989 Records Mastering Services – Refund & Revision Policy

At 989 Records, we’re committed to delivering professional mastering services that meet your artistic vision. This policy explains our revision process, refund eligibility, and satisfaction guarantee.

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1. Our Commitment to Quality

1.1 What We Guarantee

Every mastering project includes:

• ✅ Professional expertise from Max Porcelli, a Steinberg Certified Trainer with 30+ years of experience
• ✅ Free pre-mastering analysis to identify potential mix issues before we begin
• ✅ Up to 2 free revisions per track to ensure you’re completely satisfied
• ✅ High-quality delivery in multiple formats (WAV 24-bit, WAV 16-bit, optional MP3)
• ✅ Clear communication throughout the entire process

1.2 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

If you’re not completely happy with your mastered track after using your included revisions, we will continue working with you at no additional charge until we achieve the sound you’re looking for—or provide a full refund if we cannot meet your expectations.

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2. Revision Policy

2.1 What’s Included

Each mastering project includes up to 2 free revisions per track. Revisions can address:

Adjustable Elements:

• Overall loudness and LUFS (Loudness Units Full Scale) targets
• Tonal balance (bass, midrange, treble adjustments)
• Stereo width and imaging
• Compression and dynamic range
• Limiting and peak control
• Overall “brightness” or “warmth”

Examples of Revision Requests:

• ✅ “The master feels too bright—can you reduce the high frequencies slightly?”
• ✅ “I’d like the overall loudness to be -14 LUFS instead of -12 LUFS for streaming”
• ✅ “The bass feels a bit weak—can you add more low-end presence around 60-80 Hz?”
• ✅ “The stereo width feels too wide—can you narrow it slightly?”

2.2 What’s NOT Included (Mix-Level Changes)

Mastering cannot address issues that require changes to the original mix. These include:

Mix-Level Issues (Require Re-Mixing):

• ❌ “Make the lead vocal louder relative to the instrumental”
• ❌ “Add more reverb to the drums”
• ❌ “Remove that guitar part in the second verse”
• ❌ “Pan the synth more to the left”

If We Identify Mix Issues:
During our free pre-mastering analysis, we’ll notify you of any mix-level problems and provide recommendations. You can then:

1. Revise your mix and resubmit at no charge (within 30 days)
2. Proceed with mastering as-is (understanding the limitations)
3. Request a full refund before work begins

2.3 How to Request a Revision

Timeframe:
Revision requests must be submitted within 14 days of receiving your mastered files.

Process:

1. Listen carefully to your mastered track in multiple environments (headphones, car, studio monitors)
2. Be specific about what you’d like changed
3. Provide references if possible (e.g., “I’d like it to sound more like [reference track]”)
4. Email your feedback to [insert email] with the subject line: “Revision Request – [Your Project Name]”

Response Time:
We will acknowledge your revision request within 1 business day and deliver the revised master within 2-3 business days for stereo tracks (longer for stem mastering or albums).

2.4 Additional Revisions (Beyond 2 Free)

If you require more than 2 revisions, additional revisions are available at:

• €15 ($16 USD) per revision for Stereo Mastering
• €25 ($27 USD) per revision for Stem Mastering

Why We Charge for Additional Revisions:
Our goal is to get your master right within 2 revisions through clear communication and expert guidance. Additional revisions are rare when clients provide specific feedback, but we’re always happy to continue refining your sound for a nominal fee.

2.5 Revision Limitations

• Revisions must be related to the mastering process (not mixing issues)
• Each revision should address all your concerns at once—we encourage consolidated feedback rather than multiple single-change requests
• Revisions cannot fundamentally change the genre, style, or character of the track (e.g., changing from “bright pop master” to “dark underground master” would require restarting the mastering process)

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3. Refund Policy

3.1 Full Refund Eligibility

You are entitled to a 100% refund in the following situations:

Before Work Begins:

• ✅ You cancel your order before we start mastering (payment received but no work performed)
• ✅ We identify critical issues with your source files that make mastering impossible, and you choose not to resubmit

After Delivery:

• ✅ We fail to deliver your project within the agreed-upon deadline (without prior notification and your consent)
• ✅ After using all included revisions, we cannot achieve the agreed-upon mastering specifications outlined in your original project brief
• ✅ Technical errors on our end result in unusable files (corruption, data loss, significant technical defects)

3.2 Partial Refund Eligibility

You may be entitled to a partial refund (typically 50%) in these situations:

• ⚠️ You cancel your order after work has begun but before delivery
• ⚠️ You decide not to proceed after receiving your first master (no revisions used)
• ⚠️ We miss the agreed deadline by more than 3 business days (without your consent) but eventually deliver

3.3 No Refund Situations

Refunds are not available in the following cases:

• ❌ You are unsatisfied due to limitations of your source material (poor recording quality, mixing issues, distortion present in original files)
• ❌ You change your artistic vision or preferences after approving the master
• ❌ You decide to pursue a different mastering style after accepting delivery
• ❌ You used all revisions but did not provide clear, actionable feedback
• ❌ You failed to respond to our questions or clarification requests within 7 days, delaying the project
• ❌ Technical issues or subjective preferences discovered after you’ve approved and published the master

Important: We strongly encourage using our free pre-mastering analysis and providing reference tracks to ensure alignment before we begin. This prevents most dissatisfaction issues.

