Compound Audio

Compound Audio: mastering and vinyl cutting from the UK

Compound Audio is a British mastering and vinyl cutting studio founded in 2014 by mastering engineer Dean Pratt, professionally known as Dapz. With over twenty years of experience in the industry, the studio works with artists, record labels, broadcasters and production companies, and operates from the East Midlands region.

The work is aimed at both independent releases and major-label projects, with the same level of attention on every job. The company notes that its reputation has been built through word of mouth and repeat clients.

Mastering and audio services

The service catalogue covers different stages of the audio process and release formats:

• Stereo mastering.
• 24-hour turnaround mastering.
• Streaming & Apple Digital Masters.
• Mix-down & mastering.
• Vinyl transfer, restoration & remastering.
• Lathe cutting.
• Vinyl mastering.
• Feedback on your track.
• Sample packs and gift cards.

The studio describes its approach as hybrid, aimed at fast turnarounds and a sound ready for global release. Vinyl mastering includes frequency optimisation for pressing and lathe cutting.

Apple Digital Masters and distribution standards

Compound Audio offers mastering certified to Apple Music standards under the Apple Digital Masters designation. This service is aimed at digital releases that need to meet the platform's technical requirements.

Clients and track record

Among the clients the company mentions are Sony, BMG Production Music, Channel 4 UK, EA Games, Kiss TV, Snoop Dogg, Fatman Scoop, Dizzee Rascal, DNB Allstars, Vinyl Fanatiks, Suburban Base and MC Neat, among others. The studio states that it works with both major and independent labels and with media organisations.

The company notes that one of its projects, featuring Snoop Dogg, reached platinum status, and that it has worked on the video game Homefront: The Revolution.

Founder profile and working method

Dean Pratt (Dapz) runs the studio and handles projects personally. The company highlights continuous communication with clients and a willingness to adjust or tweak masters when the result does not match expectations. The stated approach is not limited to making things louder, but to preserving the original intention of the work and ensuring it translates across different listening environments, from clubs to mobile playback and vinyl.

Recognition from artists and labels

The site includes testimonials from clients such as DJ Rap (Propa Talent Records), Vinyl Fanatiks, TNA, Skeleton Recordings, Kemet Records, Cyndicut Juice Records, One World Entertainment Ltd, Dambuster Studio, Arcade82, Hazardous Musik and Viper Recordings Ltd. These comments refer to the quality of the finish, meeting deadlines and the continuity of the professional relationship over the years.