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Mastering Services Agreement

For artists and mastering engineers preparing approved mixes for release.

Drafted by a Harvard Law attorney.

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About this contract

This agreement is for artists and mastering engineers preparing approved mixes for release. Mastering does not include repairing or remixing source multitracks.

Key points covered in this contract

  • Mastering inputs: approved mixes, release formats, album sequence, and verified metadata.
  • Fee and schedule: the fee, payment dates, and when the work will be completed.
  • Delivery and extra work: what is handed over, and which changes count as extra work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are source files, and are they included with the finished work?
Source files are the editable files used to create a finished result. They can make later changes easier, but may require particular software or licensed assets. A service fee may cover only the finished output; source-file delivery and permission to reuse its contents are separate questions.
When do revision requests become extra paid work?
A request can become extra work when it adds something beyond the original brief or exceeds the included revision rounds. A new concept, extra recording session, or additional format is different from a small adjustment. Correcting work that did not meet the agreed requirements may be treated separately from paid revisions.
Can mastering fix a vocal that is too quiet in the mix?
Not reliably. Mastering works on the finished mix, where vocals and instruments are already combined. Raising one sound may also affect others. A change to the original mix is often the better solution and may mean the mastering work needs to be repeated.