Services & Rates
Number Of Tracks
DDP
PMCD Master Disc
Reference CD
ISRC & GRid Codes
Instrumentals/RadioEdits/A Capellas
Apple Digital Masters (ADM)
12" Sides
10" Sides
7" Sides
Reference Acetate Sides
Vinyl Pre-Master Files (For Lacquer Cutting Elsewhere)
(
(
[tracks]
*
85
)
+
[pmcd]
+
[ddp]
+
(
[alts]
*
35
)
+
(
[mfit]
*
35
)
+
(
(
[12inch]
*
255
)
+
(
[10inch]
*
250
)
+
(
[7inch]
*
155
)
)
+
(
[acetate]
*
100
)
+
[refcd]
+
[vinylpre]
+
[isrc]
)
Mastering
Unattended Session
Mastering includes a comprehensive deliverables package including high-resolution masters optimized for download, an additional set of high-resolution masters optimized for streaming, as well as 320kbps MP3s/AACs. A revision is included if needed. New mixes are billed as new masters. Use the project calculator to determine your project costs.
Attended Session
Attended session are possible, schedules depending, and are billed hourly.
Singles
Please get in touch to get a single mastered.
ISRC & GRid
ISRC and Global Release Identifier (GRid) codes can be generated and embedded into your masters. ISRCs are used for tracking plays and ensuring correct royalty payments for song usage. GRid codes are unique identifiers submitted to digital distributors.
Unattended Session
Mastering includes a comprehensive deliverables package including high-resolution masters optimized for download, an additional set of high-resolution masters optimized for streaming, as well as 320kbps MP3s/AACs. A revision is included if needed. New mixes are billed as new masters. Use the project calculator to determine your project costs.
Attended Session
Attended session are possible, schedules depending, and are billed hourly.
Singles
Please get in touch to get a single mastered.
ISRC & GRid
ISRC and Global Release Identifier (GRid) codes can be generated and embedded into your masters. ISRCs are used for tracking plays and ensuring correct royalty payments for song usage. GRid codes are unique identifiers submitted to digital distributors.
CDs
PMCD Master Disc
Red Book compliant master disc with UPC/ISRC information and CD-Text encoded.
DDPi
Disc Description Protocol images (DDPi) are electronic versions of master discs that are accepted by many replication plants around the world. They are 100% true representations of your masters with all music, PQ coding, fades/transitions, and ISRCs/UPC data intact. DDPi can be sent to a plant via FTP.
Reference CD
Reference discs are intended for personal listening or copying. Reference disc should not be used for CD replication or vinyl pressing.
Vinyl
Vinyl mastering rates are for materials and a straight transfer of the audio. If your project was mastered here then the audio will be optimized for the best possible cut. If the audio was mastered elsewhere it will be cut with no additional mastering work. If additional mastering work is necessary it is billed at the regular per-track rate.
Reference Acetate
Getting a reference acetate disc can be helpful. Catching a problem before it goes to the plant will ultimately save you time and money. Reference acetates are recommended for longer sides, or if you’d like to hear the record before heading to press.
Please note reference acetate rates are for projects that include mastering and/or lacquer cutting. If you’d like a one-off dubplate get in touch for pricing.
Vinyl Pre-Masters
If you’d like your lacquers cut elsewhere you can receive high-resolution files specially prepared and optimized for cutting.
Shipping: Varies based on which pressing plant (vinyl) or replication facility (CD) you are using. Typically lacquer shipping, which is expedited, is between $60-$70 to popular domestic plants and plating facilities. Shipping to foreign pressing plants depends on the destination country.
All payments are handled via invoice on or before release of mastered material. Credit cards, checks, PayPal, cash, and wire transfers accepted.
When using wire transfers an additional $40 is added to cover bank fees.
When using wire transfers an additional $40 is added to cover bank fees.
FAQ
-
How do I book mastering?
Just use the go to the Booking page to fill out the Session Info Form, email, or call. I’ll review your project and we can get started. -
What is the turnaround time?
Generally an album length project can be ready within 5-7 business days of booking and mix delivery.
If your deadline requires rush turnaround please contact me. I'll do my best to accommodate. -
How should I prepare my mixes?
Please print mixes without limiting or clipping. 3dBFS of headroom is ideal. Don't worry about getting it loud, I have the tools to get the level you want without damaging your music.
As a rule, If you are applying a processor for it's sonic impact it should be a part of your mix. If you are applying it only to make things loud, take it off.
I accept .WAV & .AIFF files at bit depths up to 32bit and sample rates up to 192kHz. I also accept Data CD-Rs and both 1/2" and 1/4" analog tape (Please print tones at 100Hz, 1kHz & 10 kHz). -
What are ISRC codes, do I need them, and how can I get them?
International Standard Recording Codes (ISRC) are the internationally recognized ID codes for music recordings. ISRCs are assigned on a per-track basis and are widely used in digital commerce, reporting, and for delivery of royalty payments. You don't need them to press a CD or distribute your music digitally, but they aid in tracking usage of your music and getting you paid.
Telegraph can assign ISRCs to your tracks.
