What is Mastering?
This is one of the most common questions we are asked, and to be honest it can be one of the hardest questions to answer. Mastering can include many different steps such as; noise reduction, text embedding, creating fades and transitions, sequencing, leveling volume and equalization, and adjusting compression.
Mastering in simple terms is the final stage in the production process before manufacturing. If done correctly mastering can enhance your mixes and help your album maintain cohesiveness between tracks. It is in this final stage that the product can be brought up to industry quality standards as well as technical specifications. Mastering is the last chance to fix any complications or issues with the album. Contrary to what some facilities would like you to believe mastering is not the golden tool that can fix everything. A good mastering engineer knows to tell a client when issues need to be addressed in the mix. Mastering cannot turn a C mix into an A+ track. A great mastering engineer can improve a mix by one letter grade, ie: we can turn an A mix into and A+ master or a C mix into a C+. Please listen to the samples provide below to see the difference that mastering can make. Also keep in mind that mastering is necessary before your album is manufactured.
We would love to talk with you more about mastering your next project. Please feel free to call us and we can go over the specific needs of your project.
Pre-mastering
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Post-mastering
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