Mastering & Creating Your Last Mix Like the Pros (Mastering Process).

The mastering procedure permits you to carry out last changes after you have actually blended your multitrack recordings down to two stereo tracks (we'll leave quad and 5.1 surround-sound scenarios for another day.) Some adjustments are made to improve a particular tune's sonic quality. Others are made within the context of an album - making sure that lots of tunes strung together have a similar sonic "consistency." Typical areas of issue for a mastering engineer are: equalization (eq), compression, levels (volume) relative from one tune to the next, and spacing in between songs. Equalization: Sometimes you'll want to change the eq or compression on a mix after you have actually done the last mix. Or you may have ten songs blended by 3 different engineers in five different studios.

Each song's eq might seem best by itself, however if you sequence them together, unexpectedly one song sounds too intense (or too dull ...). Suggestion # 1: keep in mind that any eq modifications to your stereo mix affect the entire mix - if you want to cut 3 db at 80Hz since your mix sounds muddy, remember to examine how that affects all the instruments (e.g. the vocal), not simply the bass guitar and kick drum. Compression: In mastering, this is used not simply to control a mix or to include character, but likewise to "print" or send as much level to the master as possible without clipping the signal.

Spacing & Crossfading.

Spacing: there are various viewpoints as to how one must approach the spaces put in between tunes on a record. Some feel the downbeat of one song must fall at the start of a new bar, in the tempo of the previous tune (to continue the flow.) Others believe Trap Instrumentals you ought to prevent this like the plague, due to the fact that it decreases the effect. In the end, do whatever feels right. There is no requirement. Cross-fade your songs if you like, or location 6 seconds between them. (2-4 seconds prevails in many popular, non-classical records, however it's up to you.) Last tip: you may be inclined to master the very same recordings that you mixed, whether it is for monetary reasons, innovative factors, or merely due to the fact that you can. We strongly suggest that you get somebody else to master your project. The neutrality and fresh ears they give the table inevitably lead to a stronger, more cohesive album.


Normal areas of concern for a mastering engineer are: equalization (eq), compression, levels (volume) relative from one tune to the next, and spacing in between songs. Or you may have 10 tunes mixed by 3 various engineers in 5 different studios.

Each song's eq might appear perfect by itself, but if you series them together, unexpectedly one song sounds too brilliant (or too dull ...). Pointer # 1: remember that any eq modifications to your stereo mix affect the whole mix - if you want to cut 3 db at 80Hz due to the fact that your mix sounds muddy, keep in mind to check how that affects all the instruments (e.g. the vocal), not simply the bass guitar and kick drum. Compression: In mastering, this is utilized not simply to control a mix or to add character, however likewise to "print" or send out as much level to the master as possible without clipping the signal.

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