# El Stray Mastering

> Independent mastering, stem mastering, vinyl mastering, and mix/mastering support for artists who want release-ready records with clear human judgement.

Source domain: https://elstraymastering.com
Generated: 2026-06-02T13:37:35Z
Full Markdown digest: /llms-full.txt

## Services
- [Full Mix and Master](https://elstraymastering.com/product/full-mix-and-master/): Full Mix and Master. Price: £ 119.00. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/product/full-mix-and-master.md
- [Full M&M Plus Mastered Stems](https://elstraymastering.com/product/full-mix-and-master-plus-stems/): Full M&M Plus Mastered Stems. Price: £ 139.00. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/product/full-mix-and-master-plus-stems.md
- [Stem Mastering](https://elstraymastering.com/product/stem-mastering/): Stem Mastering. Price: £ 74.99. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/product/stem-mastering.md
- [Stereo Mastering](https://elstraymastering.com/product/stereo-mastering/): Stereo Mastering. Price: £ 34.99. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/product/stereo-mastering.md
- [Vinyl Mastering](https://elstraymastering.com/product/vinyl-mastering/): Vinyl Mastering. Price: £ 34.99. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/product/vinyl-mastering.md

## Shop/Pricing
- [Mastering Services](https://elstraymastering.com/shop/): Browse the mastering options and place your order on this page. Get in touch for further information or place your order easily via PayPal now. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/shop.md

## Demos
- [Demos and Testimonials](https://elstraymastering.com/demos/): Hear demos of our recent mixing and mastering work, and read amazing testimonials from the talented artists that we work with. Recent work and feedback. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/demos.md
- [El Stray Mastering](https://elstraymastering.com/): Established London-based mastering studio. Get your track mastered by an expert on high end professional gear. Mixing and mastering across a broad spectrum of music; House, Techno, UKG, D&B, RnB, Indie, Soul, Jazz & more. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/index.md

## Blog Guides
- [Equipment Check: El Stray Studio](https://elstraymastering.com/2020/06/02/equipment/): All of the audio equipment is ultra high end mastering grade… ESM studio is powered by PRISM SOUND , DUTCH & DUTCH , APPLE , FOCAL and ADAM AUDIO S-Series . Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/equipment.md
- [Guide: El Stray’s Premaster and Stem Exporting Helpsheet](https://elstraymastering.com/2020/06/02/exporting-guidelines/): Learn the best and most important things to keep in mind when bouncing a track for mastering. This post covers standard stereo mastering and full mixdowns. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/exporting-guidelines.md
- [How Loud Should Your Master Be in 2026? Why Fixed Targets Miss the Point](https://elstraymastering.com/2026/04/10/how-loud-should-your-master-be-in-2026-why-fixed-targets-miss-the-point/): Loudness in 2026 The number is not the master. Loudness is still one of the most misunderstood parts of mastering. The misunderstanding changed shape over time, but. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/how-loud-should-your-master-be-in-2026-why-fixed-targets-miss-the-point.md
- [How Many Stems Should You Send for Stem Mastering?](https://elstraymastering.com/2026/04/10/how-many-stems-should-you-send-for-stem-mastering/): Stem mastering Fewer stems. Better control. Stem mastering sits in the useful middle ground between stereo mastering and a full mix. The problem is that a lot of. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/how-many-stems-should-you-send-for-stem-mastering.md
- [How Much Does Mastering Cost in 2026, And What Are You Actually Paying For?](https://elstraymastering.com/2026/04/10/how-much-does-mastering-cost-in-2026-and-what-are-you-actually-paying-for/): Mastering cost in 2026 Compare the job, not just the price. Mastering prices look confusing from the outside because the word mastering covers several very. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/how-much-does-mastering-cost-in-2026-and-what-are-you-actually-paying-for.md
- [Is My Mix Ready for Mastering? A Practical Checklist from a Mastering Engineer](https://elstraymastering.com/2026/04/10/is-my-mix-ready-for-mastering-a-practical-checklist-from-a-mastering-engineer/): Practical checklist Is the mix actually ready? One of the most common questions before booking mastering is also one of the hardest to answer emotionally: is the. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/is-my-mix-ready-for-mastering-a-practical-checklist-from-a-mastering-engineer.md
- [Mastering 101](https://elstraymastering.com/2020/06/02/mastering-101/): A simple rundown of the mastering process, and the steps that are taken to make your track sound like those commercial hits, or club bangers. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/mastering-101.md
- [Audio Mastering Order Process FAQ](https://elstraymastering.com/2020/06/02/order-process-faq/): How to get your track mastered for radio, streaming and club systems by a professional mastering engineer. Techno, House, UKG, RnB, DnB, HipHop, LoFi & More Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/order-process-faq.md

