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

The mastering process permits you to carry out last modifications after you have actually mixed 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 enhance a specific tune's sonic quality. Others are made within the context of an album - guaranteeing that numerous songs strung together have a similar sonic "consistency." Typical locations of issue for a mastering engineer are: equalization (eq), compression, levels (volume) relative from one tune to the next, and spacing between songs. Equalization: Sometimes you'll wish to change the eq or compression on a mix after you have actually done the final mix. Or you may have ten tunes blended by 3 different engineers in five various studios.

Each song's eq might seem best by itself, but if you series them together, all of a sudden one song sounds too intense (or too dull ...). Suggestion # 1: keep in mind that any eq changes 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, however also to "print" or send as much level to the master as possible without clipping the signal.

Spacing & Crossfading.

Spacing: there are various approaches as to how one must approach the areas put in between tunes on a record. Some feel the downbeat of one tune should fall at the start of a brand-new bar, in the tempo Free Type Beat Hip Hop of the previous tune (to continue the flow.) Others believe you should 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 six seconds between them. (2-4 seconds prevails in many popular, non-classical records, however it's up to you.) Last tip: you might be inclined to master the very same recordings that you blended, whether it is for monetary reasons, innovative reasons, or merely due to the fact that you can. But we highly recommend that you get another person to master your task. The neutrality and fresh ears they bring to 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 three 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 ...). Idea # 1: keep in mind that any eq changes to your stereo mix affect the entire mix - if you desire to cut 3 db at 80Hz due to the fact that your mix sounds muddy, remember to inspect how that impacts all the instruments (e.g. the vocal), not simply the bass guitar and kick drum. Compression: In mastering, this is used not just to control a mix or to include character, however likewise to "print" or send as much level to the master as possible without clipping the signal.

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