Mastering
Mastering Services
At Close To The Edge, Jon Astley continues to apply his legendary expertise to a wide spectrum of music projects. From chart-topping albums to independent gems, Jon’s meticulous mastering ensures that every track reaches its full sonic potential. His recent work exemplifies an unwavering commitment to pristine sound quality, elevating each project with clarity, depth, and precision.
Below is a showcase of some of the latest releases that have benefitted from Jon’s masterful touch, reaffirming why he remains one of the most respected and sought-after mastering engineers in the industry.
Mastering Across Different Genres
Mastering is the final and most critical step in the music production process, and Jon Astley approaches it with an unparalleled level of precision and expertise. Every track that comes through Close To The Edge undergoes a meticulous process, ensuring clarity, balance, and optimal playback across all formats. While the fundamentals of mastering remain consistent, Jon understands that each genre has its own distinct sonic identity, requiring a tailored approach to bring out the best in every recording.
Classic Rock & Blues Rock
Jon preserves the warmth, dynamics, and raw energy that define classic rock and blues, enhancing clarity and depth while ensuring tracks sound powerful on modern platforms. Whether it’s the legendary guitar tones of The Who or the bluesy grit of Eric Clapton, Jon ensures that each track retains its authenticity and impact.
Artists: The Who, Led Zeppelin, Toto, Bad Company, Genesis, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, The Rolling Stones, Dave Gilmour, Ronnie Wood, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Pete Townshend, The Yardbirds, Steve Jones, Robin Trower, Ten Years After, Alvin Lee, The Pretty Things, Paul Weller, Rose Tattoo, Graham Bond, Steve Hillage, Rage, Steam Hammer, Adrian Belew, Leafhound, Legend, Trapeze, Montrose, Man, Dave Edmunds, Ian Hunter.
Pop & Contemporary
For pop and contemporary music, Jon focuses on bright, polished clarity, smooth dynamics, and vocal prominence. He ensures that tracks have a radio-ready sound, balancing the mix for streaming, radio, and digital platforms without losing their emotional depth.
Artists: ABBA, Tori Amos, Sting, Tom Jones, Mick Hucknall, David Gray, Michael Bolton, Tiffany, Elaine Paige, The Sugababes, K T Tunstall, Sandi Thom, Catherine Anne Davies, Relish.
Alternative & Indie Rock
Alternative and indie rock demand a raw yet refined approach, and Jon ensures that the energy, grit, and dynamics remain intact. He enhances sonic cohesion for both digital and vinyl releases, allowing each track to maintain its depth and artistic integrity.
Artists: Mansun, Stereophonics, Paul Draper, The Boomtown Rats, Bob Geldof, Paul Weller, Style Council, The Police.
Hard Rock & Metal
Jon knows that hard rock and metal require a strong, punchy low end, crisp highs, and controlled loudness to maintain power without distortion. He ensures that guitars are aggressive yet clear, drums remain tight and impactful, and vocals cut through the mix with authority.
Artists: Robert Plant, Ginger Wildheart, Patti Smith, Sammy Hagar, Peter Cetera, 38 Special, Rick Springfield, Ratt, White Lion, Eddie Money, Billy Squier, Ted Nugent, Johnny Van Zant, The Babys, Quiet Riot, Blackfoot, Eddie Money, Moon Martin, Tyla Gang, Dokken, Lou Gramm, Lynch Mob, King Cobra, Rhino Bucket, Rough Cutt, Zebra, Love-Hate.
Progressive & Art Rock
For progressive and art rock, Jon carefully balances intricate arrangements, wide stereo imaging, and subtle dynamic shifts to create an immersive listening experience. He ensures that every element, from delicate textures to soaring solos, is precisely placed in the mix.
Artists: Peter Gabriel, Mark Knopfler, Steve Hillage, Renaissance.
Soft Rock & AOR
Soft rock and AOR demand a warm, smooth, and expansive sound, allowing vocals and instruments to breathe. Jon refines each mix to enhance vocal clarity and instrument separation, ensuring a timeless, polished finish.
Artists: Peter Cetera, Mr. Mister, Coney Hatch, Giant, John Norum, Steve Perry.
Folk, Celtic & Acoustic
Acoustic genres require delicate mastering, preserving the natural warmth and dynamic range of instruments while ensuring clarity. Jon enhances depth and definition to maintain an intimate and authentic soundscape.
Artists: Emmylou Harris, Shane MacGowan, Hossam Ramzy, Natacha Atlas, Goitse, Malojian, Beoga.
Soul, R&B & Funk
Jon ensures that soul, R&B, and funk tracks have a tight, warm, and rhythmically engaging feel, with a rich low end, smooth highs, and impeccable balance. He preserves the soulful depth while refining the mix for a modern, polished sound.
Artists: Dr John, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick, The Blues Band, Climax Blues Band, Snowy White, Robin Trower, Frankie Miller, Dave Kelly, Slim Chance.
Close To The Edge, Jon Astley’s approach to mastering ensures that every track meets the highest industry standards while retaining its artistic integrity and emotional impact. His experience across multiple genres makes him a sought-after name for both legendary artists and contemporary musicians alike.