Welcome to the first blog entry of 2019! I’m excited to present this month’s article both in written format and with the included video (scroll down for link to video). My aim is to include regular video updates (at this stage on a monthly basis and via both YouTube and IGTV) and I’m happy to receive requests for any specific topics relating to music and production you may want covered in future.
Mastering is something that I am very passionate about and am regularly asked a wide range of questions on it’s purpose and processes. The following is a basic rundown of what’s generally involved.
What is mastering?
It is the final stage of audio production and this is the time when the final ‘polish’ is added to the final mix. It is also the stage where your music or audio is appropriate prepared for commercial release or distribution.
Why master?
There are wide range of considerations when determining your reasons for mastering your audio. In addition to preparing the audio for release/distribution, mastering is the critical stage where the audio is meticulously checked for any unwanted noise/pops/clicks and repaired or restored accordingly. Another goal is to ensure consistent playback on all forms of systems including large club sound systems, car stereos, headphones, hi-fi systems or even an iPhone speaker. When mastering for the album/EP format, an important goal is to ensure a cohesive balance and transition between tracks for a pleasant user experience. Compliance for all modern streaming platforms is another critical aspect of mastering in 2019.
When to master?
Mastering should only be completed when you are 100% happy with your final mix/recording and you are ready for official release. A professional mastering engineer can also assist with assessing your mix to determine if any improvements need to be made in order to receive the maximum benefit from any mastering processing. Ultimately, if you are still making creative decisions with recording or mixing, you may not yet be ready for mastering. If unsure, consult your professional mastering engineer for tips!
How to master?
Well, this could be a lengthy question on it’s own, however in general terms, the tools often used for mastering are not dissimilar to those used during recording or mixing. For example, EQ, compression, limiting, reverb, stereo wideners amongst other effects. The critical listening environment and high quality speakers/monitoring are probably the biggest difference. Genre can also play a big role in determining the type of processing that takes place. For example, a mastering engineer may use heavy compression and limiting when working on a punk rock track. The exact opposite would likely be done for a classical music track which requires a more delicate approach and more dynamic range. It’s important to note that mastering can also include very little processing, if the mix is perfectly balanced, cohesive and the levels are adequate.
Mastering options in 2019
The great news is there are multiple options for mastering in 2019 and there is something to suit every budget and genre! If you are a home producer/recording artist and you do all of your own post production, then I’m sure you will be aware of the plethora of readily accessible software/plugin options to help you get a very basic master together. There also various online ‘instant robot’ mastering websites that allow you to upload your track and they will automatically apply some processing to emulate mastering. The pros and cons of these options are well documented online and I would recommend you do some research. A professional mastering engineer is the ultimate in personalized service that offers something an automated website or software program simply cannot – that is a human interacting with you and working through your requirements to help you achieve the best possible result for your masters! Once again, do your research and find the best option that suits your project.
Should you have any questions, I would be happy to discuss in greater detail, feel free to comment below or drop me a line. I wish you all the best with your musical endeavours in 2019 and beyond!
Until next time,
Mike
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