Mastering

[BLuEWeed]

Can somone please define and specifically list the steps that are involved in "mastering" iv not been totally satisfied with my "finished" projects and would like to dig deeper into mastering. im using a digi 002 and plug ins

[Dave Burris]

Can somone please define and specifically list the steps that are involved in "mastering" iv not been totally satisfied with my "finished" projects and would like to dig deeper into mastering. im using a digi 002 and plug ins

Mastering is the 'art' or technique of taking a audio project and translating it into a suitable form for the medium for which is is destined. It got it's original start in taking audio masters and adjusting EQ, mix, and dynamic range to work with the lathe cutters and ultimately produce a desired outcome on vinyl albums/records or 8-track and cassette medium.

Personally, I think it would be diffcult to define a specific set of steps that constitutes 'mastering'. More importantly, it would be difficult to describe how you would take the same mix done by you originally and 'master' it.

In a nutshell, it's all the steps required to massage your 'final' mix into a 'finished' product. It stems from the ability to take the 'final' mix and audibly dissect it to individually identify and correct features that detract (or fail to complement) the desired result.

Most often mastering is considered a set of steps that is done by an independent mastering engineer, both because they have the ability to do such analysis by critical listening and knowledge of how to correct problems and, perhaps more importantly, they are not you.

[edwards]

Theres some good info on Mastering on T.C Electronic website.Under there Finalizer 96k rack gear. Drawmer also has great info on there site under there 2496A.These are hardware rack pieces and they can be controled from within Pro Tools, Logic ect.You may not be looking for rack gear but the info and reveiws are a great place to start.

[edwards]

Theres some good info on Mastering on T.C Electronic website.Under there Finalizer 96k rack gear. Drawmer also has great info on there site under there 2496A.These are hardware rack pieces and they can be controled from within Pro Tools, Logic ect.You may not be looking for rack gear but the info and reveiws are a great place to start.

[cmchamp]

You're sort of asking for a secret cookie recipe or the recipe for Bush's Baked Beans. The best thing you can do is keep working. Read magazines such as EQ, Mix, etc. Go through the InSync section of this web-site. Listen to great mixes, of every sort, from the CD rack. Production of a product is much more than just throwing faders around, there's a level of musicianship necessary for translating something so-so into something better. It takes time and chops. Practice.
C.

[Smithcok]

You're sort of asking for a secret cookie recipe or the recipe for Bush's Baked Beans. The best thing you can do is keep working. Read magazines such as EQ, Mix, etc. Go through the InSync section of this web-site. Listen to great mixes, of every sort, from the CD rack. Production of a product is much more than just throwing faders around, there's a level of musicianship necessary for translating something so-so into something better. It takes time and chops. Practice.
C.

Indeed. Mastering is sort of the secret ninja art of the audio world. Good mastering is truly a form of high art. It takes lots of experience, knowledge, talent, developed ears, good equipment yadda yadda to be a solid mastering engineer.

But, in its roughest form, yes, mastering is the final step in making a cd. It generally involves EQ (sometimes very surgical), dynamics processing, stereo imaging (among possible other techniques), not only to push all the mixes to their fullest potential, but also to have continuity throughout the CD.

A good way to start learning about mastering is to really develop your mixing skills. The more nuances of sound and frequency that your ears are trained to hear, the better your development as a mastering engineer will be.