## Category Hubs
- [Mastering Fundamentals Guides](https://elstraymastering.com/category/mastering-fundamentals/): Clear explanations of mastering, loudness, dynamics, limiting, and final delivery for artists who want to understand the finishing stage. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/category/mastering-fundamentals.md
- [Mix Translation & Acoustics Guides](https://elstraymastering.com/category/mix-translation-acoustics/): Help with low end, harshness, reference listening, rooms, cars, clubs, headphones, and the checks that show whether a mix is really translating. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/category/mix-translation-acoustics.md
- [Service Guides Guides](https://elstraymastering.com/category/service-guides/): Guidance on exports, ordering, stems, vinyl, pricing, readiness, revisions, and choosing the service that fits the music. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/category/service-guides.md
- [Studio Gear & Monitoring Guides](https://elstraymastering.com/category/studio-gear-monitoring/): Notes on monitoring chains, interfaces, speakers, DAWs, plugins, and the studio choices that shape what an engineer can hear clearly. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/category/studio-gear-monitoring.md
- [Workflow & Mindset Guides](https://elstraymastering.com/category/workflow-mindset/): Writing on decision fatigue, finishing discipline, reference habits, plugin overwhelm, and getting the track over the line without losing perspective. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/category/workflow-mindset.md

## Contact
- [About El Stray Mastering](https://elstraymastering.com/about-el-stray/): Find out about your mastering engineer. Get your music mixed or mastered by an industry professional with extensive experience. Underground music specialist mastering Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/about-el-stray.md
- [Contact El Stray Mastering](https://elstraymastering.com/contact/): Get help with any mixing or mastering queries. Unlike bigger mastering houses, you will have direct contact with your engineer from start to finish. Ask Away! Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/contact.md

## Policies
- [Privacy Policy](https://elstraymastering.com/privacy-policy/): Privacy policy for El Stray Mastering. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/privacy-policy.md

