One Wonder Sound
Affordable Mastering with Character and Care
Affordable Mastering with Character and Care
Welcome to One Wonder Sound — high-quality mastering with a classic touch.
Honest, affordable, and focused on preserving the life in your music.
I offer cost-effective services with smaller artists in mind so they can have higher fidelity mastering without breaking the bank.
Loudness
I prioritize balance and musical dynamics — no overcompressed, lifeless masters.
Loudness can be tailored to your preference.
(Read more about loudness below)
Nick N. Martin
Email: [email protected]
It's tempting to chase loudness in mastering; but, in today’s streaming world, that approach does more harm than good. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube automatically normalize tracks to around -14 LUFS. This means no matter how loud you master your track, it will be turned down to match other songs on the platform. So, if you've squashed your mix with heavy limiting and compression just to make it louder, all you have really done is sacrifice dynamics, punch, and clarity for no real benefit.
A louder master often seems better at first listen, but that’s usually because it hasn’t been gain-matched with the original, more dynamic file. When you actually compare two versions at the same perceived loudness, the over-compressed track often sounds flat, lifeless, and fatiguing. However, a more dynamic master feels alive, expressive, and emotionally impactful.
Of course, a fully dynamic master isn’t always the best option. Compression and limiting are essential tools in mastering. When used tastefully, they help glue the track together, add impact, and bring out the best in a mix. The key to a great sound is to use them with intention—not just to chase loudness for the sake of being loud.
This is why many people say vinyl pressings of modern albums sound better. It’s not just a gimmick or nostalgia, it’s because vinyl masters are often prepared separately, with less limiting and more dynamics preserved. Meanwhile, digital versions are often "brickwalled" to compete in loudness, even though platforms are just going to turn the levels down.
That said, I always work closely with artists to find the right balance between dynamics and loudness. If your vision calls for more punch or intensity, I can absolutely deliver that. However, I will never push a master beyond what actually helps the music.
I want you to feel great about how your track sounds, regardless of the platform from which it is being played. From headphones to playlists, you will be impressed with the consistency of your track.
You can trust that your music is in good hands. I will make sure it hits the right energy, without losing its soul.