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

Common areas of concern for a mastering engineer are: equalization (eq), compression, levels (volume) relative from one tune to the next, and spacing in between tunes. Equalization: Sometimes you'll want to change the eq or compression on a mix after you have actually done the final mix. Or you may have 10 tunes mixed by three various engineers in 5 different studios.

Each tune's eq may seem ideal by itself, however if you sequence them together, unexpectedly one song sounds too intense (or too dull ...). Suggestion # 1: remember that any eq modifications to your stereo mix affect the entire mix - if you want to cut 3 db at 80Hz due to the fact that 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 regarding how one must approach the spaces put in between tunes on a record. Some feel the downbeat of one tune must fall at the start of a brand-new bar, in the tempo of the previous tune (to continue the flow.) Others believe you ought to prevent this like Hip Hop Beats 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 highly advise that you get someone else to master your job. The neutrality and fresh ears they bring to the table inevitably lead to a stronger, more cohesive album.


Normal locations 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 may appear best by itself, but if you sequence them together, unexpectedly one tune sounds too bright (or too dull ...). Idea # 1: keep in mind that any eq changes to your stereo mix affect the whole 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 utilized 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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *