Topic: Mastering for $$

[balou2]

So, I've been archiving for a band for several years, and they've asked me to lead the charge in mastering shows for sale both as 2-disc sets and downloads.  At this point, I'd be looking at 15+ shows.  If I were to do this, I would consider re-transfering from original DATs for all new sources.  With this would undoubtedly come the mastering.  Sound is very good to begin with, but the normal D>CD mastering for sure.  Each show is about 2 - 2 1/2 hours in length and would be going from my original master DATs > WAV etc...

Anyone have an idea what the going rate on this type of work is?  This band has been around for about 40 years, with tons of touring and several albums, so they're not a garage band looking for some CD-Rs.

I'm anticipating 8-10 hours of work per show, some less, some more.  I'll also be recording the upcoming tour, so I'm looking at a whole new batch of sources.  I have NO idea how many copies of each show would be sold, but just for shits and giggles, maybe 500.

I'm not looking to get rich off of this.  Hell...just to be associated with these guys is cool in my book...I'd probably do it for free, but they've offered to pay me and help purchase gear etc.... 

Thanks folks,
Mike

[muj]

try asking at gearslutz.com

several mastering engineers are available there 

[cleantone]

I wouldn't be expecting $1000 a day unless your place looks like this:





For whatever that is worth to you... 

[bluegrass_brad]

Mastering is tricky business and can make or break a recording.  If you have never done anything like this than it would behoove you to do some major research.  It's alot more than a little EQ and compression.  Also you really need a top of the line near field monitoring system to even attempt to master correctly.  Headphones wont cut it.

[cshepherd]

I did a fundraiser project for one of the local schools in December.  We recorded 13 class choirs in one day, with each class getting two takes.  We billed the school $15 an hour for recording time and mastering time.  It was an 8 hour job to master the tracks to proper volumes.  It felt like an honest paycheck when the project was all said and done.

Chris

[pfife]

I was charged $90 to have my local band cd mastered.  about 45 mins of music.  Not the highest quality mastering, but not terrible either.

[balou2]

Thanks folks.

I'm experience with mastering, and have worked in a full studio for several years, just never done it under contract and wanted a couple opinions.  Much appreciated.

[heath]

Awesome!  Depending upon how nice you want to be, you would find that $25-50 is fair per hour.  (this is on the low side)  Good luck!  When i first saw the thread name, it reminded me of my favorite ad that my buddy still runs in Tapeop and EQ:

[wbrisette]

I wouldn't be expecting $1000 a day unless your place looks like this:

Isn't that Glen Trew in that picture?

Wayne

[heath]

not sure...but it IS a 1" modded ATR102 that he's leaning on

[Brian]

 mod atr102

[heath]

my latest bumper sticker for the car (sent to me by andrew at ATR)

[Brian]

that's sweet!  i'd love to get one of those. 

[heath]

pm me your addy.  i have an extra or two.

[Brian]

pm me your addy.  i have an extra or two.

  you RAWK \m/