Audio Mastering Studio
Give Your Recording That Professional
Commercial CD Release Warmth And Punch!
Audio Mastering Process Used By FatMastering.com CD Mastering Studio:
- Harmonic Balancing
- Corrective Equalization
- Mastering Reverb
- Multiband Compression & Dynamics
- Phase Correction
- Stereo Imaging
- Loudness Maximizing
In a typical audio mastering process the source material, ideally at the original resolution, is processed using equalization, compression, limiting, noise reduction and other processes. More tasks, such as editing, pre-gapping, leveling, fading in and out, noise reduction and other signal restoration and enhancement processes can be applied as part of the audio mastering stage. This step prepares the music for either digital or analog, eg. vinyl, replication. The source material is put in the proper order, commonly referred to as assembly or (track) sequencing.
If the material is destined for vinyl release, additional processing, such as dynamic range reduction, frequency dependent stereo–to–mono fold-down and equalization, may be applied to compensate for the limitations of that medium. Finally, for compact disc release, Start of Track, End of Track, and Indexes are defined for disc navigation. Subsequently, it is rendered to either a physical medium, such as a CD-R, DVD-R or a DDP file set, the standard method of secure delivery for CD and DVD replication masters. The specific medium varies, depending on the intended release format of the final product. For digital audio releases, there is more than one possible master media, chosen based on replication factory requirements or record label security concerns. Regardless of what delivery method is chosen, the replicator will transfer the audio to a glass master that will generate metal stampers for replication.
The process of audio mastering varies depending on the specific needs of the audio to be processed. Audio mastering engineers need to examine the types of input media, the expectations of the source producer or recipient, the limitations of the end medium and process the subject accordingly. General rules of thumb can rarely be applied.
Steps of the Audio Mastering process typically include but are not limited to the following:
- Transferring the recorded audio tracks into the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) (optional).
- Sequence the separate songs or tracks (the spaces in between) as they will appear on the final release.
- Process or “sweeten” audio to maximize the sound quality for its particular medium (eg. applying specific EQ for vinyl)
- Transfer the audio to the final master format (i.e., CD-ROM, half-inch reel tape, PCM 1630 U-matic tape, etc.).
Examples of possible actions taken during Audio Mastering:
- Editing minor flaws
- Applying noise reduction to eliminate clicks, dropouts, hum and hiss
- Adjusting stereo width
- Adding ambience
- Equalize audio across tracks
- Adjust volume
- Dynamic range expansion or compression
- Peak limiting
So, ready to take your recording to the next level? Contact us for audio mastering!