・HIGHER・LEVEL・MASTERING・

A master should be more than just loud, it should be dynamic, rich and detailed too. So when we talk about mastering to the highest level, we are not just talking about decibels - we are talking about the highest level of sound quality.

A quality master must also be fit for purpose, perfectly tailored to the listening environment of the end user. So when we talk about quality, we understand that it can be totally subjective and we always strive to understand what quality means to you.

We are a small independent mastering house in the centre of Bristol, and we believe the best results are achieved when the artist is in control of the end product as much as possible. We are here to provide accessible, affordable mastering solutions for everyone. So if you create music, we are here for you.

Henry Bainbridge is the head engineer at Higher Level Mastering.

He started his career in 2003 when he set up a dub plate cutting service to cater to the local DJ community. He has worked for many of Bristol's best known producers, and has clients all over the world, from Brazil to New Zealand and everywhere in between.

Working with vinyl is perhaps the most challenging type of mastering work out there, so Henry brings his years of experience at Dub Studio, and applies the same level of care and attention to his mastering.

If there is one thing that Henry has learnt over the years, its that there is no right and wrong when it comes to sound. Each job is unique, and he is only happy when his clients are happy, and when they are not sure about something he is always happy to advise them and talk things through.

Henry has his roots in sound system culture, and loves nothing more than hearing great sounding tunes on a big rig. He has been involved in countless projects over the years, and knows exactly what it takes for a track to sound its very best.

Right now we are looking for new clients! So if you are starting a new project and you want expert help getting it ready for release, or you are looking to take your existing project to a higher level, please get in touch.

Free consultations starting April 2017!

We believe every producer needs access to a reference listening environment where they can test out their creations before unleashing them on the world.

All the clutter of the creative environment needs to be removed, so there is nothing between the speakers and your ears, and that is what we have created.

Our studio features a unique reflection free space, where the audio goes straight from the speakers to your ears (that's why the console sits behind us).

The monitoring system reveals the highest possible level of detail, so if there is a problem in the mix, you will hear it. The drivers are perfectly balanced and aligned, so you can tell if there is even a dB too much bass, or the tiniest bit of top end lacking.

The monitors are driven by a state of the art Crookwood Mastering console, which gives total control over the listening experience:

• - world-class audio converters
• - monitoring calibrated to within 0.25dB
• - trimmed outputs for perfect equal loudness A/Bing
• - instant mid / side monitoring
• - touch-of-a-button patchbay for analog and digital processors

But most importantly, the studio is in a great location in the center of Bristol, where anyone can join us and be involved as the masters take shape.

We have a great range of analog and digital tools to process sound in every way imaginable. We can make extremely precise, transparent changes to the tonal balance of a piece using state-of-the-art digital EQs, or shape its transients with a range of digital and analog compressors, and we keep working until you are happy.

We offer a range of services depending on what you need mastering for:

• - digital masters
• - demo masters
• - stem masters
• - master lacquers

So whether you need a quick master to send to a friend, or a complete release package, we want to hear from you!