3.4 How to Request a Refund

Timeframe:
Refund requests must be submitted within 30 days of receiving your mastered files.

Process:

1. Email [insert email] with the subject line: “Refund Request – [Your Project Name]”
2. Explain the reason for your refund request
3. Provide documentation if applicable (email correspondence, revision history, etc.)
4. We will respond within 2 business days

Refund Method:
Refunds will be issued to the original payment method within 7-10 business days of approval.

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4. Mix Revision & Resubmission Policy

4.1 Free Resubmission Window

If our pre-mastering analysis identifies issues with your mix, you may revise and resubmit your files at no additional charge within 30 days of your original submission.

Examples of Issues We’ll Flag:

• Excessive distortion or clipping
• Insufficient headroom (peaks above -3 dBFS)
• Phase issues or mono compatibility problems
• Frequency imbalances that mastering cannot fix
• Missing stems or incomplete file delivery (for stem mastering orders)

4.2 Process

1. We analyze your files and provide written feedback
2. You revise your mix based on our recommendations
3. You resubmit via the same file-sharing link or a new one
4. We proceed with mastering at no extra charge (original payment applies)

No Time Limit for Payment:
Your payment remains valid regardless of how long the revision process takes, provided you communicate with us regularly.

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5. Project Cancellation Policy

5.1 Cancellation Before Work Begins

• Full refund issued within 7-10 business days
• No questions asked

5.2 Cancellation After Work Begins

• Partial refund (50%) to account for time and resources already invested
• Issued within 7-10 business days

5.3 Cancellation After Delivery

• No refund for completed work
• Revisions and satisfaction guarantee still apply

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6. File Retention & Re-Delivery

6.1 Standard Retention Period

We retain all project files for 90 days after delivery at no charge. During this period, you may:

• Request re-delivery of your mastered files (free)
• Request source files or session data (free)
• Request alternate formats (free for standard formats)

6.2 After 90 Days

Files may be permanently deleted. If you need access to your files after the retention period:

• Re-delivery fee: €10 ($11 USD) if we still have the files archived
• If files have been deleted, we cannot recover them—you’ll need to resubmit for a new mastering order

Recommendation: Download and back up all delivered files immediately upon receipt.

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7. Rush Service & Expedited Delivery

7.1 Rush Fees

If you need expedited delivery, rush service is available for an additional fee:

Standard Turnaround	Rush Turnaround	Additional Fee
1-3 days	Same day / 24 hours	+€50 ($54 USD)
2-4 days	1-2 days	+€30 ($32 USD)
5-7 days	2-3 days	+€40 ($43 USD)

Availability: Rush service is subject to availability. Contact us before ordering to confirm we can meet your deadline.

7.2 Rush Service Refund Policy

If we fail to meet the agreed rush deadline:

• Full refund of rush fee + standard service continues at no charge
• Or full refund of entire order if you prefer to cancel

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8. Quality Guarantee

8.1 Technical Standards

All masters delivered by 989 Records meet industry-standard technical specifications:

• LUFS Range: -14 LUFS to -8 LUFS (adjustable based on your preference and platform)
• True Peak: No higher than -1.0 dBTP (to prevent clipping on digital platforms)
• Sample Rate & Bit Depth: As specified in your order (44.1/48 kHz, 24-bit or 16-bit)
• File Format: WAV (lossless, uncompressed)

8.2 If Technical Standards Are Not Met

If your delivered master does not meet the agreed-upon technical specifications:

1. Notify us within 7 days of delivery
2. We will re-master at no charge
3. If the issue cannot be resolved, full refund will be issued

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9. Communication & Response Times

9.1 Our Response Times

• Initial inquiry: Within 24 hours (business days)
• Project confirmation: Within 24 hours of file receipt
• Revision acknowledgment: Within 24 hours
• Refund requests: Within 48 hours

9.2 Client Response Requirements

To keep your project moving smoothly, we ask that you:

• Respond to clarification questions within 7 days
• Provide revision feedback within 14 days of delivery
• Notify us of any issues or concerns within 7 days of delivery

Inactive Projects:
If we do not hear from you within 30 days after requesting feedback or clarification, we will consider the project complete and close the order. You may still request revisions or reopen the project, but additional fees may apply.

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10. Dispute Resolution

10.1 Good Faith Effort

Our goal is always to resolve any dissatisfaction through clear communication, additional revisions, or alternative solutions before considering refunds.

We encourage you to:

• Provide specific, detailed feedback
• Use reference tracks to illustrate your desired sound
• Take advantage of our free pre-mastering analysis
• Ask questions throughout the process

10.2 Escalation Process

If you’re unsatisfied and we cannot resolve the issue:

1. Step 1: Direct communication with Max Porcelli (owner/lead engineer)
2. Step 2: Detailed review of project history, revisions, and original specifications
3. Step 3: Offer of additional free revisions or alternative solutions
4. Step 4: Refund if no mutually satisfactory solution can be reached

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11. Special Circumstances

11.1 Source File Quality Issues

If your source files have technical problems (distortion, clipping, noise, poor recording quality), we will:

1. Notify you during pre-mastering analysis
2. Explain what can and cannot be fixed through mastering
3. Offer recommendations for re-mixing
4. Proceed only with your informed consent

No refunds will be issued for dissatisfaction with results when source file quality issues were identified and you chose to proceed.

