SoundCloud now offering audio mastering service

20 Jul 2020 - 08:58

SoundCloud last week partnered with Dolby to launch its audio mastering service for creators.

SoundCloud users can now master their songs from their accounts.

Mastering on SoundCloud allows users to instantly master their songs on the platform. The tool costs $4.99 per mastered track. SoundCloud Pro Unlimited subscribers get three free masters every month with the option to purchase additional ones for a discounted price of $3.99 each.

The tool is directly integrated into a creator’s SoundCloud workflow and will cost the same to master any type of audio file including lossless HD formats like WAV, FLAC and AIFF, among others. Users can choose from a custom suite of mastering styles created specifically for SoundCloud artists, and the mastering output will reflect the quality uploaded.

“Dolby’s mastering technology doesn’t just analyse your track, it critically listens to your music similar to the way an engineer would – identifying the details, the sections, and musical transitions that give your song its unique story arc,” a SoundCloud blog post reads. Using the mastering profiles of your choice, this detailed ‘sonic map’ is then used to sculpt the tone and overall dynamic profile of your mix while prioritising your creative intent.”

“With this technology now built into your workflow and available via a custom suite of mastering styles created specifically for SoundCloud artists, your track will be ready for streaming playback and you can be confident about releasing new music.”

The move puts SoundCloud in competition with Landr, which pioneered the automated mastering tool in 2014. Landr and SoundCloud have both expanded into distribution platforms: Landr in 2017 when it launched a combined mastering and distribution service, and SoundCloud in 2019.

In April, SoundCloud built on it distribution services by launching a new marketing and distribution platform called Repost, which is aimed at artists who want to take their career to the next level. Last week, the platform launched Insights, which provides creators with enhanced listener data about their songs.

Users can try Mastering on SoundCloud for free before purchasing the service.

Watch SoundCloud’s tutorial video on the mastering tool below.