to order a range of sample packs that cost £40. Your voucher code can then be used to reduce the the cart total to £20.
What If My Voucher Code Is Higher Than What I Want To Order?
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.
What Can I Spend My Voucher Code On?
Voucher codes are store wide and can be used to purchase studio services, sample packs, merchandise and records.
What Studio Services Can I Order?
Voucher codes can be used to order online mastering, mixing and mastering, stem mastering and production services.
Are There Any Limitations On What Sample Packs I Can Purchase?
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.
What Will I Receive Back?
Email including text code and printable image including voucher code
What Do I Do If My Voucher Code Does Not Work?
In the unlikely case 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.
Can I Used Multiple Voucher Codes In One Order?
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.
Will My Voucher Code Expire?
No, voucher codes do not expire and will be valid for a lifetime. You can use your voucher code at any time.
MERCHANDISE
How Long Does Merchandise Take To Arrive?
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.
Will The Merchandise Look Like The Product Image?
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.
What If I Don't Like What I Buy?
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.
Where Can I Find Measurements And Product Spec?
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.
Can I Order A Bespoke Order Such As A Specific Colour?
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 order can be ordered by contacting us in advance via our contact page here.
For any enquiries, please contact us directly using the form below.