11.2 Subjective Artistic Differences

Mastering is both technical and artistic. While we use our expertise to enhance your music, final results are somewhat subjective.

If you’re unsatisfied due to artistic preferences:

• Use your included revisions to communicate your vision more clearly
• Provide reference tracks that reflect your desired sound
• We’ll work with you to find a solution

We cannot guarantee you’ll love the results if:

• Your references and feedback are vague or contradictory
• Your vision changes significantly after the process begins
• Your expectations are unrealistic given the source material quality

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12. Changes to This Policy

989 Records reserves the right to update this Refund & Revision Policy at any time. Changes will be posted on our website and effective immediately.

Your Rights:
Any orders placed before a policy change will be governed by the policy in effect at the time of order, not retroactively.

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13. Free Mastering Preview Policy

13.1 How the Free Preview Works

“Send us your track, and we’ll master it free—hear the difference before you commit”

We offer a complimentary mastering preview so you can experience the 989 Records quality before making any financial commitment. Here’s exactly how it works:

What You Receive (100% Free):

• ✅ A fully mastered version of your track, processed with the same professional analog and digital equipment we use for paid orders
• ✅ All mastering enhancements applied: EQ, compression, limiting, stereo enhancement, and loudness optimization
• ✅ The complete sonic treatment—not a demo or reduced-quality version

Voiceover Protection: To protect our work while allowing you to evaluate quality, the free preview includes:

• 🔊 Periodic voiceover announcements stating “989 Records Mastering Preview” placed strategically throughout the track (typically every 20-30 seconds)
• These voiceovers are subtle but intentional—designed to let you hear the full mastering quality while preventing unauthorized commercial use

Preview Purpose: The free mastered preview allows you to:

• Hear the exact improvements our mastering brings to your music
• Compare the mastered version to your original mix side-by-side
• Make an informed decision before paying
• Confirm that our mastering style aligns with your artistic vision

13.2 Removing the Voiceover (Paid Service)

To receive your clean, voiceover-free master:

1. Choose your service (Stereo Mastering, Stem Mastering, EP, or Album)
2. Complete payment according to our standard pricing
3. Receive your final master within 1-3 business days (for single tracks)

Important Clarifications:

We create a fresh master for you—not just removing the voiceover:

• When you pay for the service, we don’t simply “remove” the voiceover from the preview file
• Instead, we re-master your track from scratch using the exact same settings and processing chain
• This ensures you receive the highest-quality, artifact-free master file
• Your final master will be completely clean—no traces of voiceover, no audio artifacts

Why we re-master instead of just removing the voiceover:

• Audio editing to remove voiceovers can leave tiny gaps, clicks, or volume inconsistencies
• Re-mastering ensures perfect continuity and professional quality
• You get a pristine, untouched master file exactly as it should be

13.3 Free Preview Terms & Conditions

Usage Restrictions: The free mastered preview with voiceover is provided for evaluation purposes only. You may:

• ✅ Listen to it privately to assess our mastering quality
• ✅ Share it with bandmates, collaborators, or producers for feedback
• ✅ Compare it to your original mix

You may NOT:

• ❌ Use the previewed track for commercial release (Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, etc.)
• ❌ Remove or attempt to remove the voiceover through audio editing
• ❌ Publicly distribute, stream, or sell the preview version
• ❌ Use the preview in live performances, DJ sets, or public broadcasts

Copyright Protection: Unauthorized commercial use of the free preview constitutes copyright infringement and theft of services. 989 Records reserves the right to pursue legal action for unauthorized use.

One Free Preview Per Track: The free mastering preview is limited to one track per customer for first-time clients. If you’d like to preview additional tracks, please contact us to discuss options.

Preview Delivery: Free previews are typically delivered within 3-5 business days. Rush delivery is not available for free previews.

13.4 Satisfaction Guarantee Applies

Even with the free preview option, our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee remains in effect once you pay for the full service:

• If the final (voiceover-free) master doesn’t meet your expectations, you still receive up to 2 free revisions
• If we cannot achieve your desired sound after revisions, you’re eligible for a full refund

The free preview dramatically reduces dissatisfaction because you’ve already heard what we can do—but we stand behind every paid master we deliver.

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14. Contact Us

If you have questions about our Refund & Revision Policy or Free Mastering Preview, please contact us:

989 Records Mastering Services
Max Porcelli, Steinberg Certified Trainer
Email: [Insert email] Website: www.989records.com
Phone: [Insert phone number]

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Our Promise:
We’re committed to delivering mastering services that exceed your expectations. If you’re not satisfied, we’ll make it right—or refund your investment. Your music deserves the best, and we’re here to help you achieve it.

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