Total Audio Design

 

With full-service audio design, you can have professional-grade performance correction and artifact removal applied to your tracks, transforming them into perfected works. Timing issues, imperfect pitch, noisy tracks, and empty-sounding recordings can all be corrected for the best possible result from your studio tracks. Specific effects and stylized track reproduction can be applied to add the touch of finesse your tracks need.

 

Correcting your audio

Der Kater is engineered specifically for the final stages of the recording process with both digital and analogue gear. Therefore, if you would like specific track manipulation such as guitar and bass amp simulation or re-amping from direct tracks, drum augmentation and reinforcement, or vocal proximity correction, we have the tools to meet your needs. It is important to note that we do NOT offer MIDI track printing due to the vast options in sounds and methods. For MIDI tracks, we require that your recording engineer print these files to audio.

How it's done

Supply us with your less-than-optimal audio. We will manually analyze every individual file for issues such as bleed, proximity issues, vocal pitch problems, timing correction, drum replacement or reinforcement, and overall depth of quality. We will then discuss our findings and recommendations to improve the faulty audio and bring the track to the best quality it can reach. From voiceover cleaning to full band correction and design, this service is a crucial step in the track editing process. While audio design requires planning prior to mix, it can be essential in achieving the sound you hear in your head.

 

NOTE: Audio design can only be applied to raw mono or stereo tracks, and is not intended for stems or mixed projects. Contact us for a consultation prior to beginning mixing services so that we can work with you on the desired result for your raw tracks.

Full Mixing Services

 

No one wants to spend their time and money tracking a new product, only to get a final release that falls short against professional recordings. Maybe you've recorded your own material at your home studio and cannot get the sound you want. Maybe the engineer at the studio you've hired doesn't share your vision. Der Kater Studios, in partnership with Alistar Entertainment, offers full mixing services from your track or stem files in digital format the way YOU want to hear it.

 

The importance of the mix

Mixing is a delicate balance of many interacting elements. Compression, equalization, instrument balance, space definition, limiting, and track reinforcement all work hand in hand with other pieces to create a clean, professional sound. With a careful balance of tonality, dynamic transparency, and effects, tracks become the perfect tapestry of sound.

How it's done

Der Kater accepts both stem and track files for mixing. Once received, we discuss your plans and vision, and work to find the best way to achieve what you desire. Once a preliminary mix is complete, we again open dialogue to find any final needs from the client before rendering the final mix.

NOTE: Stem files are mono or stereo files that have pre-mixed elements (such as all background vocals bounced to a stereo track). Track files must follow the stem file methodology, but are individual tracks for every recorded track. You can learn more from our Get Started document.

Full Mastering Services

 

If you've already got a great final recording that you need brought to current industry standards, we offer full-service mastering services so you can be sure your recording will hold up against your competition. Be it a track mixed by Der Kater or by another facility, we're happy to help you bring it to completion. A well-mastered recording is paramount to success in the industry, and you can rest easy allowing Der Kater Studios to process your final files.

 

The need to master

Mastering takes a well-mixed track and applies the finishing polish so that your work stands up to that of the pros. No one wants their fans to have to reach for the volume knob their CD comes on. Likewise, no one wants their song to perform poorly against professionals in streaming services like Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

How it's done

Der Kater accepts final mixes for mastering, either mixed by Der Kater or from another studio. Once received, we carefully analyze the audio for needed correction in compression, equalization, stereo imaging, and final perceived volume. Alterations and effects are applied to the source and the tails are trimmed for the cleanest possible result.

NOTE: Mixed tracks cannot be "remixed" at this stage. Files are considered to be final mixes prior to the commencement of mastering services. You can learn more from our Get Started document.

Rates and Pricing

Contact us for a quote.

 

For a complete quote for your project, please contact us. All projects are different, and while some can be inexpensive with fast turnaround, others can be more time intensive and costly. We'd love to discuss your needs so we can give you an accurate estimate on final costs. For basic estimation, you can also reference the rates below. Standard and package pricing assume a certain level of preparation to the files we receive. Please contact us before planning one of these pricing tiers.

 

 

Any mixing, mastering, or additional service that requires more than initial expectation is subject to the hourly rate.
For any package not already listed on this page, contact us for rates.

 

Want more information? You can learn more from our Get Started document.

About Us

 

 

A return to depth of field

While many other independent studios offer turnkey solutions, there's a considerable caveat to that mentality. Most small companies fall short on results when they juggle too many services. Too often will you see the independent artist put out a product with homogenized production, marginal video, amateur pictures, and poor distribution. This is a direct result of their services provider attempting to be an all-in-one solution.

 

We're different

We specialize in the final audio product, not tracking. Once you've completed your track recording, we're your final stop before release. We clean, edit, correct, mix, and master – or any combination of that final chain as you require. With a narrow focus on the final stages of your hard work, we provide unparalleled depth of quality in the crucial finality of production. As a production studio, we're run by musicians and artists with extensive experience in our fields. We understand that in the fast-paced Internet-driven world we live in today, most people would prefer to do everything online. Imagine the time- and cost-saving abilities and quick turnaround associated with full electronic delivery.

Team Members

Contact Us

For a complete quote for your project, please contact us. All projects are different, and while some can be inexpensive with fast turnaround, others can be more time intensive and costly. We'd love to discuss your needs so we can give you an accurate estimate on final costs.