You can also get ISRCs at USISRC.org. You must register with the RIAA which costs $75, but after that you are entitled to unlimited codes.
To get ISRCs in the U.K. contact PPL
To get ISRCs in Canada contact AVLA
To get ISRCs elsewhere contact IFPI -
What are GRid codes, do I need them, and how can I get them?
Global Release Identifier (GRid) codes are used to identify releases for digital distribution. GRid codes are unique and can be used to identify your release among digital distributors no matter the platform.
Telegraph can assign GRid codes to your release. -
Can I attend the mastering session?
Yes. Attended sessions are great. -
How can I send in my mixes?
You can upload to the client area. Please get in touch for the username and password.
Please place your mixes in a ZIP or RAR archive for an easy, error-free transfer.
1/4” or 1/2” tape can be mailed to:
Telegraph Mastering
4207 SE Woodstock BLVD
#352
Portland, OR 97206 -
What is CD-TEXT? Does it make song/artist info appear in iTunes?
CD Text is coded artist/album/song information that plays in some models of CD players. It is only compatible with supported CD players and not in computer programs such as iTunes or Spotify. I will add approved CD Text to your masters at no extra charge.
iTunes information is pulled from the Gracenote/CDDB. The easiest way to submit your album's information to Gracenote is to select Submit CD Track Names in the Advanced menu in iTunes after all the information has been entered into iTunes. -
What is vinyl mastering?
Vinyl mastering is preparing the best cut possible, and getting that cut onto a set of lacquers.
All our lacquers are cut in-house. Your songs can be cut directly during the mastering session, or songs mastered elsewhere can be cut. -
I've never released a vinyl record before, what do I need to know?
Here's what you need to do:- Select a record pressing plant to press your records. The plant will need to plate the master lacquers to create stampers, and use the stampers in manufacturing your finished records. If you need suggestions on where to press just ask. The plant will have you fill out paperwork to create an account. You'll also need to create a matrix number that will be etched into the lacquers and serve as a "project reference ID" for your record. Matrix numbers are usually an abbreviation of your record label or band name.
- Book a mastering session to have lacquers created for your project. One lacquer is needed for each side of a record so a regular 2 sided discs needs 2 lacquers created, a double LP would need 4, etc. Let me know where the project is being pressed, and I'll send the lacquers directly to the plating facility. I can make a reference acetate of your project, which is basically a one-off copy of your record cut directly on the lathe. These are useful so you can listen to your project on a record player, before manufacturing, to catch any problems or things you'd like changed. I recommend getting a reference disc. Many people opt simply to get test presses from the plant, but I think checking the sound at every stage of the process is prudent and prevents potential delays and frustration.
- Prepare artwork for the center-labels and packaging for your record. Many plants offer both manufacturing and packing together in one service while other plants only do vinyl so you'll need the packaging printed elsewhere. Check with your plant to see what services they offer when planning your project.
- A few weeks after everything is sent to the plant you'll receive test presses of your record. These are a small batch of finished records. Most plants require approval of test presses before manufacturing the bulk of your order. Once you approve the test presses the plant will complete the remainder of your order.
An overview useful information regarding vinyl can be found in this video. -
How long can my record be?
Please use the information below as a guide for timing sides. As the length of a side goes up the loudness goes down because the grooves on the record have to be cut thinner (quieter) to fit more information. Very long sides are possible, but not very loud.12" (33 1/3 RPM) 12" (45 RPM) Best - 18 minutes per side
OK - 20 to 22 minutes per side
Best - 8 to 9 minutes per side
OK - 12 minutes per side
10" (33 1/3 RPM) 10" (45 RPM) Best - 8 to 9 minutes per side
OK - 13 minutes per side
Best - 6 to 7 minutes per side
OK- 10 minutes per side
7" (33 1/3 RPM) 7" (45 RPM) Best - 5 minutes per side
OK - 6 minutes per side
Best - 3 minutes per side
OK - 5 minutes per side
-
Are different masters required for vinyl and CD?
Not required, but I recommend it. Vinyl masters prepared with optimized frequency content for lacquer cutting and without clipping produce the best sounding records. -
Can you provide hi-resolution digital files of my vinyl masters?
Yes. If you'd like to get lacquers cut elsewhere, or would simply like a backup of your vinyl masters, I can provide Vinyl Pre-Master files. They can be delivered via the studio's server, on a data DVD, or uploaded directly to the plant of your choice. -
I’d like my record to be ‘AAA’. Can you master and cut using an all analog signal path from tape?
Yes. I love doing this. -
What are Apple Digital Masters?
Apple Digital Masters are files prepared with a combination of tools and practices that ensure your masters to sound their best on the Apple Music / iTunes store. Regardless of playback system your music will sound fantastic.
Telegraph is an approved Apple Digital Masters facility, and can provide ADM masters.
Apple Digital Masters was formerly know as Mastered for iTunes. -
What if the Apple Music / iTunes format changes?
No problem. By having hi-resolution digital masters you are 'future proofed' against format changes. The masters can be easily archived, and will be ready for re-issues and re-pressings.
503.564.8217
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