I've often been at a loss of words to adequately describe the mastering process to the uninitiated. More specifically, it's hard for many to understand why some mastering engineers charge $100's per hour and others do not. After all, it's only a compressor and some EQ, right?
I found an article in the latest Music Connection (www.musicconnection.com). Their recent issue was dedicated to all things "mastering". Aside from a great resource of mastering studios (of which, there are many!), there was a wonderfully succinct description of what mastering is all about. It was so good, that I thought I'd share it with everyone.
You can view their current issue as a digital magazine here digital edition. Just go to page 52 for the article. Or you can click on the below image.
I would like to let you know what a joy it is to wake up each morning and read your delightful blog. I always feel as if you are speaking directly to me.
Posted by: Analogue Meters | December 18, 2010 at 11:04 PM
As another affordable option for the "Recording on a budget", there are many new Mastering plug-ins available that work across platforms. The New Waves Mastering sound pretty incredible, as well as TC electronics stuff. Best to use these by completing your mixes without compression or limiting, making sure they do not peak, and then import them into a new session in Pro-tools/Ableton/Logic etc. Since it's a do it yourself, take your time referencing the mastered material on as many sources as you can. Go to friend's houses, listen in your cars, listen though your tv, and if possible take to a club and get a spin. You can tweak from there, and sometimes come out with just as compelling a product.
Posted by: Duke Mushroom | February 03, 2011 at 10:07 PM