Mastering
Mastering is a form of post-production. It is the last stage of producing a piece of audio to its ‘master’ format after the mixing process, from here the audio can be duplicated, pressed to CD vinyl etc…
The main reasons as to why we master audio is to improve its amplitude and clarity. It’s a vital part of the production process, literally everything you hear on radio, TV and in clubs has been mastered.
As mentioned above, mastering focuses on the overall amplitude of the final track. This element of the process is achieved through compression and limiting. Say for example you have a good finished mix that was peaking at 0.0 dB, a mastered version of the same mix also peaking at 0.0 dB would appear a lot louder despite the fact it technically hasn’t increased in volume, this is achieved by compression and limiting, at this stage of the process the engineer is cleverly decreasing the dynamic range of the audio without effecting its quality.
Another element of the mastering process is stereo widening and equalisation; this will give you more width, depth, clarity and punch. Other elements of the process include Noise reduction, which involve removing any pops, hums or clicks that might be in the final mix along with basic fade edits to bring the mix to a nice smooth end. At 2002 Studios we have the hardware, software and experience to achieve this.
I write this blog entry as an intern from 2002 studio. In my spare time I produce a lot of dance music and have recently been signed to a good dance label. Since then I released a lot of my material for club use. To begin with when playing my own tracks in clubs I didn’t really understand the importance of mastering…. I soon learnt! If your un-mastered tracks come in after a mastered track in a club you will be embarrassed with the difference. They’ll seem quiet, weak, flat, and your bass lines will be jumping all over the mix! Good mastering will fix this giving you a much bigger, constant sound, and most importantly keeping you on par with the other tracks played in that set. I know there are a lot of other young producers out there in exactly the same situation as I was. If you want your tracks to get played in clubs or on radio it is VITAL they are mastered correctly!
Whilst it’s easy to understand the process and production techniques behind mastering, to be able to perform them correctly is a different story all together. To perfect the skills will involve good out-board equipment but most importantly experience! If you want something mastered for a club or for serious release its VITAL you have it done by a professional engineer!! And for only £45 a track or £320 for an album the difference is definitely value for money!
