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The
mastering studio is the place where the final dimension of
sound quality is brought to a recording. Experienced mastering
engineers with specialized audio tools work at bringing each
project to its maximum sonic potential.
Mastering (also called pre-mastering) is the step between
mixdown and manufacturing.
In
the mastering studio each project is critically evaluated
on a high resolution monitoring system. Any deficiency in
the sound is then addressed and careful processing is applied
to make the project sound bigger, warmer, clearer, punchier,
louder, more 3-dimensional, more natural - or whatever may
be appropriate to that particular recording.
Some
processes that might be applied at the mastering stage include:
- Dynamic
enhancement
- Transparent
limiting
- Equalization
- Stereo
width expansion
- Multi-band
compression
- Dynamic
EQ
- "Tube"
warmth
- Harmonic
enhancement
- Track
level adjustment
- Click
& clip removal
- Hiss
& noise reduction
- Sample
accurate editing & fades
Additionally,
mastering is where the final assembly of the album occurs.
In this process the project may be edited, songs placed in
their proper order, gaps between songs adjusted, fades performed,
noises & glitches removed, and so forth.
Most
importantly, all changes and enhancements in the mastering
process are done in close consultation with you, the client,
to make sure that the end result that fits your vision of
the project.
But
do I really need mastering?
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