## Optional
- [192kHz/24-bit Mastering is the New Standard for HiFi Streaming](https://elstraymastering.com/2025/06/06/192khz-24-bit-mastering-is-the-new-standard-for-streaming/): High-resolution delivery Beyond MP3: Why High-Resolution Mastering is Your Music’s Secret Weapon High-resolution audio can be useful, but the number on the file is. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/192khz-24-bit-mastering-is-the-new-standard-for-streaming.md
- [Achieving Depth and Space: An In-Depth Guide to Reverb and Delay in Mixing Dance Music](https://elstraymastering.com/2024/10/05/achieving-depth-and-space-an-in-depth-guide-to-reverb-and-delay-in-mixing-dance-music/): Depth and space Reverb and delay should move the record, not bury it. There is a profound impact that reverb and delay have on creating depth and space within a. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/achieving-depth-and-space-an-in-depth-guide-to-reverb-and-delay-in-mixing-dance-music.md
- [AI Mastering vs Real Audio Engineers: An Honest Look at 2026](https://elstraymastering.com/2026/02/27/ai-mastering-vs-real-audio-engineers-a-so-clearly-honest-look-at-2026/): If you produce music in 2026, you are constantly bombarded by advertisements for one click, algorithmic mastering plugins. They promise radio ready sound instantly,. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/ai-mastering-vs-real-audio-engineers-a-so-clearly-honest-look-at-2026.md
- [What is the Best Mastering Software or DAW?](https://elstraymastering.com/2021/01/05/best-mastering-software-or-daw/): Mastering software The Ultimate DAW Guide 2026: The Mastering Engineer Perspective Choosing the right digital audio workstation for mastering is no longer about. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/best-mastering-software-or-daw.md
- [The Best Studio Monitors Under 1200 Pounds: An In-Depth Guide to Exceptional Sound](https://elstraymastering.com/2024/10/06/best-studio-monitors-under-1200/): Buyer guide The 2026 ranking Stepping up to the £1000 to £1200 price bracket is where you leave the prosumer multimedia speakers behind and enter the. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/best-studio-monitors-under-1200.md
- [The 5 Biggest Mistakes Producers Make Before Sending Tracks to Mastering](https://elstraymastering.com/2026/02/27/biggest-mastering-mistakes/): Sending a track off to a professional mastering engineer should be an exciting milestone. Yet, for many artists, the export process is filled with anxiety. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/biggest-mastering-mistakes.md
- [Demystifying Mid-Side Processing: Techniques for Width and Clarity in Dance Music](https://elstraymastering.com/2024/10/06/demystifying-mid-side-processing-techniques-for-width-and-clarity-in-dance-music/): Jump to mono wide Jump to mono wide Jump to mono wide Jump to mono wide Jump to mono wide Jump to mono wide Jump to mono wide Why Use Mid-Side Processing? Benefits. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/demystifying-mid-side-processing-techniques-for-width-and-clarity-in-dance-music.md
- [Do You Need Expensive Studio Monitors](https://elstraymastering.com/2026/02/27/do-you-need-expensive-studio-monitors/): Do you need expensive studio monitors to write great music? The myth runs deep in the music production community: you cannot possibly achieve a professional,. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/do-you-need-expensive-studio-monitors.md
- [How to Get Your Tracks Loud](https://elstraymastering.com/2026/02/27/how-to-get-your-tracks-loud/): It is the most common frustration in modern digital production. You have crafted a beautiful, punchy mix. You compare your volume to a commercial track on Spotify. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/how-to-get-your-tracks-loud.md
- [Learn to Mix and Master with El Stray](https://elstraymastering.com/2022/12/05/learn-to-mix-and-master-with-el-stray/): Lessons Learn to mix and master with El Stray. Are you a musician, producer, or audio engineer who wants to take your mixing skills to the next level? If so, our. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/learn-to-mix-and-master-with-el-stray.md
- [Mastering for Vinyl vs Streaming: Why You Need Two Different Masters](https://elstraymastering.com/2026/02/27/mastering-for-vinyl-vs-streaming-why-you-need-two-different-masters/): A streaming master and a vinyl master should feel like the same record, but they should not always be the same file. Digital playback and vinyl cutting ask. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/mastering-for-vinyl-vs-streaming-why-you-need-two-different-masters.md
- [Perceived Benefits of Analogue Summing](https://elstraymastering.com/2022/12/05/percieved-benefits-of-analogue-summing/): Analogue summing A useful colour, not a magic switch. Analogue summing, a method of combining multiple audio signals into one using analogue circuitry, can be a. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/percieved-benefits-of-analogue-summing.md
- [“Plugin Overwhelm”: Stop Buying Plugins](https://elstraymastering.com/2026/02/27/plugin-overwhelm-stop-buying-plugins/): Stop buying around the problem It happens every Black Friday. You are frustrated because your snare drum lacks the ‘crack’ you hear on commercial records. A. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/plugin-overwhelm-stop-buying-plugins.md
