We Make It Sound Distinct!
Distinct Mastering offers a full range of quality services that are specifically designed to make your final master exceed even the highest standards.
We Make It Sound Distinct!
Distinct Mastering offers a full range of quality services that are specifically designed to make your final master exceed even the highest standards.
Our Story
Distinct Mastering, we help artists deliver their music at the highest standard—clear, powerful, and ready for release. Founded by Billboard-charting DJ and producer Freddie Harb, our mission is simple: make your final master sound distinct.
With over 20 years in the music industry, we know it’s not just about sounding good—it’s about translating your vision across every format, from streaming to vinyl. Whether you're mastering for Apple Digital Masters or need help with metadata and ISRC codes, we’re here to guide you through the final step.
Our Services
Tailored solutions for your marketing needs.
Stereo Mastering
One of the final steps in the post-production audio process before distribution is stereo mastering. The sole purpose of mastering is to optimize playback across all systems and media formats, and encode the files with the proper information. Common tools that stereo mastering utilizes include equalization, compression, stereo imaging and limiting.
Stem Mastering
Unlike stereo mastering, the process of stem mastering involves processing the final mix as five to ten stems. This gives the mastering engineer more control of each individual grouping or stem. For example, most people typically send: drums, bass, instruments, vocals and effects. Some more stems can be broken out for more control, like kick drums, individual bass sounds, toms and fills.
Vinyl Mastering
Vinyl mastering tailors a master for vinyl records, preventing distortion and needle skipping. Distinct Mastering offers this service upon request. It's crucial for music intended for vinyl to undergo proper mastering, ensuring optimal sound quality. Distinct Mastering is well-versed in the necessary techniques for superior results.
Apple digital masters
Apple Digital Masters is a certification program for mastering studios and engineers that ensures high quality audio is submitted to Apple Music platform. Distinct Mastering is an Apple Digital Masters certified studio and can provide your music to Apple’s exacting standards. Your song must be mastered and submitted by an Apple Digital Masters Certified Studio in order to be approved.
Audio Mixing
Audio mixing services come into play after the recording process. This process involves combining multiple sounds together to make all parts sound cohesive and tonally balanced. The ultimate goal of audio mixing is to create the best possible version of your multi-track recording. During this phase, we will adjust the frequency content of your files, add effects, and modify the spatial position. This will tailor each sound so all instruments have a space in the final balanced mix.
Music education
Get exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content, production tips, sample packs, and more through our YouTube Membership and Patreon. Whether you're looking to level up your music or get closer to the process, our members get the inside track on everything Distinct Mastering. Not ready to join yet? Check out our free YouTube channel for weekly mastering tips, tutorials, and industry insights.
one-on-one Consultations
Need expert feedback on your mix, mastering chain, or production workflow? Book a personal consultation with Freddie Harb and get tailored advice from a Billboard-charting producer and mastering engineer. Whether you're troubleshooting a track or refining your sound, we’ll help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Robbie Rivera
It sounds great. I do see the difference in your mastering!
Donald Glaude
It sounds great!!! I like it 😁
Saeed Younan
I've had many people master my music throughout my 25+ year career, but none have been as professional as Distinct Mastering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Distinct Mastering and our audio services.
What’s the difference between mixing and mastering?
Mixing balances individual tracks in a song (like vocals, drums, and synths), while mastering is the final polish on the stereo file—ensuring clarity, loudness, and consistency across all playback systems and platforms.
Do I really need mastering if my mix sounds good?
Yes. Even great mixes benefit from mastering. It adds professional loudness, tonal balance, and ensures your track meets industry standards for streaming, vinyl, and digital platforms.
What format should I send my mix in for mastering?
Please send a a 16, 24 or 32-bit WAV or AIFF stereo file, ideally at the bit rate sample rate of your original session. Leave around -3 to -6 dB of headroom and avoid master bus compression unless it's part of your sound. Turn off any limiting on the master bus.
Can I request a mastering sample before purchasing?
Absolutely! We offer all first time clients one free mastered sample so you can hear how your music will sound with our touch. It’s the best way to feel confident before committing to a full project.
What’s the turnaround time for mastering?
Most projects are delivered within 2–3 business days. Rush options are available if you’re on a tight deadline—just let us know.
