What is Mastering?
Mastering is the final stage in audio production prior to manufacturer, where the audio program is monitored in a critically accurate listening environment and adjusted for best final playback performance within a wide-range of both domestic and commercially-oriented audio systems. Playback sources can range from mono-based car radios, domestic boom boxes, hi-fi systems, modern car, boat, and airline audio devices as well as digital distribution and playback via computer-based systems.
Typical audio adjustments and/or enhancements are design to accurately translate the mix engineer’s work to multiple audio placyback devices, via subtle dynamic, EQ and levelling choices. During the mastering stage potential or existing problems are detected and addressed including incorrect frequency troughs or peaks, stereo image phase, dynamics and levelling.
In many cases the audio is gently enhance, to increase a perceived ‘realness’ or presence via an addition of ultra-high-frequency air, and careful tuning of centre image mid-range or ‘vocal-range’ EQ. The end result is production master, final product that offers a perfected listener experience, no matter what device is used to playback the program material, or music.
Stems (Groups)
Rendering and supplying your mixes to us in stereo sub-groups or “stems” can be highly beneficial when searching to obtain a difficult to achieve final mix.
Stems allow for the highest level of flexibility during mastering, without completely deconstructing your desired production mix-master. Given that stems are separate grouped exports of final mix-down sections (example: a stereo drum group, guitars group, vocals, bass and/or separate effect returns), once re-compiled within our DAW at Mastersound, there is a now an ability to subtly and carefully ‘treat’ each group, while taking into consideration the mix engineer’s big picture, or desired final mix image.
While exporting and uploading stem files might take a little time and add extra time in mastering; it is often a much appreciated ‘lifeline’ for those attempting to finalise a highly complex audio mix-down.
Mastered for iTunes
Mastered for iTunes, is a term that reflects a true understanding of Apples AAC codec audio compression algorithm and how to best prepare audio masters prior to uploading to iTunes for digital distribution and sales.
Apples AAC codec now converts from specially prepared 24 bit 96 kHz mastered audio files; a format that presents better transparency, a wider frequency response and enhance dynamic range. At Mastersound, mastering in the 24/96 environment is standard. Additionally, we are able to audition your track in a converted Apple AAC codec file format, enabling fine-tuning of the final production master prior to upload to Apple.
Using the best noise shaping and dithering techniques possible, our 24/96 production masters are down-sampled for CD production at 16 bit 44.1 KHz specs.
Ask about our combined special rate for iTunes specific mastered product, coupled with industry standard CD production masters.
Mastering for Vinyl
For details on how we master for vinyl, please visit this link:
Mastering for Vinyl