- [Why Your Vocals Sound Harsh After Mastering (And How to Prevent It)](https://elstraymastering.com/2026/02/27/prevent-harsh-vocals-in-mastering/): It is an incredibly discouraging scenario. You have spent weeks balancing the perfect lead vocal in your DAW. It sounds present, airy, and brilliant. But the moment. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/prevent-harsh-vocals-in-mastering.md
- [Stem Mastering Explained](https://elstraymastering.com/2026/02/27/stem-mastering-explained/): Every producer eventually hits a wall. The mix is ninety percent complete, the energy feels right, but something is lacking. Perhaps the vocal feels slightly buried. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/stem-mastering-explained.md
- [The Best Audio Interface You Can Buy At Any Price Point](https://elstraymastering.com/2026/02/27/the-best-audio-interface-you-can-buy-at-any-price-point/): Buyer guide Choose by the signal path. Choosing an audio interface is not just about counting inputs. It is about securing the absolute best conversion and. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/the-best-audio-interface-you-can-buy-at-any-price-point.md
- [The Best Studio Monitors Under 400 Pounds](https://elstraymastering.com/2024/10/05/the-best-studio-monitors-under-400/): Budget buyer guide The 2026 budget ranking Choosing the right studio monitors is crucial for producing mixes that translate well across various playback systems. In. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/the-best-studio-monitors-under-400.md
- [The “Muddy” Low-End Cure](https://elstraymastering.com/2026/02/27/the-muddy-low-end-cure/): A tight, powerful low end is the hallmark of a professional mix. Yet, for many bed room producers, the lower frequencies sound like a continuous, rumbling,. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/the-muddy-low-end-cure.md
- [The Rise of AI and Machine Learning in Audio Production, Mixing and Mastering](https://elstraymastering.com/2023/07/15/the-rise-of-ai-and-machine-learning-in-audio-production-mixing-and-mastering/): AI in production Fast tools are useful. The final call still needs a listener. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are now part of audio production. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/the-rise-of-ai-and-machine-learning-in-audio-production-mixing-and-mastering.md
- [Top 10 Ways to Train Your Ears to Mix Better](https://elstraymastering.com/2022/12/05/top-10-ways-to-train-your-ears-to-mix-better/): Ear training Top 10 ways to train your ears to mix better. Mastering demands a good ear, but how do you train your ear for mastering? Below we explore a quick top. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/top-10-ways-to-train-your-ears-to-mix-better.md
- [Using Reference Tracks When Mixing & Mastering](https://elstraymastering.com/2022/12/05/using-reference-tracks-when-mixing-mastering/): Reference tracks Why you should use a reference track when mixing or mastering music. The art of mixing dance music is an intricate dance in itself, where the use. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/using-reference-tracks-when-mixing-mastering.md
- [What is a compressor?](https://elstraymastering.com/2022/12/05/what-is-a-compressor/): Compression basics What is an audio compressor? What is an audio compressor, and why are they used in mixing and mastering? A compressor is a device used in audio. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/what-is-a-compressor.md
- [What is LOUDNESS in Mastering?](https://elstraymastering.com/2022/12/05/what-is-loudness-in-mastering/): Loudness fundamentals Loudness is how level feels over time. I’ve come to appreciate the pivotal role that loudness plays in the mastering process. While it might. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/what-is-loudness-in-mastering.md
- [What is LUFS? Understanding Loudness Units Full Scale in Audio Mastering](https://elstraymastering.com/2022/12/05/what-is-lufs/): LUFS basics What is LUFS? LUFS, or loudness units relative to full scale, is a measure of the perceived loudness of an audio signal, as perceived by the human ear. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/what-is-lufs.md
- [Why You Can’t Finish Your Tracks or Get Your Mix Right](https://elstraymastering.com/2026/02/27/why-you-cant-finish-your-tracks-or-get-your-mix-right/): The problem is usually not one missing plugin. A track becomes hard to finish when too many jobs are happening at the same time. You are still writing the hook,. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/why-you-cant-finish-your-tracks-or-get-your-mix-right.md
- [Why Your Mix Sounds Great in the Studio but Terrible in the Car](https://elstraymastering.com/2026/02/27/why-your-mix-sounds-great-in-the-studio-but-terrible-in-the-car/): We have all experienced this frustrating moment. You bounce a mix at 2 AM, feeling like an absolute genius. The bass is hitting perfectly, the vocals are crisp, and. Markdown: https://elstraymastering.com/blog/why-your-mix-sounds-great-in-the-studio-but-terrible-in-the-car.md