Colossal Mastering | Articles & Press

"After visiting the facility, it is easy to see why Colossal Mastering has been successful. Besides turning out a large amount of quality masters, Stout and Nashold obviously love every second of their job and provide a very comfortable place to work.

Colossal was only the second facility in the United States to install the AudioCube, an addition to Colossal that Stout and Nashold have welcomed with open arms.

Besides Stout's ears and the facility's impressive equipment list, another attractive aspect of mastering at Colossal are their affordable rates. Compared to the rest of the professional mastering world, Stout's $125 per hour charge for mastering is so low many clients would have to do a double take at the rate card.

While continuing to expand their business to clients outside the Chicago city limits, Nashold explains that she and Stout benefit from a content, as well as vocal, client base: "Luckily, much of this business is word of mouth, and our clients have been great about spreading the word. That means that not only are people happy with what we do, but they are happy enough to talk about it."

-- excerpts from Audio Media, August 2000

"Given the importance of mastering, it was a pleasure to interview Dan Stout and Barbara Nashold of Colossal Mastering. The duo recently opened their world-class facility here in Chicago and had some very interesting information to share about exactly how the studio was constructed and equipped, as well as some excellent insights on mastering itself.

Well that about raps it up. Barbara and Dan have quite the resume. They have worked with everyone in Chicago from Chip Z'nuff to Jeff Boyle as well as a plethora of record labels across the country. Colossal Mastering boasts some of the finest ambiance in the city, or for that matter, in the country. The facility was recently honored as one of Mix Magazine's "Class of '99" studios, and it was featured in the magazine's June issue.

I'll have to admit that Barbara and Dan were one of the most technically interesting interviews I've ever been on. Give them a call at: 773-292-1692 for a tour and a bit of education. I'm sure you won't be disappointed."

"Stout teamed with studio manager Nashold just over a year ago to build a Colossal client base through side projects while maintaining his primary job at CRC. When the opportunity arose to create a new studio... they decided to take their business full-time.

During his six years at CRC, Stout performed mastering and edits for a wide variety of artists including rock bands Styx and The Smithereens, bluesman Son Seals and Chicago Symphony Orchestra principal oboist Alex Klein.

Colossal's primary focus will be on mastering CDs of bands from Chicago's thriving music scene. Combined with Nashold's prior experience as a studio manager and production supervisor at Com/Track, the pair hope to provide a homey yet professional atmosphere for current and prospective clients."